Justin Greaves scripts Test history with unprecedented five consecutive wicket-maidens against Pakistan

West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves produced a record-breaking spell against Pakistan in the opening Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, becoming the first bowler in recorded Test history to claim wickets in five consecutive maiden overs.

The 32-year-old right-arm seamer registered career-best figures of 5/27 in 11 overs, with all five of his wickets coming across five successive overs without conceding a single run. It was also Greaves’ maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket and a spell that completely transformed the contest in West Indies’ favour.

In the process, Greaves surpassed the previous record held by former England pacer Stuart Broad, who bowled four consecutive wicket-maidens against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2016.

Pakistan appeared to be in complete control of their first innings after reaching 244/3, with captain Shan Masood bringing up a well-crafted century.

However, Greaves turned the game on its head with a sensational burst. He dismissed the well-set Masood before running through Pakistan’s middle and lower order. Aamer Jamal, Ali Usman, and Mohammad Rizwan were among the batters to fall during his remarkable spell, as Pakistan collapsed from a commanding position to be bowled out for 282.

The visitors’ collapse handed the West Indies a slender 29-run first-innings lead, putting the hosts in a strong position in the World Test Championship clash.

‘The ball nipped around, and I got some reward’: Justin Greaves

Speaking after the day’s play, Greaves credited West Indies captain Roston Chase for keeping his instructions simple before he came into the attack.

“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. 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 to 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 was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times. 

With the match still finely poised heading into the fourth day, the all-rounder’s extraordinary spell has already become one of the defining moments of the series.