The rivalry between the England and West Indies cricket teams is one of the most iconic and enduring in the sport’s history. From the West Indies’ dominance in the 1970s and 80s to England’s competitive resurgence in the modern era, matches between these two sides have been a fascinating blend of skill, strategy, and passion.
Whether in Test cricket, One Day Internationals (ODIs), or T20 internationals, the contests between England and the West Indies have produced some unforgettable moments that have shaped the history of the game.
In this blog, we will delve into the rich history of the England vs West Indies rivalry, covering memorable series, standout performances, and key matches that have defined this enduring cricketing relationship.
A Brief History of England vs West Indies Rivalry
The rivalry between England and the West Indies began in 1900 when the West Indies first toured England for a series of Test matches.
However, it was during the 1970s and 1980s that the West Indies emerged as a cricketing powerhouse, dominating both Test and limited-overs formats.
Their formidable pace attack, led by players like Joel Garner, Michael Holding, and Malcolm Marshall, combined with explosive batting from the likes of Viv Richards and Clive Lloyd, made them virtually unbeatable in these decades.
England, on the other hand, enjoyed periods of success, particularly in the 1960s and 1990s, and has often been the main challenger to West Indies’ cricketing supremacy.
The rivalry saw dramatic shifts during the post-World War II era, as both teams alternated between periods of dominance.
As of the 21st century, England and the West Indies continue to produce high-quality cricket, but the context has changed with the West Indies’ inconsistent performances.
The rise of T20 leagues and the changing dynamics of world cricket have added new layers to this rivalry, making every encounter highly anticipated.
| Statistic | Test (1928-2024) | ODI (1973-2024) | T20I (2005-2024) |
| Span | 1928-2024 | 1973-2024 | 2005-2024 |
| Matches Played | 37 | 113 | 27 |
| Wins (England) | 15 | 56 | 13 |
| Wins (West Indies) | 19 | 41 | 8 |
| Losses (England) | 7 | 47 | 10 |
| Losses (West Indies) | 13 | 25 | 6 |
| Draws | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Ties | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| No Result | 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Win/Loss Ratio (England) | 2.14 | 1.19 | 1.30 |
| Win/Loss Ratio (West Indies) | 0.77 | 1.64 | 1.33 |
| Win Percentage (England) | 40.54% | 49.56% | 48.15% |
| Win Percentage (West Indies) | 51.35% | 36.28% | 29.63% |
| Loss Percentage (England) | 18.92% | 41.59% | 37.04% |
| Loss Percentage (West Indies) | 35.14% | 22.12% | 22.22% |
| Draw Percentage | 5.41% | 0% | 0% |
Timeline of England vs West Indies Matches
1. England vs West Indies Test Matches Timeline
Image – Source
Test matches between England and the West Indies have been a battleground for some of the greatest cricketers the world has ever seen. These encounters have often produced breathtaking moments, such as Sir Viv Richards’ explosive batting or Ian Botham’s all-round heroics.
Here’s a timeline of some key Test series and encounters:
| Series/Tournament | Winner | Margin |
| West Indies in England Test Series 1928 | England | 3-0 |
| England in West Indies Test Series 1929/30 | Drawn | 1-1 |
| West Indies in England Test Series 1933 | England | 2-0 |
| England in West Indies Test Series 1934/35 | West Indies | 2-1 |
| West Indies in England Test Series 1939 | England | 1-0 |
| England in West Indies Test Series 1947/48 | West Indies | 2-0 |
| West Indies in England Test Series 1950 | West Indies | 3-1 |
| England in West Indies Test Series 1953/54 | Drawn | 2-2 |
| West Indies in England Test Series 1957 | England | 3-0 |
| England in West Indies Test Series 1959/60 | England | 1-0 |
| The Wisden Trophy (West Indies in England) 1963 | West Indies | 3-1 |
| The Wisden Trophy (West Indies in England) 1966 | West Indies | 3-1 |
| The Wisden Trophy (England in West Indies) 1967/68 | England | 1-0 |
| The Wisden Trophy (West Indies in England) 1969 | England | 2-0 |
| The Wisden Trophy (West Indies in England) 1973 | West Indies | 2-0 |
| The Wisden Trophy (England in West Indies) 1973/74 | Drawn | 1-1 |
| The Wisden Trophy (West Indies in England) 1976 | West Indies | 3-0 |
| The Wisden Trophy (West Indies in England) 1980 | West Indies | 1-0 |
| The Wisden Trophy (England in West Indies) 1980/81 | West Indies | 2-0 |
| The Wisden Trophy (West Indies in England) 1984 | West Indies | 5-0 |
| The Wisden Trophy (England in West Indies) 1985/86 | West Indies | 5-0 |
| The Wisden Trophy (West Indies in England) 1988 | West Indies | 4-0 |
| The Wisden Trophy (England in West Indies) 1989/90 | West Indies | 2-1 |
| The Wisden Trophy (West Indies in England) 1991 | Drawn | 2-2 |
| The Wisden Trophy (England in West Indies) 1993/94 | West Indies | 3-1 |
| The Wisden Trophy (West Indies in England) 1995 | Drawn | 2-2 |
| The Wisden Trophy (England in West Indies) 1997/98 | West Indies | 3-1 |
| The Wisden Trophy (West Indies in England) 2000 | England | 3-1 |
| The Wisden Trophy (England in West Indies) 2003/04 | England | 3-0 |
| The Wisden Trophy (West Indies in England) 2004 | England | 4-0 |
| The Wisden Trophy (West Indies in England) 2007 | England | 3-0 |
| The Wisden Trophy (England in West Indies) 2008/09 | West Indies | 1-0 |
| The Wisden Trophy (West Indies in England) 2009 | England | 2-0 |
| The Wisden Trophy (West Indies in England) 2012 | England | 2-0 |
| The Wisden Trophy (England in West Indies) 2015 | Drawn | 1-1 |
| The Wisden Trophy (West Indies in England) 2017 | England | 2-1 |
| The Wisden Trophy (England in West Indies) 2018/19 | West Indies | 2-1 |
| The Wisden Trophy (West Indies in England) 2020 | England | 2-1 |
| Botham-Richards Trophy (England in West Indies) 2021/22 | West Indies | 1-0 |
| Botham-Richards Trophy (West Indies in England) 2024 | England | 3-0 |
The West Indies’ most dominant period came in the 1980s when they won four consecutive series, including the famous 1984 whitewash. England’s comeback in the late 1990s, with series wins in the Caribbean and home soil, restored some balance to the rivalry.
2. England vs West Indies ODI Matches Timeline
Image – Source
ODIs between England and the West Indies have often been high-scoring and fiercely contested. The 1975 and 1979 Cricket World Cup finals, where the West Indies triumphed, are among the most famous moments in the history of the ODI format.
Here’s a timeline of significant ODI encounters:
| Series/Tournament | Winner | Margin |
| West Indies vs England (Nov 6, 2024) | West Indies | 8 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (Nov 2, 2024) | England | 5 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (Oct 31, 2024) | West Indies | 8 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (Dec 9, 2023) | West Indies | 4 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (Dec 6, 2023) | England | 6 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (Dec 3, 2023) | West Indies | 4 wickets |
| England vs West Indies (Jun 14, 2019) | England | 8 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (Mar 2, 2019) | West Indies | 7 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (Feb 27, 2019) | England | 29 runs |
| West Indies vs England (Feb 25, 2019) | No result | – |
| West Indies vs England (Feb 22, 2019) | West Indies | 26 runs |
| West Indies vs England (Feb 20, 2019) | England | 6 wickets |
| England vs West Indies (Sep 29, 2017) | England | 9 wickets |
| England vs West Indies (Sep 27, 2017) | England | 6 runs |
| England vs West Indies (Sep 24, 2017) | England | 124 runs |
| England vs West Indies (Sep 21, 2017) | No result | – |
| England vs West Indies (Sep 19, 2017) | England | 7 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (Mar 9, 2017) | England | 186 runs |
| West Indies vs England (Mar 5, 2017) | England | 4 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (Mar 3, 2017) | England | 45 runs |
| West Indies vs England (Mar 5, 2014) | England | 25 runs |
| West Indies vs England (Mar 2, 2014) | England | 3 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (Feb 28, 2014) | West Indies | 15 runs |
| England vs West Indies (Jun 19, 2012) | England | 8 wickets |
| England vs West Indies (Jun 16, 2012) | England | 114 runs |
| England vs West Indies (Mar 17, 2011) | England | 18 runs |
| England vs West Indies (May 26, 2009) | England | 58 runs |
| England vs West Indies (May 24, 2009) | England | 6 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (Apr 3, 2009) | England | 26 runs |
| West Indies vs England (Mar 29, 2009) | England | 9 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (Mar 27, 2009) | West Indies | 8 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (Mar 22, 2009) | West Indies | 21 runs |
| West Indies vs England (Mar 20, 2009) | England | 1 run |
| England vs West Indies (Jul 7, 2007) | West Indies | 93 runs |
| England vs West Indies (Jul 4, 2007) | West Indies | 61 runs |
| England vs West Indies (Jul 1, 2007) | England | 79 runs |
| West Indies vs England (Apr 21, 2007) | England | 1 wicket |
| England vs West Indies (Oct 28, 2006) | England | 3 wickets |
| England vs West Indies (Sep 25, 2004) | West Indies | 2 wickets |
| England vs West Indies (Jul 6, 2004) | West Indies | 7 wickets |
| England vs West Indies (Jul 1, 2004) | England | 7 wickets |
| England vs West Indies (Jun 27, 2004) | West Indies | 7 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (May 5, 2004) | England | 5 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (May 2, 2004) | West Indies | 4 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (May 1, 2004) | West Indies | 5 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (Apr 24, 2004) | No result | – |
| West Indies vs England (Apr 18, 2004) | England | 2 wickets |
| England vs West Indies (Jul 20, 2000) | West Indies | 3 runs |
| England vs West Indies (Jul 15, 2000) | England | 10 wickets |
| England vs West Indies (Jul 9, 2000) | No result | – |
| West Indies vs England (Apr 8, 1998) | West Indies | 57 runs |
| West Indies vs England (Apr 5, 1998) | West Indies | 4 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (Apr 4, 1998) | West Indies | 5 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (Apr 1, 1998) | West Indies | 1 wicket |
| West Indies vs England (Mar 29, 1998) | England | 16 runs |
| England vs West Indies (Dec 19, 1997) | England | 3 wickets |
| England vs West Indies (Dec 13, 1997) | England | 4 wickets |
| England vs West Indies (May 28, 1995) | England | 73 runs |
| England vs West Indies (May 26, 1995) | England | 25 runs |
| West Indies vs England (May 24-25, 1995) | England | 5 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (Mar 6, 1994) | England | 5 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (Mar 5, 1994) | West Indies | 15 runs |
| West Indies vs England (Mar 2, 1994) | West Indies | 165 runs |
| West Indies vs England (Feb 26, 1994) | West Indies | 3 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (Feb 16, 1994) | England | 61 runs |
| England vs West Indies (Feb 27, 1992) | England | 6 wickets |
| England vs West Indies (May 27, 1991) | England | 7 wickets |
| England vs West Indies (May 25, 1991) | England | 9 runs |
| England vs West Indies (May 23-24, 1991) | England | 1 wicket |
| West Indies vs England (Apr 3, 1990) | West Indies | 4 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (Mar 15, 1990) | West Indies | 7 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (Mar 7, 1990) | West Indies | 6 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (Mar 3, 1990) | West Indies | 3 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (Feb 17, 1990) | No result | – |
| West Indies vs England (Feb 14, 1990) | No result | – |
| England vs West Indies (Oct 27, 1989) | West Indies | 26 runs |
| England vs West Indies (May 23-24, 1988) | England | 7 wickets |
| England vs West Indies (May 21, 1988) | England | 47 runs |
| England vs West Indies (May 19, 1988) | England | 6 wickets |
| England vs West Indies (Oct 26, 1987) | England | 34 runs |
| England vs West Indies (Oct 9, 1987) | England | 2 wickets |
| England vs West Indies (Feb 3, 1987) | England | 29 runs |
| West Indies vs England (Jan 30, 1987) | England | 6 wickets |
| England vs West Indies (Jan 24, 1987) | England | 89 runs |
| England vs West Indies (Jan 17, 1987) | England | 6 wickets |
| England vs West Indies (Jan 3, 1987) | England | 19 runs |
| West Indies vs England (Mar 31, 1986) | West Indies | 8 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (Mar 19, 1986) | England | 5 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (Mar 4, 1986) | West Indies | 6 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (Feb 18, 1986) | England | 8 wickets |
| England vs West Indies (Jun 4, 1984) | England | 3 wickets |
| England vs West Indies (Jun 2, 1984) | England | 7 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (May 31, 1984) | West Indies | 6 wickets |
| England vs West Indies (Feb 26, 1981) | West Indies | 2 runs |
| West Indies vs England (Feb 4, 1981) | England | 3 wickets |
| England vs West Indies (May 30, 1980) | England | 24 runs |
| West Indies vs England (May 28-29, 1980) | West Indies | 8 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (Jan 22, 1980) | West Indies | 2 runs |
| West Indies vs England (Jan 20, 1980) | West Indies | 107 runs |
| West Indies vs England (Jan 16, 1980) | West Indies | 9 wickets |
| England vs West Indies (Dec 23, 1979) | England | 2 runs |
| England vs West Indies (Nov 28, 1979) | West Indies | 92 runs |
| England vs West Indies (Jun 23, 1979) | West Indies | 50 runs |
| England vs West Indies (Aug 30-31, 1976) | West Indies | 36 runs |
| England vs West Indies (Aug 28-29, 1976) | West Indies | 6 wickets |
| England vs West Indies (Aug 26, 1976) | West Indies | 8 wickets |
| England vs West Indies (Sep 7, 1973) | England | 1 wicket |
| England vs West Indies (Sep 5, 1973) | West Indies | 8 wickets |
The 1975 World Cup final is an especially pivotal match, with the West Indies defeating Australia to become the first-ever World Cup champions, setting the tone for their dominance in the format.
More recently, England’s victory in the 2019 World Cup against New Zealand has taken the rivalry into a new era of excitement and unpredictability.
3. England vs West Indies T20I Matches Timeline
Image – Source
With the rise of T20 cricket, the England-West Indies rivalry has expanded into the shortest format of the game.
The West Indies have been incredibly successful in T20 internationals, winning two ICC T20 World Cups (2012 and 2016), with England emerging victorious in the 2010 ICC T20 World Cup.
Here’s a timeline of memorable T20I matches:
| Series/Tournament + Season | Winner | Margin |
| West Indies vs England (Jun 19, 2024) | England | 8 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (Dec 21, 2023) | West Indies | 4 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (Dec 19, 2023) | England | 75 runs |
| West Indies vs England (Dec 16, 2023) | England | 7 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (Dec 14, 2023) | West Indies | 10 runs |
| West Indies vs England (Dec 12, 2023) | West Indies | 4 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (Jan 30, 2022) | West Indies | 17 runs |
| West Indies vs England (Jan 29, 2022) | England | 34 runs |
| West Indies vs England (Jan 26, 2022) | West Indies | 20 runs |
| West Indies vs England (Jan 23, 2022) | England | 1 run |
| West Indies vs England (Jan 22, 2022) | West Indies | 9 wickets |
| England vs West Indies (Oct 23, 2021) | England | 6 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (Mar 10, 2019) | England | 8 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (Mar 8, 2019) | England | 137 runs |
| West Indies vs England (Mar 5, 2019) | England | 4 wickets |
| England vs West Indies (Sep 16, 2017) | West Indies | 21 runs |
| England vs West Indies (Apr 3, 2016) | West Indies | 4 wickets |
| England vs West Indies (Mar 16, 2016) | West Indies | 6 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (Mar 13, 2014) | England | 5 runs |
| West Indies vs England (Mar 11, 2014) | West Indies | 5 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (Mar 9, 2014) | West Indies | 27 runs |
| England vs West Indies (Sep 27, 2012) | West Indies | 15 runs |
| England vs West Indies (Jun 24, 2012) | England | 7 wickets |
| England vs West Indies (Sep 25, 2011) | West Indies | 25 runs |
| England vs West Indies (Sep 23, 2011) | England | 10 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (May 3, 2010) | West Indies | 8 wickets |
| England vs West Indies (Jun 15, 2009) | West Indies | 5 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (Mar 15, 2009) | West Indies | 6 wickets |
| England vs West Indies (Jun 29, 2007) | England | 5 wickets |
| West Indies vs England (Jun 28, 2007) | West Indies | 15 runs |
One of the most iconic T20I encounters came in the 2016 T20 World Cup final when the West Indies defeated England in a thrilling final, with Carlos Brathwaite’s four consecutive sixes off Ben Stokes in the final over becoming one of the most unforgettable moments in T20 cricket history.
Key Moments in the England vs West Indies Rivalry
Iconic Test Moments:
- 1984 Test Series: The West Indies’ dominant 5-0 win in England is often regarded as one of the greatest Test series performances in history. It was the peak of their cricketing dominance in the 1980s.
- 1998 Test Series: England’s 3-1 victory in the West Indies marked a major turnaround for the team, with key performances from players like Alec Stewart and Darren Gough.
Memorable ODI Moments:
- 1975 World Cup Final: The West Indies defeated Australia to claim the first-ever Cricket World Cup. This victory, which cemented the West Indies as a dominant force in world cricket, was a key chapter in the rivalry.
- 1992 World Cup: England’s dramatic win over the West Indies in a rain-affected quarter-final was a huge moment for English cricket, as they knocked out the defending champions.
Thrilling T20I Encounters:
- 2016 T20 World Cup Final: The West Indies’ stunning victory over England in the final with Carlos Brathwaite’s heroics is a lasting memory for fans of the format.
- 2009 T20 World Cup: England’s win against Pakistan to secure the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup remains a cornerstone moment for England’s rise in global cricket.
Conclusion: The Future of the Rivalry
The England vs West Indies rivalry is one that continues to captivate cricket fans around the world. With the West Indies’ rich cricketing history and England’s rising fortunes in the modern era, this rivalry is far from over.
The fierce competition, the dramatic finishes, and the high-quality cricket will ensure that these two teams continue to provide thrilling encounters for many years to come.
Stay tuned for more updates, match reports, and statistics as the England-West Indies rivalry continues to unfold!
FAQs about the England vs West Indies Cricket Rivalry
When did the England vs West Indies cricket rivalry begin?
The rivalry started in 1900 when the West Indies first toured England for a series of Test matches.
Which team has historically dominated the rivalry?
The West Indies were dominant in the 1970s and 1980s, but England has had significant success in more recent decades, particularly in ODIs and T20Is.
What was the most memorable moment in Test cricket between England and the West Indies?
The 1984 Test series, where the West Indies whitewashed England 5-0, is considered one of the greatest Test performances in history.
Has there been a World Cup final between these two teams?
Yes, the West Indies won the 1975 and 1979 Cricket World Cup finals against England, solidifying their dominance in the format.
What is the most iconic T20I encounter between England and the West Indies?
The 2016 T20 World Cup final, where the West Indies defeated England with Carlos Brathwaite’s unforgettable four sixes in the final over.
How many times have England and the West Indies played against each other in ODIs?
They have played 113 ODIs against each other, with the West Indies leading the head-to-head with 41 wins to England’s 56.
How has the rivalry evolved in the 21st century?
The rivalry remains intense, with England’s resurgence in the 2000s, including their 2019 World Cup win, and the West Indies’ fluctuating performances in recent years, particularly in T20Is.
Featured Image – Source
Disclaimer
The images used in this blog are not owned by Sports Timeline UK and the copyrights of those images belong to the respective owners only.
