TAROUBA, Trinidad : West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves etched his name into the record books on Monday by becoming the first bowler in Test cricket’s recorded history to take wickets in five consecutive maiden overs during the opening Test against Pakistan.
The 32-year-old Barbadian produced career-best figures of 5-27 on the third day as West Indies seized the initiative in the World Test Championship contest.
Greaves broke the previous record of four successive wicket maidens set by former England paceman Stuart Broad against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2016.
Playing in his 17th Test, Greaves claimed his maiden five-wicket haul as Pakistan were dismissed for 282 in reply to West Indies’ first-innings total of 311.
“When I came on captain Roston Chase just said, ‘continue to be disciplined in what you are doing’ and 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.”
Pakistan appeared firmly in control at 244-3 after captain Shan Masood reached his century, but Greaves sparked a dramatic collapse.
The seamer dismissed Masood for 109 before removing Aamer Jamal, Ali Usman and Mohammad Rizwan in successive wicket-maiden overs, reducing Pakistan to 267-8 by lunch.
Greaves completed the unprecedented sequence shortly after the interval when Mohammad Abbas edged behind, giving the all-rounder five wickets from five consecutive maiden overs.
Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 282, conceding a first-innings deficit of 29 runs.
The visitors responded strongly late in the day, however, as West Indies slumped to 126-7 in their second innings by stumps.
Despite the collapse, the hosts held an overall lead of 155 runs heading into the fourth day.
