The West Indies were captained by Viv Richards, and England by Graham Gooch.
England's victory in the First Test at Kingston was their first over the West Indies since the 1973–74 series.
The Second Test, scheduled as England’s first at Bourda since the 1973–74 tour (due to the Guyanese government’s refusal to admit Robin Jackman in 1980–81[1] and to admit anyone who had played or coached in apartheid South Africa in 1985–86),[2] was abandoned without a ball being bowled.
The Third Test, in which the West Indies were captained by Desmond Haynes, resulted in a draw; following an injury to Gooch in that match, Allan Lamb replaced him as captain for the final two Tests, both of which were won by the West Indies.
In addition to the Tests, the teams played a five-match Limited Overs International (LOI) series which the West Indies won 3–0.