Justin Greaves delivered a historic bowling performance as West Indies gained the upper hand against Pakistan in the opening Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad.
The hosts bowled Pakistan out for 282 after posting 311, taking a 29-run first-innings lead.
Greaves’ memorable spell changed the course of the match on Day 3 and placed his name in the Test record books. The all-rounder also reached a major personal milestone during only his 17th Test appearance.
Here’s how Greaves created history, sparked Pakistan’s collapse, and reflected on his record-breaking performance after the day’s play.
Justin Greaves sets a new Test cricket record
Greaves became the first bowler in recorded Test history to take wickets in five consecutive maiden overs. No player had achieved the feat since records have been available in Test cricket.
The previous mark belonged to former England fast bowler Stuart Broad. He claimed four successive wicket maidens against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2016.
Greaves also registered the first five-wicket haul of his Test career. He finished with outstanding figures of 5/27 from 11 overs during a remarkable spell.
Justin Greaves Puts West Indies in Control on Day 3
Pakistan resumed Day 3 at 199/3 in reply to West Indies’ first-innings total of 311.
Shan Masood and Salman Ali Agha extended their fourth-wicket stand to 47 runs, putting Pakistan in a strong position.
However, the game changed soon after Salman Ali Agha departed for 20. Justin Greaves, the cricketer then struck immediately, dismissing Masood for 109 before removing Aamer Jamal, Ali Usman, Mohammad Rizwan, and Mohammad Abbas in successive maiden overs.
As a result, Pakistan’s promising innings ended on 282, giving West Indies a 29-run first-innings lead. Greaves’ remarkable spell completely shifted the advantage to the home side.
Justin Greaves credits Roston Chase after historic spell
Greaves revealed captain Roston Chase encouraged him to stay disciplined and continue bowling in the right areas. He said the movement off the pitch rewarded his patience.
“When I came on captain Roston Chase just said ‘continue to be disciplined in what you are doing’ and to see if I can get some wickets for the team,” Greaves said.
Greaves said claiming his maiden Test five-wicket haul made him happy, but he insisted the match remained far from over. His focus remained on helping West Indies push for victory.
Pakistan fought back late in the day by reducing West Indies to 126/7 in their second innings. Even so, the home side carried an overall lead of 155 runs into Day 4.
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Conclusion
Justin Greaves produced one of the finest spells of his Test career at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. His five consecutive wicket maidens created a record unmatched in the format.
The spell transformed the opening Test after Pakistan looked well placed earlier in the innings. West Indies now head into Day 4 with a useful advantage.
Greaves’ maiden Test five-wicket haul will remain a special milestone. More importantly, his remarkable effort secured a unique place in cricket history.
