West Indies cricket has given the world some of the greatest players to ever walk onto a cricket field. Yet, as with any team, not every cricketer who wears the maroon cap leaves a lasting impact. Some players earned Test selection based on regional success or sheer potential, but struggled when faced with the rigors of the highest level.
Here, we look at five West Indian players whose Test careers didn’t quite match expectations, and whose places in the team were often questioned.
1. Phil Simmons
Phil Simmons is best remembered as a fearless ODI opener and later as a successful coach of the West Indies. But his Test record tells a different story. Despite his talent, Simmons managed only 1,002 runs from 26 Tests at an average of 22.26. Against quality pace and spin, his attacking style often backfired. While he deserved a chance, his long Test run remains puzzling compared to his limited-overs reputation.
2. Robert Samuels
The older brother of Marlon Samuels, Robert played six Tests as an opener in the mid-1990s. He showed grit with a half-century in the famous Bridgetown Test of 1996, where West Indies chased 311 against Australia. But his overall average of 26.71 highlighted his struggle to adapt at the top level. Many felt his selection was based more on potential than proven consistency.
3. Rajindra Dhanraj
For years, fans called for a quality wrist-spinner in West Indies cricket. Rajindra Dhanraj, a talented Trinidadian leggie, was finally given a Test chance in the mid-1990s. Unfortunately, he managed just 5 wickets in 4 Tests at a costly average. His selection always felt experimental, and in an era dominated by fearsome pace bowlers, he never received consistent backing to develop at the highest stage.
4. Gavin Tonge
An Antiguan fast bowler, Tonge earned his Test cap in 2009 against Australia. It turned into a baptism of fire. He bowled 36 overs but finished with figures of 1 for 113, looking out of depth against a strong Australian batting lineup. That was his only Test. Many argued that other pacers in the Caribbean deserved the nod ahead of him.
5. Xavier Marshall
Seen as a bright prospect in the early 2000s, Marshall had style and timing to spare. But at Test level, inconsistency plagued his career. Across 7 Tests between 2005 and 2009, he averaged just 18.11, and his temperament was constantly questioned. Despite several opportunities, he never translated his natural ability into big scores.
Final Thoughts
Cricket history often remembers the legends, but part of the story includes those who got a taste of Test cricket without ever fully belonging. Players like Simmons, Samuels, Dhanraj, Tonge, and Marshall remind us of the fine margins between regional dominance and international success.
Their careers may not be celebrated, but they remain part of West Indies’ rich tapestry — showing both the promise and the challenges of competing at the highest level.
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