←1979 1981 → |
The1980 English cricket season was the 81st in which theCounty Championship had been an official competition.West Indies defeated England in the summer's Test series 1–0, rain ensuring that the other four matches were all drawn. A single Test was played between England and Australia to commemorate the centenary of the first Test played in England in 1880. The match was drawn. The County Championship was won byMiddlesex.
England was outplayed by West Indies and the margin would have been greater than 1–0 but for the weather. West Indies excelled in batting and fast bowling withViv Richards,Desmond Haynes,Joel Garner,Andy Roberts andMichael Holding their standout performers. England's best player wasPeter Willey who scored a fine century atThe Oval.
| Cumulative record – Test wins | 1876–1980 |
|---|---|
| England | 79 |
| Australia | 92 |
| Drawn | 69 |
Allan Lamb ofNorthamptonshire CCC topped the averages with 1797 runs @ 66.55.
Other leading batsmen wereKepler Wessels andPeter Kirsten who both averaged over 60.
Joel Garner of West Indies led the averages 13.93 and 49 wickets but the outstanding bowler of the season wasRobin Jackman who took 121 wickets @ 15.40.