In honor of the Caribbean Premier League starting on July 11 I'm going to create all-time teams for each of the major Caribbean cricketing islands as well as give you some background on each player. Teams are presented in the order they would bat in. All stats are Test cricket stats. Years in parentheses are their Test careers.
First up: JAMAICA
Chris Gayle (2000-present)
Attacking left-hand opener who takes the game to the bowlers. Also a handy spin bowler.
Batting stats
Tests 102
Innings 180
Runs 7141
Average 42.00
High score 333
100s 15
Bowling stats
Wickets 72
Runs given up 7007
Average runs/wicket 42.63
Runs per over 2.62
Best bowling (innings) 5/34
Best bowling (match) 6/81
Lawrence Rowe (1972-1980)
One of the best batsman in the world in the early 70s before an eye injury cut his career short.
Batting stats
Tests 30
Innings 49
Runs 2047
Average 43.55
High score 302
100s 7
George Headley (1930-1954)
Nicknamed "the black Bradman" because of his exceptionally high average.
Batting stats
Tests 22
Innings 40
Runs 2190
Average 60.83
High score 270*
100s 10
Sir Frank Worrell (1948-1963)
West Indies' first great captain who lead into the golden age of West Indies cricket.
Batting stats
Tests 51
Innings 87
Runs 3860
Average 49.48
High score 261
100s 9
Jimmy Adams (1992-2001)
One of the best batsman of the 90s in the West Indies. Also a handy spinner.
Batting stats
Tests 54
Innings 90
Runs 3012
Average 41.26
High score 208*
100s 6
Bowling stats
Wickets 27
Runs given up 1336
Average runs/wicket 49.48
Runs per over 2.80
Best bowling (innings) 5/17
Best bowling (match) 5/49
Jeff Dujon (1981-1991)
Wicketkeeper of the great 1980s West Indian team.
Batting stats
Tests 81
Innings 115
Runs 3322
Average 31.94
High score 139
100s 5
Jerome Taylor (2003-present)
One of the new crop of West Indian fast bowlers.
Bowling stats
Tests 32
Wickets 93
Runs given up 3204
Average runs/wicket 34.45
Runs per over 3.42
Best bowling (innings) 5/11
Best bowling (match) 9/95
Michael Holding (1975-1987)
One of the all-time great fast bowlers, featured in "Fire in Babylon", nicknamed "Whispering Death" due to his quiet run-up and vicious bouncers, bowled at almost 100 mph.
Bowling stats
Tests 60
Wickets 249
Runs given up 5898
Average runs/wicket 23.68
Runs per over 2.79
Best bowling (innings) 8/92
Best bowling (match) 14/149
Franklyn Rose (1997-2000)
Burst on to the scene with his fast bowling, but fizzled out in Test cricket.
Bowling stats
Tests 19
Wickets 53
Runs given up 1637
Average runs/wicket 30.88
Runs per over 3.14
Best bowling (innings) 7/84
Best bowling (match) 7/96
Alf Valentine (1950-1962)
The main spinner in this team, he was instrumental in West Indies' first series win over England.
Bowling stats
Tests 36
Wickets 139
Runs given up 42.15
Average runs/wicket 30.32
Runs per over 1.95
Best bowling (innings) 8/104
Best bowling (match) 11/204
Courtney Walsh (1984-2001)
Another of the greatest fast bowlers of all-time, once held the record for most Test wickets.
Bowling stats
Tests 132
Wickets 519
Runs given up 12688
Average runs/wicket 24.44
Runs per over 2.53
Best bowling (innings) 7/37
Best bowling (match) 13/55
Next up: TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Trinidad and Tobago all-time team
Lendl Simmons (2009-2011)
Very gifted batsman at domestic level but never made the step up well to Test cricket.
Batting stats
Tests 8
Innings 16
Runs 278
Average 17.37
High score 49
100s 0
Adrian Barath (2009-2012)
One of the young stars of West Indies batting. Expect him to make a Test comeback in the near future.
Batting stats
Tests 15
Innings 28
Runs 657
Average 23.46
High score 104
100s 1
Darren Bravo (2010-present)
The best batsman in the West Indies at the moment. Expect him to be the new Brian Lara. (who incidentally shows up next!)
Batting stats
Tests 30
Innings 54
Runs 2196
Average 43.92
High score 218
100s 6
Brian Lara (1990-2006)
The greatest ever batsman from the West Indies. Holds the highest score in Tests and in first-class cricket. Formerly had the most runs scored in Tests until Sachin surpassed him.
Nicknamed "The Prince of Port-of-Spain".
Batting stats
Tests 131
Innings 232
Runs 11953
Average 52.88
High score 400*
100s 34
Larry Gomes (1976-1987)
Got occasional playing time in the great West Indies team of the 1980s.
Batting stats
Tests 60
Innings 91
Runs 3171
Average 39.63
High score 143
100s 9
Dwayne Bravo (2004-present)
Darren Bravo's older brother, not as good of a batsman but a better bowler.
Batting stats
Tests 40
Innings 71
Runs 2200
Average 31.42
High score 113
100s 3
Bowling stats
Wickets 86
Runs given up 3426
Average runs/wicket 39.83
Runs per over 3.17
Best bowling (innings) 6/55
Best bowling (match) 6/84
Gus Logie (1983-1991)
An infrequent player in the great West Indies team of the 80s.
Batting stats
Tests 52
Innings 78
Runs 2470
Average 35.79
High score 130
100s 2
Deryck Murray (1963-1980)
The wicketkeeper who preceded Jeff Dujon in the West Indies team.
Batting stats
Tests 62
Innings 96
Runs 1993
Average 22.90
High score 91
100s 0
Sonny Ramadhin (1950-1961)
The main spinner in this team, he often partnered Alf Valentine (of Jamaica) in Tests.
Bowling stats
Tests 43
Wickets 158
Runs given up 4579
Average runs/wicket 28.98
Runs per over 1.97
Best bowling (innings) 7/49
Best bowling (match) 11/152
Ian Bishop (1989-1998)
Fast bowler who led West Indies' bowling attack in the 90s along with Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose. Now a respected TV commentator.
Bowling stats
Tests 43
Wickets 161
Runs given up 3909
Average runs/wicket 24.27
Runs per over 2.78
Best bowling (innings) 6/40
Best bowling (match) 8/57
Mervyn Dillon (1997-2004)
Tasked with leading the West Indies' bowling attack after Walsh, Ambrose, and Bishop retired.
Bowling stats
Tests 38
Wickets 131
Runs given up 4398
Average runs/wicket 33.57
Runs per over 3.03
Best bowling (innings) 5/71
Best bowling (match) 8/123
Next up: BARBADOS
Barbados all-time team
Gordon Greenidge (1974-1991)
West Indies' greatest ever opener. Very destructive stoke player. Featured in "Fire in Babylon".
Batting stats
Tests 108
Innings 185
Runs 7558
Average 44.72
High score 226
100s 19
Desmond Haynes (1978-1994)
Opened many times for West Indies with his good buddy Gordon Greenidge. Featured in "Fire in Babylon".
Batting stats
Tests 116
Innings 202
Runs 7487
Average 42.29
High score 184
100s 18
Sir Everton Weekes (1948-1958)
Formed the 3 W's in the 1950s with Frank Worrell (of Jamaica) and fellow Bajan Clyde Walcott.
Batting stats
Tests 48
Innings 81
Runs 4455
Average 58.61
High score 207
100s 15
Sir Clyde Walcott (1948-1960)
One of the other members of the 3 W's who was a vital part of the West Indies in the 50s.
Batting stats
Tests 44
Innings 74
Runs 3798
Average 56.68
High score 220
100s 15
Sir Garry Sobers (1954-1974)
The greatest all rounder ever. Batted extremely well, and could bowl fast as well as 2 different types of spin, depending on the match situation. Once held the record for highest Test score.
Batting stats
Tests 93
Innings 160
Runs 8032
Average 57.78
High score 365*
100s 26
Bowling stats
Wickets 235
Runs given up 7999
Average runs/wicket 34.03
Runs per over 2.22
Best bowling (innings) 6/73
Best bowling (match) 8/80
Dwayne Smith (2004-2006)
Hard-hitting batsman who was the youngest West Indian to hit a Test 100. Now exclusively plays ODI and T20 cricket.
Batting stats
Tests 10
Innings 14
Runs 320
Average 24.61
High score 105*
100s 1
Malcolm Marshall (1978-1991)
Perhaps the finest of the menacing West Indian fast bowlers of the 80s. Sadly died of cancer at the age of 41.
Bowling stats
Tests 81
Wickets 376
Runs given up 7876
Average runs/wicket 20.94
Runs per over 2.68
Best bowling (innings) 7/22
Best bowling (match) 11/89
Joel Garner (1977-1987)
Was Marshall's ally for most of his career, but he was still menacing. Delivered hostile bouncers at over 90 mph due to his 6'8" height. Featured in "Fire in Babylon".
Bowling stats
Tests 58
Wickets 259
Runs given up 5433
Average runs/wicket 20.97
Runs per over 2.47
Best bowling (innings) 6/56
Best bowling (match) 9/108
Sir Wes Hall (1958-1969)
West Indies' best fast bowler in the 60s. Bowled over 90 mph.
Bowling stats
Tests 48
Wickets 192
Runs given up 5066
Average runs/wicket 26.38
Runs per over 2.91
Best bowling (innings) 7/69
Best bowling (match) 11/126
Kemar Roach (2009-present)
One of the new crop of West Indies fast bowlers. Also possesses the ability to touch 90 mph.
Bowling stats
Tests 26
Wickets 100
Runs given up 2704
Average runs/wicket 27.04
Runs per over 3.16
Best bowling (innings) 6/48
Best bowling (match) 10/146
Fidel Edwards (2003-present)
Another current fast bowler capable of touching 90 mph. Uses a slinging action to bowl the ball.
Bowling stats
Tests 55
Wickets 165
Runs given up 6249
Average runs/wicket 37.87
Runs per over 3.90
Best bowling (innings) 7/87
Best bowling (match) 8/132
Next up: GUYANA
Guyana all-time team
Roy Fredericks (1968-1977)
One of the great West Indian batsman of the 70s. Known for his devastating hook shot.
Batting stats
Tests 59
Innings 109
Runs 4334
Average 42.49
High score 169
100s 8
Rohan Kanhai (1957-1974)
Played an integral part in the West Indies team of the 60s. Also a good wicketkeeper.
Batting stats
Tests 79
Innings 137
Runs 6227
Average 47.53
High score 256
100s 15
Ramnaresh Sarwan (2000-2011)
The West Indies' best batsman in the 2000s. Was in the form of his life in 2009 against England.
Batting stats
Tests 87
Innings 154
Runs 5842
Average 40.01
High score 291
100s 15
Alvin Kallicharran (1972-1981)
One of the great West Indian batsman of the 70s. Known for his nimble footwork.
Batting stats
Tests 66
Innings 109
Runs 4399
Average 44.43
High score 187
100s 12
Shivnarine Chanderpaul (1994-present)
The 2nd West Indian after Brian Lara to reach 10000 Test runs. Currently has the longest Test career among active players.
Batting stats
Tests 156
Innings 266
Runs 11414
Average 51.88
High score 203*
100s 29
Clive Lloyd (1966-1985)
The inspirational captain of the West Indies team of the 70s and 80s.
Batting stats
Tests 110
Innings 175
Runs 7515
Average 46.67
High score 242*
100s 19
Carl Hooper (1987-2002)
Nicknamed "Cool Carl" for his relaxed demeanor. Could bat and bowl spin equally well.
Batting stats
Tests 102
Innings 173
Runs 5762
Average 36.46
High score 233
100s 13
Bowling stats
Wickets 114
Runs given up 5635
Average runs/wicket 49.42
Runs per over 2.45
Best bowling (innings) 5/26
Best bowling (match) 7/178
Roger Harper (1983-1993)
A spinner who was brilliant in the field.
Bowling stats
Tests 25
Wickets 46
Runs given up 3615
Average runs/wicket 28.06
Runs per over 2.14
Best bowling (innings) 6/57
Best bowling (match) 6/90
Clyde Butts (1985-1988)
A spinner who didn't get much game time because of the dominance of the West Indies' fast bowlers.
Bowling stats
Tests 7
Wickets 10
Runs given up 595
Average runs/wicket 59.50
Runs per over 2.29
Best bowling (innings) 4/73
Best bowling (match) 6/95
Lance Gibbs (1958-1976)
The main bowler in the West Indies team of the 60s who was the first spinner to reach 300 Test wickets.
Bowling stats
Tests 79
Wickets 309
Runs given up 8989
Average runs/wicket 29.09
Runs per over 1.98
Best bowling (innings) 8/38
Best bowling (match) 11/157
Colin Croft (1977-1982)
One of the great West Indian fast bowlers known for his ability to bowl bouncers. Featured in "Fire in Babylon".
Bowling stats
Tests 27
Wickets 125
Runs given up 2913
Average runs/wicket 23.30
Runs per over 2.83
Best bowling (innings) 8/29
Best bowling (match) 9/95
Next up: ANTIGUA
Antigua all-time team
Sylvester Joseph (2004-2007)
A good batsman at domestic level who never really made the step up to Test cricket.
Batting stats
Tests 5
Innings 10
Runs 147
Average 14.70
High score 45
100s 0
Sir Richie Richardson (1983-1995)
West Indies' captain after Viv Richards who played an important part in the West Indies teams of the 90s.
Batting stats
Tests 86
Innings 146
Runs 5949
Average 44.39
High score 194
100s 16
Sir Viv Richards (1974-1991)
The greatest batsman of the 70s and 80s. Very destructive with power all around the ground. Succeeded Clive Lloyd as West Indies captain. Owns the record for the fastest Test 100. Featured in "Fire in Babylon".
Batting stats
Tests 121
Innings 182
Runs 8540
Average 50.23
High score 291
100s 24
Dave Joseph (1999)
Another good domestic batsman who had a tough time in Test cricket.
Batting stats
Tests 4
Innings 7
Runs 141
Average 20.14
High score 50
100s 0
Ridley Jacobs (1998-2004)
A solid batsman and wicketkeeper who was at the other end when Brian Lara scored 400.
Batting stats
Tests 65
Innings 112
Runs 2577
Average 28.31
High score 118
100s 3
Winston Benjamin (1987-1995)
A solid fast bowler who never was able to reach greatness.
Bowling stats
Tests 21
Wickets 61
Runs given up 1648
Average runs/wicket 27.01
Runs per over 2.67
Best bowling (innings) 4/46
Best bowling (match) 6/105
Kenny Benjamin (1992-1998)
A strong fast bowler who was a good alternative to Curtly Ambrose.
Bowling stats
Tests 26
Wickets 92
Runs given up 2785
Average runs/wicket 30.27
Runs per over 3.25
Best bowling (innings) 6/66
Best bowling (match) 10/174
Sir Andy Roberts (1974-1983)
The leader of the West Indies' fast bowling attack in the 70s. Possessed a deadly bouncer and showed no emotion on the field. Featured in "Fire in Babylon".
Bowling stats
Tests 47
Wickets 202
Runs given up 5174
Average runs/wicket 25.61
Runs per over 2.78
Best bowling (innings) 7/54
Best bowling (match) 12/121
Eldine Baptiste (1983-1990)
Fast bowler who only found a place in the West Indies team if one of the greats was injured.
Bowling stats
Tests 10
Wickets 16
Runs given up 563
Average runs/wicket 35.18
Runs per over 2.48
Best bowling (innings) 3/31
Best bowling (match) 4/56
Gavin Tonge (2009)
A fast bowling one-Test wonder who has remained on the fringes of selection ever since.
Bowling stats
Tests 1
Wickets 1
Runs given up 113
Average runs/wicket 113.00
Runs per over 4.03
Best bowling (innings) 1/28
Best bowling (match) 1/113
Sir Curtly Ambrose (1988-2000)
The fast bowling leader of the West Indies' attack in the 90s along with Courtney Walsh. Also possesses the greatest name in cricket.
Bowling stats
Tests 98
Wickets 405
Runs given up 8501
Average runs/wicket 20.99
Runs per over 2.30
Best bowling (innings) 8/45
Best bowling (match) 11/84
St. Lucia, the other team in the league, does not have enough Test cricketers to make an all-time team.
