Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Friday, announced the appointment of Roland Butcher, as a Selector to the West Indies Men's Senior & Youth Panels.

Also Read: Andre Coley appointed West Indies interim head coach for tours to Zimbabwe, South Africa

Butcher is a former England batsman who also played for over 15 years in English County Cricket with Middlesex. His appointment was confirmed during a meeting of the CWI Board of Directors on Monday, 19 December.

"It is a great honor and a privilege, to be given the opportunity to serve West Indies Cricket. I'm eager to get started to work alongside the other members of the selection panels as we look to ensure the growth and improvement in West Indies cricket at all levels."

Butcher was delighted to accept the appointment

The West Indies Men's Senior Panel is led by the Most Honorable Dr. Desmond Haynes and the Men's Youth Panel is led by Robert Haynes. The third member of both panels is the respective Head Coach.

Read Also: Most runs for India in Test cricket

Roland Butcher was the first Black cricketer to represent England in Test cricket when he debuted against West Indies in his native Barbados in 1981. He played three Tests and three One-Day Internationals. In his first-class career, he played 277 matches and scored over 12,000 runs

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the Indian men's cricket team's schedule for the upcoming home series against West Indies and South Africa. The men in blue will play a two-match test series against the West Indies to start the 2025-26 season, followed by an all-format series against South Africa. 

The West Indies series will start with the test match, starting from 2nd October 2025 in Ahmedabad. Meanwhile, the second and final test match of the series will be played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, starting from 10th October. 

After the West Indies series, the focus will be shifted towards the all-format home series against the strong Proteas side. The first test match of the series will be played in New Delhi from 14th November. Guwahati will host its first-ever test match, as the test series is set to end there from 22nd November. 

The three-match ODI series will be played in Ranchi, Raipur, and Vizag. On the other hand, the five-match T20I series will be played in Cuttack, New Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Lucknow and Ahmedabad. 

Here is the full schedule for the home series against West Indies and South Africa

West Indies Tour of India 2025

South Africa Tour of India 2025

Bangladesh scripted a history for themselves after beating West Indies in the second and last test of the WI vs BAN series by a massive 101 runs at Kingston on Tuesday. This was their first test win in West Indies since 2009. Taijul Islam (1/24 & 5/50) was the player of the match in the last test.

After getting thrashed in the first test, Bangladesh came back strong to draw the series by 1-1 and secure their third away win in 2024 - their most in a calendar year.

First Inning | Bangladesh 164

Except for Shadman Islam (64) and captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz (36), none could stand against the fiery spells of Jayden Seales (4/5) and Shamar Joseph (3/49). The West Indian bowling line up was so impeccable that Jayden Seales registered the most economical figures in Test cricket since 1978, giving away just 5 runs in 15.5 overs while taking four wickets.

Shadman and Mehidy tried their bests but could not take Bangladesh over 200 in the first inning. 

Jayden 'Seales' the record! 🤩

The Windies spearhead recorded the best economy rate in Test cricket since 1978 as his 4 wickets helped bundle Bangladesh for 164! 👏🏻#WIvBANonFanCode pic.twitter.com/WNSyHAqa0S

— FanCode (@FanCode) December 2, 2024

Second Inning | West Indies 146

After a not-so-good show with the bat, Bangladesh made a quick turn around in the match by bundling out the home side for 146 in their first inning. Captain Kraigg Brathwaite tried to play a steady inning but after his dismissal at 39 from 129 balls, West Indian batting lineup fell like a house of cards. 

From 2/94, they were bowled out for 146 in just next 20 overs. Nahid Rana was the star of the show for Bangladesh, picking up his first five-wicket haul in test cricket with a fiery 5/61 in 18 overs.

Third Inning | Bangladesh 268

Despite having an important 18-run lead in the first inning, Bangladesh could not capitalize with their momentum. Mahmudul Hasan Joy returned to pavilion for a duck in the first over and Shadman Islam (46) had to solidify Bangladesh's inning again. But, after his dismissal, it was captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz (42 from 39 balls) who tried his best to take the counter attack to the West Indian bowlers. 

However, with Bangladesh at 193/5 at the end of Day 3's play, it was Jaker Ali who took them to a respectable score. Even after getting hit on the helmet early on Day 4, Jaker continued like a true fighter and scored his third test fifty in his third test match. 

He could have got his maiden test ton, if he was not forced to go for big shots while playing with the tail. With Zaker getting out on his best test score of 91, Bangladesh finished on 268 in the second innings, giving West Indies a 287 run target.

Read Also | Most Wickets for India in Pink Ball Test

Fourth Inning | West Indies 185 

With the series on the line, Bangladesh bowlers had to come up with a great performance on Day 4 and Taijul Islam and Taskin Ahmed provided them the start they were looking for. After Taijul removed a solid looking Kraigg Brathwaite (43), and followed it up with the wicket of Alick Athanaze in his next over, Bangladesh were close to a historic victory.

Post Kavem Hodge's (55) wicket, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud and Naihid Rana ran through the West Indian tail to register a historic win for Bangladesh.

The Indian Men's Cricket Team have already lost their series to New Zealand after losing the first two tests. With that, India's home test series wins ended. However, India still tops the list with 18 home series wins.

The 18th win came against Bangladesh after a 2-0 whitewash against them.

Here's the list of the top five teams with the most consecutive Test series wins at home

India leads the chart with 18 series wins, followed by Australia twice in the list, having 10 wins each time. 

New Zealand | 8

New Zealand, standing 5th in the table, has 8 home series wins to their name. Starting from December 2017 to January 2021. The team led by Kane Williamson had a perfect combination with the likes of Tim Southee, Trent Boult, and Ross Taylor, perfectly complementing the spin-friendly pitches, allowing the team to capitalize on the home advantage.

West Indies | 8

Once a terror in World Cricket, the time span of West Indian dominance in test cricket clearly defines the legacy of the team.

The Clive Lloyd-led team, having shoulders of greats like Viv Richards and bowling legend Malcolm Marshall, had its winning streak of 8 series at home from March 1976 to February 1986.

Australia | 10 each

Another ruling team in World Cricket that successfully carried forward their once-created legacy is Australia. Australia is in the chart twice, having 10 consecutive home series wins.

The first phase started from October 1994 to November 2000. A little gap in between, and then the winning streak continued from July 2004 to November 2008.

India | 18

After the Kanpur test win against Bangladesh, for the first time after 92 years of Test cricket history, India had more test wins than losses.

Not only that, India's series winning streak at home increased to 18, making it an undisputed contender amongst the world giants.

After the 8 wickets defeat against New Zealand in the first test, India needs to win 5 out of seven tests to qualify for the World Test Championship final.

India is currently playing the second test against New Zealand at the Mumbai Cricket Association, where New Zealand won the toss and decided to bat first.

Even after the defeat in the first test, India is enjoying the top position in the World Test Championship points table, with 68.06%.

However, New Zealand has moved up to fourth with 44.44%, creating additional pressure for India to perform well in the remaining fixtures.

India’s Road to Qualification

To ensure a place in the WTC final, the two-time runners-up India needs to win 5 out of 7 test matches. However, four wins will make them depend on the performance of other teams.

The remaining two matches in the 3-match test series against New Zealand are crucial, as they need to win to ease their way to the final, as India will face Australia in the next series.

India will tour Australia for the highly anticipated 5-match Border-Gavaskar-Trophy test series. Australia right now is in the second position with 62.50%.

Australia's performance against strong contenders will heavily impact the final standings.

Competition from Other Contenders

Australia, like India, needs four out of seven tests to qualify for the final. However, India must also keep an eye on South Africa and New Zealand, who are both vying for a top-two finish.

South Africa right now sits in the fourth position with 47.62%, with a chance to reach 69.44%. All they need to do is win at least 4 of their 5 remaining tests. Winning all of them, however, won't put them in the calculator situation.

🚨 WTC Final Alert:

With South Africa's win in Mirpur, 3 wins aren't enough for India now!

The race for the finals just got intense. Every match counts! 🇮🇳🏏#WTC2023 #Cricket #INDvNZ #rohitsharma #PatCummins #WTC #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/w74FOwdfBp

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) October 24, 2024

New Zealand too shares the same situation with the proteas. They will have to win all five of the remaining test series to hope for qualification. A dominant win against India in the first test may boost their confidence, as all the leftover tests are against India (two away remaining and three at home)

England, on the other hand, is in the sixth position with 43.06% and can only finish with a maximum of 60%. That means they will have to depend on the performance of other teams to qualify.

Read Also: ICC confirm venue and dates for World Test Championship 2025 final

Other Teams in the table

Teams like Pakistan, West Indies, and Bangladesh have already been eliminated from contention, as they cannot breach the 50% mark even if they win all their remaining matches.

Latest updated World Test Championship points table

The ICC Women's T20I World Cup was inaugurated in 2009. The top 10 teams participate in the tournament. Initially, eight teams participated, but the team count increased to 10 with days.

So far, 9 editions have been successfully conducted, with Australia winning 6 times in it.

The other three teams who turned out to be the winners are England, West Indies, and New Zealand.

Read Also: India's performance in every Women's T20 World Cup

Here is a summary of the winner since its inaugural version in 2009.

1| Australia

Australia has been the most dominating force in the World Cups, be it any format. A 5-time ICC Women's ODI World Cup Champion, Australia has won the ICC Women's T-20 World Cup six times.

An unprecedented exit from the 2024 Women's World Cup doesn't undermine the capabilities this team holds.

Here are the years Australia won their title.

2010—the maiden title

Led by  Alex Blackwell, Australia won its maiden title in the ICC Women's T20I World Cup, hosted by West Indies.

They remained undefeated throughout the tournament. In the semi-final, they defeated India by seven wickets. 

In a thrilling final, they edged past New Zealand by three runs. Ellyse Perry's 3/18 earned her Player of the Match.

2012—defended the title

Hosted by Sri Lanka, Australia defended their title there in 2012 under Jodie Fields. 

After finishing second in the group, they beat the West Indies women by 28 runs in the semi-final.

They defeated England by four runs in the final, with Julie Hunter taking the most wickets (11) in the tournament.

2014—third consecutive title

In 2014, Bangladesh hosted the tournament. Meg Lanning led Australia to a third consecutive Women’s T20 World Cup title.

Even though they lost their opening match, they bounced back to win five straight. They defeated the West Indies in the semi-final, defeating England in the final.

Lanning topped the run charts with 257 runs.

2018—title reclaimed

West Indies hosted the World Cup for the second time, with Australia winning it again in 2018.

Led by Meg Lanning, Australia won three group games but lost to India. However, they bounced back, defeating the West Indies by 71 runs in the semi-final and England by eight wickets in the final.

Ashleigh Gardner shone with 3/22 and 33 runs in the final.

2020—Win at home

Hosted by Australia itself, the team clinched their fifth title. Even though they suffered a shocking defeat against India, they went on to win the rest of the matches.

This included a narrow 5-run win against South Africa in the semi-final and a massive 85-run win against India at the MCG.

Beth Mooney (259 runs) won Player of the Tournament, with Megan Schutt taking 13 wickets.

2023—sixth title

In 2023, Australia won their sixth ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title in South Africa, remaining undefeated.

They defeated India in the semi-final and South Africa by 19 runs in the final.

Beth Mooney’s 74* sealed the victory, and Ashleigh Gardner was Player of the Tournament.

2| England

England hosted the inaugural ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2009. The hosts dominated the tournament, defeating New Zealand by six wickets.

Led by Charlotte Edwards, England maintained an unbeaten streak in the group stage and defeated Australia in the semi-final.

Claire Taylor was named Player of the Tournament for her impressive 199 runs in five innings. Captain Edwards also shone, earning two Player of the Match awards.

3| West Indies

In 2016, India hosted the World Cup, seeing West Indies win its maiden title. 

They ended Australia's winning streak by defeating them in the final by 8 wickets.

Led by captain Stafanie Taylor, the West Indies sealed a historic win with the captain leading from the front. Taylor scored 246 runs and took eight wickets, earning the Player of the Tournament award. 

In the final, Hayley Matthews played a crucial role, scoring a match-winning 66 off 45 balls, helping the West Indies chase down Australia’s total. 

4| New Zealand

The 2024 edition of the tournament, which was supposed to be organized in Bangladesh, was shifted to the United Arab Emirates due to the political unrest in the former.

New Zealand won their maiden ICC Women's T20 World Cup Trophy title in 2024, defeating South Africa in the final after defending 158/5.

Amelia Kerr, who took 15 wickets, was named Player of the Tournament.