The West Indies cricket team steamrollered England to a 5-0 defeat for the first time on English soil. The Blackwash had both sporting, social and racial overtones, which spelt a prolonged period at the top of the cricketing table for the West Indies, as well as decline for the nation who introduced the game itself.

At the centre of the West Indies team were two Jamaicans who were as lethal bowling combinations as had ever been seen. Michael Holding, aptly nicknamed "Whispering Death" as his silky run up, deadly, rattlesnake accuracy and bowling action was so smooth, and Joel Garner, "Big Bird" who at 6' 8" tall could bring the ball hurtling towards a batsman at alarming angles and speed.