West Indies' Justin Greaves made history by becoming the first bowler in Test cricket to take five consecutive wicket maidens. He achieved this during a match-changing spell against Pakistan, which was also his maiden five-wicket haul in Tests.
West Indies' Justin Greaves scripted history on Monday by becoming the first bowler in Test cricket, since comprehensive records became available, to register five consecutive wicket maidens. Greaves achieved the feat during a match-changing spell either side of lunch on the third day of the first ICC World Test Championship Test against Pakistan in Trinidad, where he tore through the visitors' batting line-up, according to the ICC.
The spell also marked Greaves' maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket. He surpassed the previous record of four successive wicket maidens, registered by former England fast bowler Stuart Broad against South Africa in Johannesburg in January 2016.
'Kept it Simple': Greaves on Record Spell
Greaves said he kept his approach simple during the spell, following the advice of West Indies captain Roston Chase to bowl consistently in the right areas and trust the process. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ICC (@icc) "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, as quoted by ICC.
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.
Greaves Triggers Dramatic Pakistan Collapse
Pakistan appeared to be in a strong position to build a sizeable first-innings lead after reaching 244/3, with Shan Masood having completed his century. However, Greaves dismissed the former Pakistan captain to trigger a dramatic collapse. The West Indies all-rounder then removed Aamer Jamal, Ali Usman and Mohammad Rizwan in successive overs without conceding a run, leaving Pakistan struggling at 267/8 at lunch in reply to the hosts' first-innings total of 311. View this post on Instagram A post shared by WINDIES Cricket (@windiescricket)
Greaves continued his impressive spell after the break, having Mohammad Abbas caught behind in his opening over to complete five consecutive wicket maidens. Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 282 following a superb display of seam bowling from the experienced right-armer.
Pakistan Hit Back Before Close of Play
However, Pakistan hit back before the close of play, reducing the West Indies to 126/7 and limiting their overall lead to 155. Shamar Joseph, unbeaten on 22, and Kemar Roach, on five, will resume batting on the fourth day. (ANI)
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