The golden jubilee of West Indies women’s cricket (1976-2026)

While the West Indies men’s team famously debuted in 1928, the women’s side began its Test journey forty-eight (4 years later, in 1976. However, regional women’s cricket had already made its mark on the world stage. In the inaugural 1973 Women’s Cricket World Cup in England, Jamaica and T&T competed as separate entities. T&T finished fifth (8 points; 2 wins, 4 losses), while Jamaica followed in sixth (5 points; 1 win, 4 losses, 1 No Result). England claimed the title, followed by Australia.

A historic debut: West Indies vs Australia (1976)

The unified West Indies women’s team played its first three-day Test match from May 6–9, 1976, at Jarrett Park, Montego Bay. The historic starting XI, captained by opener Louise Browne, was: Jasmine Sammy (T&T, opener), Gloria Gill (Barbados, batter), Vivalyn Latty-Scott (Jamaica, all-rounder), Beverly Browne (T&T, batter), Patricia Whittaker (Barbados, all-rounder), Menota Tekah (T&T, batter), Janet Mitchell (Barbados, wicket-keeper), Leila Grace Williams (Jamaica, all-rounder), Ellicent ‘Peggy’ Fairweather (Jamaica, bowler), and Sheryl Bayley (Barbados, bowler).

After winning the toss, Louise Browne and Jasmine Sammy (41) recorded an 84-run opening stand—a record that remains the highest opening partnership in West Indies Women’s Test history. Browne top-scored with 67, becoming the first West Indian of any gender to score a Test fifty in a debut first innings. Leila Williams scored 36, Patricia Whittaker 30, Beverly Browne 29, Peggy Fairweather 23 not out, and Vivalyn Latty-Scott 20 as the West Indies innings ended on 282 runs off 112.5 overs.

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