Justin Greaves made history in Trinidad, becoming the first bowler in Test cricket to achieve five consecutive wicket maidens for West Indies against Pakistan.
West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves achieved a significant milestone on Monday, becoming the first bowler in Test cricket to record five consecutive wicket maidens since comprehensive records became available. This historic feat unfolded during the third day of the first ICC World Test Championship Test between the West Indies and Pakistan in Trinidad.
Greaves’ performance was a game-changing spell that spanned either side of the lunch break, as he dismantled Pakistan‘s batting order. This marked his inaugural 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.
Greaves’ impactful spell
Greaves attributed his success to a straightforward approach, following the counsel of West Indies skipper Roston Chase. Chase had advised him to maintain discipline and bowl in good areas to secure wickets for the team. Greaves noted that the ball was moving, allowing him to reap the rewards of his consistent bowling.
He expressed satisfaction with his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket but acknowledged that there was still considerable work to be done in the match. His captain, Roston Chase, encouraged him to remain disciplined, a strategy that proved effective as Greaves delivered a crucial performance.
Pakistan had initially appeared to be building a strong lead in their first innings, reaching 244/3 with Shan Masood having just completed his century. However, Greaves initiated a collapse by dismissing the former captain. Following this, Greaves removed Aamer Jamal, Ali Usman, and Mohammad Rizwan in successive overs without conceding any runs.
This rapid succession of wickets left Pakistan struggling at 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.
The experienced right-armer’s inspired spell of seam bowling ultimately led to Pakistan being all out for 282. Despite Greaves’ heroics, Pakistan managed to stage a comeback before stumps, 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 heading into the fourth day.
Match context and earlier play
On Day 2 of the first Test, Pakistan had concluded play in a strong position, reaching 199/3 in response to the West Indies‘ first-innings total of 311. Shan Masood, who had recently stepped down from the captaincy, led Pakistan‘s recovery with an unbeaten 88. He received solid support from Imam-ul-Haq, who contributed 63, as the pair forged a significant 155-run partnership.
Pakistan had lost an early wicket when Azan Awais was bowled by Kemar Roach. However, Masood and Imam stabilized the innings with aggressive strokeplay. Masood reached his half-century quickly, while Imam secured his 11th Test fifty before his dismissal. New captain Babar Azam added 23 runs before falling late in the day, and Salman Agha remained unbeaten alongside Masood when bad light ended play early.
Earlier in the match, the West Indies were bowled out for 311 after resuming their innings on Day 2 at 194/3. Shai Hope was the top scorer with 92 runs, narrowly missing a century, while Kavem Hodge made 84. Hope anchored the innings, despite losing partners regularly, and received useful contributions, including a quick 23 from Shamar Joseph.
Pakistan‘s bowlers had worked to contain the West Indies after their strong start. Mohammad Ali claimed four wickets, and Mohammad Abbas took three after making an immediate impact with the second new ball. Khurram Shahzad also contributed by removing Hodge, helping Pakistan conclude the West Indies‘ innings before their batsmen, led by Masood and Imam, took control.
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
