New Delhi: West Indies pacer Justin Greaves scripted history on Monday by becoming the first bowler in the recorded era to bowl five consecutive wicket-maiden overs in a match.
Greaves achieved the stunning feat on Day 3 of the ongoing first Test against Pakistan at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad.
Greaves’ exceptional spell turned the game in West Indies’ favour, derailing Pakistan in their first innings just when it looked like the visitors were running away with the game. He finished with his career-best figures of 5/27 in 11 overs, while also registering his maiden five-wicket haul in Tests.
Greaves broke the previous record held by England great Stuart Broad, who produced four consecutive wicket-maidens in a Test match against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2016. On Day 3 of the first Test, Greaves opened his account by cleaning up Pakistan batter Shan Masood on 109.
He then clean bowled Aamer Jamal in his next over and dismissed Ali Usman on a duck next. Greaves then went on to dismiss Mohammad Rizwan and Mohammad Abbas in his next couple of overs while conceding no runs to record five maiden overs with a wicket in each of them.
His maiden five-wicket haul helped West Indies bundle out Pakistan for 282 runs, in reply to the hosts’ first-innings total of 311 runs. Greaves credited West Indies skipper Roston Chase for keeping things simple before giving him the ball and explained how he utilised the movement on offer to trouble the Pakistani batters.
“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.
“The ball nipped around and I got some reward. Anytime I get the ball in hand the team looks to me to be that solid player for them (and) try to dig us out of situations. To get five wickets for the first time in Test cricket, I’m really happy, but there’s still a lot of work to do in the game,” he added.
Pakistan fight back after Greaves’ heroics
Greaves’ heroics helped West Indies amass a slender 29-run lead heading into their second innings of the Test match in Trinidad. However, Pakistan fought back with the ball during the hosts’ second innings to take control of the series opener. Pakistan bowlers produced a strong show on Day 3 to reduce West Indies to 126/7 at stumps.
Abbas picked up a three-wicket haul, while Khurram Shahzad picked up two wickets as West Indies’ batting line-up fell like a pack of cards in their second innings. A 33-run unbeaten stand between Kemar Roach (5) and Shamar Joseph (22) ensured the hosts were not bowled out in their second innings on Day 3.