Greaves achieves historic five consecutive wicket maidens in Test cricket
West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves made history on Monday during the first ICC World Test Championship Test against Pakistan in Trinidad. He became the first bowler in Test cricket, since records became freely available, to achieve five consecutive wicket maidens. This performance was a significant moment on the third day of the match, as Greaves disrupted Pakistan’s batting order with a impactful spell.
This achievement marked Greaves’ first five-wicket haul in Test cricket. His performance surpassed the record of four consecutive wicket maidens previously set by former England fast bowler Stuart Broad. Broad had achieved his feat in a Test match against South Africa in Johannesburg in January 2016.
Greaves’ game-changing spell
Greaves’ game-changing spell occurred on the third day, either side of the lunch break. He stated that his approach was to keep things simple, following advice from West Indies captain Roston Chase. Chase had encouraged him to maintain discipline and bowl in good areas to secure wickets for the team.
Greaves noted that the ball was nipping around, which helped him get rewards. He expressed his satisfaction with achieving his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket, while also acknowledging that more work remained in the match. His efforts were crucial in turning the tide of the innings.
Before Greaves’ intervention, Pakistan appeared to be building a substantial lead in their first innings. They were well-positioned at 244/3, with former captain Shan Masood having just reached his century. However, Greaves dismissed Masood, initiating a collapse in the Pakistan batting lineup.
Following Masood’s dismissal, Greaves continued his impressive run by removing Aamer Jamal, Ali Usman, and Mohammad Rizwan in successive overs. He achieved these wickets without conceding any runs, which left Pakistan struggling at 267/8 by lunch, in response to the West Indies’ first innings total of 311.
After the lunch break, Greaves completed his sequence of 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 led to Pakistan being all out for 282.
Match context and series schedule
Despite Greaves’ heroics, Pakistan managed to fight back later in the day. By stumps, they had reduced the hosts to 126/7, establishing an overall lead of 155 runs. Shamar Joseph, with 22* runs, and Kemar Roach, with 5* runs, remained at the crease for the West Indies heading into the fourth day.
On Day 2, Pakistan had ended in a strong position, reaching 199/3 in reply to the West Indies’ first innings total of 311. Shan Masood, who had recently stepped down from the captaincy, played a key role with an unbeaten 88 runs. He was supported by Imam-ul-Haq, who scored 63, forming a crucial 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 positive strokeplay. Masood reached his half-century in 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 when bad light ended play early.
Earlier in the match, the West Indies were bowled out for 311 after resuming Day 2 at 194/3. Shai Hope was the top scorer with 92 runs, narrowly missing a century, and Kavem Hodge added 84 runs. Hope anchored the innings, receiving contributions from Shamar Joseph, who scored a quick 23 runs.
Pakistan’s bowlers had managed to contain the West Indies’ strong start. Mohammad Ali took four wickets, and Mohammad Abbas claimed three wickets after making an immediate impact with the second new ball. Khurram Shahzad also secured an early wicket by dismissing Hodge, helping Pakistan conclude the innings before their batsmen, led by Masood and Imam, took control.
The first Test match is scheduled from July 25-29 in Tarouba. The second Test in the series is set to take place from August 2-6 in Port of Spain.
Source: icc-cricket.com
