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 occurred 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, delivered across the lunch break, as he dismantled the visitors’ batting order. This 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.
Greaves’ impactful spell
Greaves attributed his success to a disciplined approach, following advice from West Indies skipper Roston Chase. Chase had encouraged him to maintain accuracy and consistency to yield results. Greaves noted that the ball was moving, allowing him to gain rewards for his efforts.
He expressed satisfaction with his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket, while also acknowledging that more work remained in the match. His spell began when Pakistan appeared to be building a substantial lead in their first innings, positioned at 244/3 with Shan Masood having just reached his century.
Greaves initiated Pakistan’s collapse by dismissing the former captain, Shan Masood. He then proceeded to remove Aamer Jamal, Ali Usman, and Mohammad Rizwan in successive overs without conceding any runs. This critical period saw Pakistan struggling at 267/8 by lunch, facing considerable difficulty in response to the West Indies’ first innings total of 311.
After the lunch interval, Greaves continued his impressive form, having Mohammad Abbas caught behind in his first over. This wicket completed his five consecutive wicket maidens, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s eventual all-out total of 282. The experienced right-armer’s seam bowling proved to be highly effective.
Match context and earlier play
On Day 2, Pakistan had concluded play in a strong position, reaching 199/3 in response to the West Indies’ first innings total of 311. Former captain Shan Masood played a crucial role, scoring an unbeaten 88, marking a strong return after stepping down from the captaincy.
Masood was supported by Imam-ul-Haq, who contributed 63 runs, forming a vital 155-run partnership. Pakistan had lost an early wicket when Azan Awais was bowled by Kemar Roach, but Masood and Imam stabilized the innings with their positive batting.
Masood reached his half-century quickly, while Imam achieved his 11th Test fifty before his dismissal. New captain Babar Azam added 23 runs before falling late in the day. Salman Agha remained unbeaten alongside Masood at stumps, as bad light brought an early end to play.
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, receiving useful contributions from Shamar Joseph, who scored a quick 23.
Pakistan’s bowlers managed to restrict the West Indies after their solid start. Mohammad Ali took four wickets, and Mohammad Abbas claimed three, making an immediate impact with the second new ball. Khurram Shahzad also contributed by removing Hodge, helping Pakistan conclude the innings before their batsmen took control.
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 of the Test, which is scheduled to run from July 25-29 in Tarouba.
The second Test of the series is scheduled to take place from August 2-6 in Port of Spain.
Source: icc-cricket.com
