CricTVC| West Indies All Time XI

The XI

Gordon Greenidge

"If he was limping, watch out. And if he took a liking to a bowler, watch out some more. When he was in the mood, he could destroy a bowler almost at will, from the very first ball of an innings, if he took a shine to him." Desmond Haynes 

Conrad Hunte

"Hunte's statistical record alone as an opener, and status alongside Sobers and Kanhai as successors to the legendary Three Ws, mark him as an exceptional talent in an all-conquering team. But his humanity, sense of fairness and contribution to the game - especially in South Africa - after his playing days elevate him to the ranks of the extraordinary." Fazeer Mohammed 

George Headley

Between the wars, when the West Indies batting was often vulnerable and impulsive, Headley's scoring feats led to his being dubbed "the black Bradman". His devoted admirers responded by calling Bradman "the white Headley" - a pardonable exaggeration." Wisden Cricketers' Almanack 

Vivian Richards

"Viv Richards, more than any other cricketer in the post-colonial world, represented the compelling philosophy that it was necessary to place at the centre of all political life the idea of social justice and mutual respect in human relations, and was prepared to be activist about it." Hilary Beckles 

Brian Lara

"One of the best batsmen of my generation, if not the best ever." Sachin Tendulkar
"Lara is the greatest batsman I have ever bowled to." Glenn McGrath 

Garry Sobers

"He is simply the greatest cricketing being ever to have walked the Earth…" Don Bradman
"The first complete Caribbean folk hero after George Headley." Michael Manley 

Jackie Hendriks

"Jackie Hendriks only played in 20 Test matches between 1962 and 1969. But his is a case of quality over quantity. Technically outstanding, he was what all bowlers want, a consistent keeper; one who has the distinction of not conceding a bye in three innings that crossed 500 runs. Adept to the pace of Wes Hall and Charlie Griffith and the spin of Lance Gibbs, and a capable batsman, there has probably not been a better all-round wicketkeeper for West Indies." Garth Wattley

Malcolm Marshall

"He was my fast-bowling idol. He picked the mistakes of batsmen straight away and spotted their weaknesses. He was a nice fellow off the field, but a fierce competitor on it." Wasim Akram 

Michael Holding

"Michael Holding was the fastest I ever faced. I don't think anyone can bowl as fast as he did. I cannot imagine a human being with such a smooth action and with so little effort being able to bowl 95mph-plus, ball after ball." Sadiq Mohammad

Curtly Ambrose

"All I will say about Ambrose is that he could have bowled in any era and been admired. He is quick, he knows what he wants to do with the ball and he is pinpoint accurate. One of the best." Fred Trueman 

Lance Gibbs

Lance Gibbs used his great height, lean, athletic build and long, supple fingers to become not only the greatest West Indian spin bowler (309 Test wickets) - but one of the most combative of all West Indian cricketers. Frank Birbalsingh