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Despite the West Indies having long since fallen from Test cricket's heights, the former 'calypso kings' were always expected to win their series in Zimbabwe.� The 126-point difference in the rating of the two nations prior to the beginning of the series was a much better indication than merely eighth play ninth in the ratings.
However, the series was not all one-way traffic in favour of the West Indies.� Zimbabwe was dominant throughout the first Test and came within one wicket of victory on the final evening.� West Indies hung on to their final wicket to force a draw in a match they were never able to dominate.
The second Test saw the West Indians dominate the match on the first day.� However, from the second day onwards, West Indies and Zimbabwe then took turns at losing the plot.� By day four, each team was losing six or seven wickets in a session for none too many runs.� In the end, West Indies first innings lead was the difference, handing them victory by 128 runs.
The Zimbabweans benefited from the same 'post Australia' boost that saw Bangladesh immediately more competitive after touring Australia.� Both nations realising that they were able to win sessions against the worlds highest ever rated nation.� That confidence saw Bangladesh almost defeat Pakistan in a Test and Zimbabwe dominate the first Test in this series.
Zimbabwe was heavily reliant on their key spinner Price, who took 19 wickets in the two Tests at an average of 20.8 runs per wicket.� The batsmen, however, need to find consistency and stop throwing away their innings after making sound starts and reaching 20.
Losing the series against West Indies has cost Zimbabwe another two ratings points.� Zimbabwe's rating has fallen to 887 points and they remain a distant ninth behind West Indies, with an equally substantial lead over tenth placed Bangladesh.
The result for West Indies is far more positive.� West Indies has increased their rating to 1017 points and narrowed the gap to seventh placed Sri Lanka to just five ratings points.
West Indies has also now won two consecutive Test series.� The first was against Sri Lanka in the Caribbean during June, and now against Zimbabwe.� West Indies has not won two series in a row since 1997 when they defeated India and Sri Lanka, both in the Caribbean.� During those seven Tests, West Indies won two Tests and drew the remaining five.
However, more importantly, the series victory in Zimbabwe represents two consecutive victories whilst away from the Caribbean.� The West Indies last tour, in Bangladesh during December 2002, resulted in a two Test whitewash in West Indies favour.�
While West Indies has 'only' defeated cricket's minnow nations, the result is still an achievement considering West Indies has not strung together consecutive victories away from the Caribbean for 15 years.� The last occasion West Indies won successive series away from home occurred in England and Australia in 1988.� In those ten Tests, West Indies won seven straight, drew two and lost one.
Since 1988, the West Indies has been in decline, having lost a net 178 ratings points over the period.� While West Indies have won most of their home series since 1988, their form on tour has been the dominant reason their rating has slipped.
Regardless of the weakness of their opponents, West Indies should celebrate their achievement.� They next face South Africa in a four Test series.� The last time West Indies toured South Africa, they self destructed and succumbed to a five to nil thumping.
The latest Test cricket ratings are: 1. Australia (1241); 2. South Africa (1143); 3. Pakistan (1081); 4. England (1078); 5. New Zealand (1040); 6. India (1030); 7. Sri Lanka (1022); 8. West Indies (1017); 9. Zimbabwe (887); 10. Bangladesh (797).
