West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves achieved a significant milestone on Monday, becoming the first bowler in Test cricket history, since comprehensive records became available, to deliver five consecutive wicket maidens. This remarkable feat occurred during the first ICC World Test Championship Test against Pakistan in Trinidad.
Greaves’ game-changing spell unfolded on the third day of the match, either side of the lunch break, as he dismantled Pakistan‘s batting order. This performance marked his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket, surpassing the previous record of four consecutive wicket maidens set by former England fast bowler Stuart Broad against South Africa in Johannesburg in January 2016.
Reflecting on his performance, Greaves stated that he maintained a simple approach, following the advice of West Indies skipper Roston Chase. Chase had encouraged him to remain disciplined and bowl in good areas to secure wickets for the team. Greaves noted that the ball was nipping around, allowing him to reap the rewards of his consistent bowling.
He expressed his happiness at achieving his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket, while also acknowledging that there was still considerable work to be done in the ongoing game. Greaves mentioned that the team looks to him as a solid player to help them out of challenging situations whenever he has the ball in hand.
Pakistan’s innings collapse
Before Greaves’ impactful spell, Pakistan appeared to be building a strong lead in their first innings, positioned at 244/3. Former captain Shan Masood had just reached his century, contributing significantly to their total. However, Greaves initiated a collapse by dismissing Masood.
Following Masood’s dismissal, Greaves continued his dominant performance, taking the wickets of Aamer Jamal, Ali Usman, and Mohammad Rizwan in successive overs without conceding any runs. This devastating spell saw Pakistan struggle to 267/8 by lunch, facing significant trouble in response to the West Indies‘ first innings total of 311.
After the lunch break, Greaves completed his five consecutive wicket maidens by having Mohammad Abbas caught behind in his first over. This inspired spell of seam bowling from the experienced right-armer ultimately led to Pakistan being all out for 282.
Day 2 developments and series schedule
On Day 2 of the first Test, Pakistan had concluded their innings in a strong position, reaching 199/3 in response to the West Indies‘ 311. Shan Masood, who had recently stepped down from captaincy, played a crucial role with an unbeaten 88, demonstrating an impressive return with the bat. He was supported by Imam-ul-Haq, who scored 63, as the pair forged a vital 155-run partnership.
Pakistan lost an early wicket when Azan Awais was bowled by Kemar Roach. However, Masood and Imam stabilized the innings with positive strokeplay. Masood reached his half-century in just 46 balls, while Imam achieved his 11th Test fifty before being dismissed. New captain Babar Azam contributed 23 runs before falling late in the day, and Salman Agha remained unbeaten alongside Masood at stumps, as bad light brought an early close to play.
Earlier in the match, the West Indies were bowled out for 311 after resuming the day at 194/3. Shai Hope was the top scorer with 92 runs, narrowly missing a century, while Kavem Hodge added 84. Hope anchored the innings despite losing partners regularly and received useful contributions from Shamar Joseph, who scored a quick 23.
Pakistan‘s bowlers managed to regain control after the West Indies‘ solid start. Mohammad Ali claimed four wickets, and Mohammad Abbas took three after making an immediate impact with the second new ball. Khurram Shahzad also struck early, removing Hodge, which helped Pakistan conclude the West Indies‘ innings before their batsmen, led by Masood and Imam, took charge.
Despite Greaves’ heroics, Pakistan managed to fight back before stumps on Day 3, reducing the hosts to 126/7. This gave Pakistan an overall lead of 155 runs, with Shamar Joseph (22*) and Kemar Roach (5*) remaining at the crease ahead of the fourth day. The first Test is scheduled from July 25-29 in Tarouba, with the second Test set for August 2-6 in Port of Spain.
Source: icc-cricket.com
