West Indies Cricket Achieves Historic Unbeaten Year in Test Series
Historic Achievement for West Indies Cricket
St John’s [Antigua], November 12: The president of Cricket West Indies (CWI), Kishore Shallow, praised the players, coaching staff, and support team for their remarkable feat of remaining unbeaten in a Test series throughout the calendar year for the first time in 32 years.
The West Indies made history by becoming the first team in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle to complete all their scheduled matches. They secured a 1-0 series victory against Bangladesh after drawing the second Test in Dhaka, finishing the year on a high note with two series wins.
This marks the first time since 1994 that the West Indies have gone an entire year without losing a Test series. Captain Roston Chase expressed optimism about the team's potential for the next cycle (2027-2029) if they maintain their positive trajectory.
Previously, the team faced a tough home series against Australia, suffering a clean sweep (0-3), and lost to India away (0-2). Although they ended the year with a 2-0 series loss to New Zealand, they had notable performances during the tours of India and New Zealand, followed by a series win against Sri Lanka at home, a draw against Pakistan, and a victory over Bangladesh away.
In a statement on CWI's official website, Kishore commended the players and staff, highlighting that not losing a Test series throughout the year and concluding with a challenging series win in subcontinental conditions is a "tremendous achievement."
He stated, "On behalf of the Board and staff of Cricket West Indies, I extend my warmest congratulations to Daren, Roston, every player, and member of staff on an outstanding year of Test cricket. Completing a calendar year without losing a Test series and finishing with a series victory in challenging conditions is a remarkable accomplishment. It showcases the character, discipline, and unity of this group and should inspire West Indians everywhere."
Kishore emphasized the importance of this milestone for West Indies cricket, urging everyone to celebrate while remaining focused and ambitious for future successes.
Despite finishing in the second-last position in the previous three World Test Championship cycles, the West Indies currently hold the eighth spot in the WTC 2025-27 cycle and have climbed two places in the ICC Test Rankings to sixth.
Recent standout performances include Justin Greaves, who scored 881 runs in 14 Tests, and Shai Hope, with 792 runs in 11 Tests, both ranking among the top 10 run-scorers in the current cycle. The pace duo of Shamar Joseph (40 wickets in nine Tests) and Jayden Seales (38 wickets in 14 Tests) are also among the leading wicket-takers.
Amir Jangoo and Kavem Hodge have also made significant contributions with the bat, while Jomel Warrican, named 'Player of the Series' against Bangladesh, took 16 wickets and has 27 wickets in eight Tests at an average of 28.14.