Cricket WC 1979

England 1979 : Winners - West Indies

• The cricketing landscape had changed by 1979 due to the establishing of Kerry Packer's rival World Series. A number of players signed up for it in 1977 but a truce was agreed before the World Cup and most countries, with the exception of Australia, were back to full strength.
  
• Canada replaced East Africa but otherwise the tournament followed the same format as in 1975, although unlike four years earlier, the weather was far more of an issue. Attendances fell as a result but the West Indies once again dominated the competition.
  
• England, led by Mike Brearley, reached the final but the West Indies proved too strong with Viv Richards hitting a brilliant 138. England, despite a 127-run opening stand between Brearley and Geoff Boycott, were dismissed for 194 with Joel Garner claiming five for 38.