Justin Greaves made Test cricket history on Monday by becoming the first bowler in the recorded era to take wickets in five consecutive maiden overs. He achieved the milestone during the opening Test against Pakistan in Tarouba.
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The 32-year-old West Indies all-rounder returned outstanding figures of 5-27. As a result, his spell shifted the World Test Championship match firmly in the hosts’ favour.
Greaves broke the previous record of four consecutive wicket maidens. Previously, former England fast bowler Stuart Broad set that mark against South Africa in 2016.
Career-Best Performance
Playing his 17th Test, Greaves claimed his first five-wicket haul in the format. Meanwhile, Pakistan were bowled out for 282 after West Indies posted 311 in the first innings.
“When I came on, captain Roston Chase told me to stay disciplined and look for wickets,” Greaves said.
He added that the ball moved enough to reward accurate bowling. Moreover, he described his maiden Test five-for as a special career achievement.
Greaves Triggers Pakistan Collapse
Pakistan looked comfortable at 244-3, with Shan Masood reaching a century. However, Greaves completely changed the momentum with a remarkable spell.
First, he dismissed Masood for 109. Then, he removed Aamer Jamal, Ali Usman, and Mohammad Rizwan in successive wicket-maiden overs.
After the lunch break, Greaves had Mohammad Abbas caught behind. Consequently, he completed his historic run of five wickets in five consecutive maiden overs.
Pakistan eventually finished on 282. Therefore, the visitors trailed West Indies by 29 runs after the first innings.
Pakistan Responds Before Stumps
Despite Greaves’ brilliance, Pakistan fought back late in the day. They reduced West Indies to 126-7 in the second innings before stumps.
Even so, the hosts carried an overall lead of 155 runs into the fourth day. Therefore, West Indies remain in a strong position despite Pakistan’s late comeback.
