West Indies are set to field their latest fast-bowling quartet during this week’s first Test against England in Southampton, with the likes...
West Indies are set to field their latest fast-bowling quartet during this week’s first Test against England in Southampton, with the likes of Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach, captain Jason Holder and Alzarri Joseph all vying to make an impact.
The Caribbean has a long and proud history of producing top-class fast bowlers.
Here’s a look back at some previous West Indies pace attacks in England:
1980: Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Joel Garner, Colin Croft
The original ‘fearsome foursome’ revolutionised world cricket under the captaincy of Clive Lloyd by ensuring there was no respite for batsmen even when the shine had gone off the ball.
Although all capable of being genuinely quick, the guile of Roberts, the speed through the air of Holding, the steepling bounce and crushing yorkers of the 6ft 8in Garner and the awkwardness of Croft, from wide of the crease or around the wicket, meant they each posed different problems for batsmen.
Meanwhile this series also saw Malcolm Marshall, arguably the greatest West Indies fast bowler of them all, start to establish himself in the side.
Even so, the West Indies only won the series 1-0, with Roberts taking eight wickets in a two-wicket win in the opener at Trent Bridge before the other four matches were all drawn largely due...
