Top 3 bowling performances by West Indies players on Test debut

The West Indies team were regarded as one of the most legendary as well as lethal team with maximum match winners and also the most successful team. But it is no hidden fact that West Indian cricket has slowly gone down in the longest format of the game. The dispute between the team and the board is often regarded as the most crucial factor which had caused this significant downfall. 

But nothing to take away from that legendary time when the West Indies squad used to be among the greatest teams and were literally invincible. Let us look at the top three brilliant debut performances from West Indies bowlers;

3. 11/204 vs England – Alf Valentine at Manchester in 1950

Alf Valentine was among the one vital cog in the first great West Indian team – the one that shocked England in 1950 by winning the series 3-1. As expected from West Indian batter Valentine was similarly tall as well as bowled British left-arm spin with a whirling action.

In the generation where the World was frightened by West Indian fast bowlers, Valentine proved to be equally effective in the chances that he got to play for West Indies. In his debut match against England, the slow left-arm orthodox went on to register a figure of 11/204. It is also by far the best bowling figure for any West Indies bowler on debut.

2. 10/96 vs England – Hines Johnson at Kingston in 1948

Unlike the other West Indian fast bowler, Hines Johnson was similarly as lethal as deadly. But Johnson was among the oldest bowlers to debut for the national side. He debuted at the age of 38 for the West Indies squad but he made the most of this opportunity as he went on to take a 10-for in his first game. 

In his debut match against England, the right-arm fast bowler registered a figure of 10/96 at Kingston in 1948.

1. 8/98 vs England – Daren Sammy at Manchester in 2007

Darren Sammy is arguably one of the most successful captains in the T20 format, having won two World Cups. Sammy was also the first international cricketer from St. Lucia and was also the first one to be named captain of the West Indies. It was under his captaincy when West Indies won the T20 World Cup in 2012 as well as in 2016. 

As a player, Sammy was very useful down the under as well as a handy seamer whenever the team demanded a few overs from him. It was in his debut when Sammy debuted for West Indies against England and in his first match, he ended up registering a figure of 8/98 at Manchester in 2007.