Dominance, Rebels and Blackwashes (1980s)
| WI Test series in the 1980s | ||||||
| SEASON | Vs | HOSTS | P | W | L | D |
| 1979–80 | NZ | NZ | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| 1980 | ENG | ENG | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| 1980–81 | PAK | PAK | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| 1980–81 | ENG | WI | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 1981–82 | AUS | AUS | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 1982–83 | IND | WI | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| 1983–84 | IND | IND | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| 1983–84 | AUS | WI | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| 1984 | ENG | ENG | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| 1984–85 | AUS | AUS | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| 1984–85 | NZ | WI | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 1985–86 | ENG | WI | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| 1986–87 | PAK | PAK | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 1986–87 | NZ | NZ | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 1987–88 | IND | IND | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| 1987–88 | PAK | WI | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 1988 | ENG | ENG | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| 1988–89 | AUS | AUS | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| 1988–89 | IND | WI | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| 1989–90 | ENG | WI | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| After losing their first series of the 1980s in March 1980, the West Indies went throughout the rest of the decade undefeated. | ||||||
The 1980s started with a one-nil victory away to England over five Tests, one-nil away to Pakistan over four Tests, two-nil home to England over four Tests and a one-all draw away to Australia. Then in 1982–83, a West Indian rebel team toured apartheid South Africa. It was led by Lawrence Rowe and included prominent players like Alvin Kallicharran, Colin Croft, Collis King and Sylvester Clarke. WICB banned the players for life (which was later revoked), and some were refused entry back home. However, the rebels managed another tour the next year, which included most of the players of the original team. Despite this loss of talent, the official Windies side continued to dominate. During this time, the West Indies established themselves as one of Test cricket's all-time great sides, peaking perhaps on their tour of England in 1984, where they won the series 5–0, the only time in Test cricket history the touring side has whitewashed a five-test series. This was followed by a second "blackwash" against England at home in 1985–86. At the same time, the West Indies established the then-record of 11 consecutive Test victories, which was part of a still-standing record of 27 Tests without defeat. In the period from 1980 to 1985–86 they won 10 out of 11 Test series, the 1981–82 series in Australia being drawn 1–1. The West Indies' only notable defeat in this period was in the one-day arena, when, to general surprise, they lost to India in the final of the 1983 World Cup.
West Indian captain Lloyd retired from Test cricket at the end of the 1984–85 series against Australia. In total Lloyd had captained West Indies in 74 Test matches, winning 36 of them. Vivian Richards was Lloyd's successor, and continued the run of success. Meanwhile, a change of old guard was also happening. Joel Garner and Michael Holding had retired by 1987. A major find was Curtly Ambrose, who was as tall as Garner and equally effective with the ball. Courtney Walsh, who made his first appearance in 1984, bowled with an action that resembled Holding. Ian Bishop also had a similar action, and was as good a bowler till injuries interrupted his career. Patrick Patterson was faster than all the rest, but had a short career. Marshall still was the finest fast bowler in the world. But batting was beginning to show signs of weakness. West Indies failed to qualify for the semifinal of the 1987 World Cup. By the end of the 1980s, while still the best team in the world, they had lost the aura of invincibility that they had till the middle of the decade. Finding good replacements for senior players was again becoming a problem.
Read more about this topic: History Of The West Indian Cricket Team
Famous quotes containing the word rebels:
“He that rebels against reason is a real rebel, but he that in defence of reason rebels against tyranny has a better title to “Defender of the Faith,” than George the Third.”
—Thomas Paine (1737–1809)