West Indies Cricket: Greatest Test XI of all time
While Australia may have consistently reigned supreme, there is no doubting that West Indies managed to reach unparalleled heights in the history of Test cricket. From the late 1970s to the early 1990s, no team stood toe to toe with the intimidating Caribbean outfit. Their feats during those days form the cornerstone of their legacy in the game.
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Admittedly, their standards may have slipped drastically at the turn of the millennium. However, much before the deeds of the greatest team in the sport, West Indies churned out iconic cricketers on a regular basis. Assembling an all-time Test XI from the Caribbean islands is quite a formidable task. Plenty of legendary names have missed the cut. But those who have made the distinguished lineup elevate the side to an unbeatable level.
#5 Openers
Forming one half of the most prolific opening combination in the long and illustrious history of Test cricket, Gordon Greenidge's belligerent batting set the tone for numerous West Indies victories. His ability to take the attack to even accomplished seamers served him well in a productive career from 1974 to 1991. From 108 matches, he scored 7558 runs at an average of 44.72 with 19 centuries and 34 fifties.
With Greenidge in the playing eleven, there cannot be anyone better than Desmond Haynes to partner him at the top of the order. While the likes of Roy Fredericks and Sir Conrad Hunte also have legitimate claims to enter the lineup, Haynes' steady composure as well as technical mastery helped him lay the foundation for the flamboyant middle-order batsmen. He played 116 Tests and registered 7487 runs at an average of 42.29 with 18 centuries and 39 fifties.