The Wisden Trophy

If England wrap up the Test series against West Indies this week and regain the Wisden Trophy, they will avoid what is thought to be an unenviable new record: the longest run of failure for a prize between two international teams - in any sport.

England have not won the Trophy since July 1, 1969. West Indies regained it at Lord's on August 27, 1973. This began a sequence of 13 consecutive series with West Indies winning the Trophy (they won ten of the series and three were drawn).

This now matches American golfing dominance in the Ryder Cup. Great Britain beat the US in 1957 and the Americans were then unbeaten in 13 contests (12 wins and a tie) before losing in 1985, by which time the whole of Europe had been brought in to help out.

In tennis, the American women's team beat Britain in the annual Wightman Cup 11 years running between 1979 and 1989, at which point the event was suspended due to American boredom. The US yachtsmen won the America's Cup (which was nailed to the floor of the New York Yacht Club) against various countries 24 times from 1870 until 1983. Long sequences from other sports can be found on our website, www.wisden.com

The best sequence between any two nations in cricket was held by England. New Zealand played 20 Test series against England from 1929-30, until they won one in 1983-84. However, there was no trophy involved.

The Wisden Trophy has fulfilled the role of the Ashes in Tests between England and West Indies since 1963. It was donated by John Wisden and Co, proprietors of Wisden Cricketers' Almanack, to mark the almanack's centenary.

Like the Ashes, it is normally kept in the museum at Lord's (not bolted to the floor). Unlike the Ashes, it is considered sturdy enough to move and in 1998 was taken to Antigua to be presented to Brian Lara after he led West Indies to their latest victory. It is expected to be put on display in the Long Room at The Oval tomorrow, pending presentation to Nasser Hussain (if England win or draw) or Jimmy Adams (if West Indies level the series) after the game.

Further information from Matthew Engel 01981 241210; Tim de Lisle/Steven Lynch 020 7565 3114/6; Christopher Lane 01483 570358; www.wisden.com