West Indies has been one of the most successful teams in world cricket and has won the hearts of cricket lovers worldwide. West Indies cricket team received Test status in 1982. Since then, some remarkable players have been representing the Caribbean team in the test format. All-rounder Sir Garfield Sobers (record holder of the most runs scored in a test match), dangerously quick Malcolm Marshall, and the spinning maestro Lance Gibbs are all trendy names in the cricketing fraternity. Several great test players from the West Indies have adorned us with their skill, but who are the ten players to have graced the field most often? Let’s look at the ten players with the most test matches for the West Indies.
1. Shivnarine Chanderpaul
The ever-patient and reliable Shivnarine Chanderpaul has the most test matches. He made his debut on March 17th, 1994, at the age of 19. He racked up 164 test matches for the West Indies before bowing out on May 3rd, 2015. Both his debut and his last game were against England in the Caribbean. Chanderpaul is known for his patience at the crease and being extremely difficult to get out, having 49 not-outs during his test career. His top score of 203 was also one of the times the opponents could not get him out. During that time, he attained the second most overall runs by a West Indians player of 11867.
2. Courtney Walsh
During his retirement from cricket, Walsh was the all-time leading wicket-taker with 519 wickets. He represented the West Indies for 17 years, having made his debut in 1984, playing 132 matches. Walsh led the fast-bowling attack for the West Indies for many years, seeing the backs of many batters. His wicket-taking prowess led him to take twenty-two (22) 5 wicket hauls with best figures of 7/37. Walsh is definitely one of the greats of the game.
3. Brian Lara
He is perhaps one of the most decorated cricketers of all time. Brian Lara played 130 Test matches for the West Indies. His illustrious career began in 1990 and ended in 2006. He mesmerized fans worldwide with his stroke play and ability to score runs under any conditions. Lara’s ability to dominate the bowlers, whether spin or pace, saw Lara scoring 34 centuries. He broke the record for the most individual runs scored by a batter in a Test match, scoring 375 runs to better Sobers’ 365. He did it again, scoring 400 not out to beat Matthew Hayden’s’ 380. West Indies’ all-time leading runs scorer with a total of 11912 runs. Many pundits regard Lara as one of the most incredible batters ever.
4. Issac Vivian Richards
In the number 4 position with 121 Test matches is Sir Vivian Richards, a batsman who instilled fear into the hearts of bowlers for his explosive and hard-hitting stroke play. His fearless batting style saw Richards scoring 24 centuries in Test cricket for the West Indies. He debuted in 1974 and played his last game in 1991. He amassed 8540 test runs for the Wet Indies. Vivian Richards is a force to be reckoned with.
5. Desmond Haynes
In contrast to Richards, Haynes’s style of batting was more measured and controlled. He played 116 Test matches for the West Indies, earning him the 5th position of players with the most Test matches for the West Indies. Haynes commenced his career in 1978 and lasted till 1994. He was a formidable opening batter, scoring 18 centuries and 7487 runs. His highest individual score of 184 came against England. Haynes is one of the few batters to have been given out handle ball.
6. Clive Lloyd
The most successful captain of the West Indies comes in at number 6. He played 110 Test matches for the West Indies, out of which he captained 74. He started his career in 1966 and ended in 1985. He scored 7515 runs, including 19 centuries. His top score of 242, not out, was a joy to watch. Lloyd is not only regarded as a destructive batsman but a well-respected captain.
7. Cuthbert Gordon Greenidge
Another one of the West Indies’ destructive opening batters sneaks in at number 7, two games short of the number 6 position. His 108 Test matches came between the years of 1974 -1991. Greenidge, the opening batter, scored 19 centuries and 7558 runs. Greenidge is known for running with a limp between the wickets, and many have regarded his explosive style as not wanting to run too much. His top score of 226 was no exception when he hammered the bowling.
8. Cristopher Gayle
Self-acclaimed “Universe Boss” is an iconic cricket figure, and while it is easier to associate him with the shorter version of the game, he has his say at number 8 on the list. Christopher Gayle played 103 Test matches from 2000 – 2014, where he terrorized bowlers with his hard-hitting, aggressive style of play. His top score of 333 became famous as the number he wore on his cricket jersey.
9. Carl Hooper
Now (2023) West Indies assistant coach Carl Hooper played 102 Test matches for the West Indies. He was a middle-order batter who bowled off spin. He scored 13 centuries with a high score of 233 5762 runs. In the bowling department, Hooper took 114 wickets with best figures of 5/26. He was able to take 4 five wicket hauls.
10. Curtly Ambrose
The final spot belongs to Walsh’s opening bowling partner Curtly Ambrose. The tall pace bowler played 98 Test matches, taking 405 wickets from 1988 – 2000. He took twenty-two five-wicket hauls with best figures of 8/45. Ambrose, who stood at 6 feet 7 inches, delivering at over 9 feet, he was a difficult bowler to face.
