The Best Stretch in Cricket Ever: Is this the Best Team Ever?

By Guest - Dec 15, 2025 07:33 PM
Last updated on Dec 15, 2025 07:33 PM

In a sport that has been around for centuries, cricket has many memorable teams, players, performances, and moments. The modern game alone, with its three different formats, offers something new every new season. Among the many countries that play the game as their national sport, both domestically in leagues and cups, and internationally, there were numerous dominant seasons and years long stretches that have stood the test of time.

But is there a single best season in the history of the sport, and if so, which team had it? What did they achieve? Could we possibly see something like this again? If you are a fan of the game, a historian, and an enthusiast, this is crucial information you should know. The best fans are also the best bettors, and thanks to platforms like the 10CRIC app, it is easier and better than ever to get the best odds and play a wide range of markets from all cricket countries, leagues, and competitions.

Australia (1999-2003)

Australia’s dominance from 1999 to 2003 is widely regarded as the greatest period of sustained success by any cricket team ever. During this era, Australia combined ruthless consistency with extraordinary individual brilliance. They managed to get results that redefined excellence across different formats, and it helped them go down in history. They won the 1999 World Cup after a dramatic turnaround, then reached an unprecedented peak at the 2003 World Cup, where they went undefeated and crushed opponents with overwhelming authority. Alongside this, Australia maintained the number one Test ranking, where they were winning series convincingly both at home and overseas.

The team’s depth was unmatched as some of the biggest legends played together at this time. Ricky Ponting, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Adam Gilchrist, and Steve Waugh contributed match winning performances regularly, and the team was always the favorite. What makes this period exceptional is not just the trophies but the manner of victories. Australia dominated strong opponents as if they were second tier squads, controlled games from start to finish, and set benchmarks for professionalism, fitness, and tactical sharpness that still influence modern international cricket. Experts argue this era represents the highest continued team success in cricket history.

West Indies (1976-1984)

Often forgotten when the best cricketing nations are mentioned due to how dominant India, Australia, Pakistan, and England tend to be, the West Indies once had an extraordinary run on the international level. Their dominance from the mid 1970s to the mid 1980s represents the most intimidating era in Test cricket history. This team was built around a fearsome fast bowling battery, complemented by powerful batting, and rounded up nicely with exceptional fielding. Together, these strengths created a side that opponents struggled to compete against.

From 1976 onward, the West Indies were virtually unbeatable in Test series as they held the number one ranking for over a decade. This is unthinkable in the modern day and age. It all culminated in the 5-0 whitewash of England in 1984, symbolizing their authority and psychological control over rivals. Players such as Viv Richards, Clive Lloyd, Malcolm Marshall, Joel Garner, Michael Holding, and Andy Roberts were great individually, and, better yet, devastating collectively. What sets this era apart is the sustained nature of their superiority, especially away from home. It was only a matter of how much they were going to win, not if they would win.

India (2016-2017 Test Series)

In terms of something more recent, and on a single season level, India’s 2016-17 Test season stands as the most successful single season in the nation’s Test history. It was marked by consistency, dominance, and statistical excellence that is yet to be replicated. Across twelve matches, India won nine Tests, lost only one, and firmly established themselves as the top ranked Test side in the world. The team’s success was due to the powerful combination of batting depth and spin bowling supremacy, particularly on home pitches where opponents were outplayed tactically and technically. 

As Virat Kohli led from the front with prolific run scoring and aggressive leadership, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja formed one of the most effective bowling partnerships in modern Test cricket. Simply put, the opponents did not stand any chance against such a well rounded team filled with legends and top tier talent. What makes this season special is not only the results but the authority with which India played. From early sessions to decisive finishes, they never gave a sliver of chance in their matchups and took things seriously with every play. This season marked India’s transition into a dominant Test force that paid off across the formats.

England (2010-2011)

The season is often regarded as the most complete all format achievement by any team within a short period. England won the 2010 T20 World Cup, became the No. 1 ranked Test team, and achieved the rare feat of winning an Ashes series in Australia, 3-1. The success was rooted in balance rather than reliance on a single star. Contributions spread near evenly across the roster, with Alastair Cook, Andrew Strauss, Kevin Pietersen, James Anderson, and Graeme Swann all playing superbly. While England does not always show brilliance, seasons like this serve as a reminder of where the sport originated. They dominate not through sheer force alone, but through planning, adaptability, and teamwork. It is a landmark moment in the country’s long and storied cricketing history.

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