Remembering West Indies 1984 Whitewash Of England

Forty years ago, West Indies inflicted a 5-0 Test series win over England in England. Under the captaincy of Clive Lloyd, that 1984 success was special. It was the first time a five-Test whitewash had occurred in England. Gordon Greenidge topped the West Indies batting, scoring 572 runs (Ave: 81.71) including two centuries – both double. Larry Gomes followed with 400 runs (Ave: 80.00). He also hit two hundreds. Fast bowlers Joel Garner and Malcolm Marshall were brilliant. Garner took the most wickets (29) at an average of 18.62 and Marshall 24 (Ave: 18.20). Marshall performed a courageous feat in the third Test at Headingley. After sustaining a double fracture of the left thumb while fielding at gully on the first morning, he was advised not to play cricket for ten days. But on the third day with Gomes on 96 and the score 290 for nine, he went to the crease, heavily plastered, to bat one-handed and help Gomes to his hundred. Marshall then took seven for 53 off 26 overs. Skippered by David Gower, England used as many as 21 players in the series, while West Indies fielded 13. Lloyd turns 80 this weekend. West Indies – Clive...