Justin Greaves Scripts History With Record-Breaking Spell in Test Against Pakistan

West India pace-bowling all-rounder, Justin Greaves has made history and etched his name in the record books with an unbelievable spell of fast bowling against Pakistan. He became the first bowler in recorded test cricket history to deliver five consecutive wicket-maiden overs. He achieved this feat during the on-going first test match in Tarouba, Trinidad.

The tall West Indian produced a devastating spell of fast bowling on the day 3 of the test match that left the visitors stunned. His record-breaking five overs turned the match on its head after Pakistan looked to be placed well in their first innings. Greaves eventually finished with his career best figures so far of 5 for 27 from his 11 overs, with all his five wickets coming in five back-to-back maiden overs. This was also his maiden five-wicket haul in test matches.

Earlier, Pakistan resumed the day after they were trailing the West Indies’ first innings total of 311 and they were looking well set to put a big total on board through a strong partnership between Salman Agha and Shan Masood. The duo negotiated the opening hour of pace barrage from Shamar Joseph with caution before eventually he got Agha out.

What followed next was unthinkable with Greaves producing a remarkable spell in the recent test cricket. He dismissed the centurion Shan Masood for 109 when the Pakistani batter chopped on the ball back to his stumps. The 31-year-old, Greaves then removed Aamer Jamal, Ali Usman in successive overs putting the Pakistanis on the backfoot.

Pakistan had pinned all their hopes on one of their most experienced batters, Mohammad Rizwan to pull their innings back together but Greaves had other plans. He forced the batter into flashing a wide delivery outside off, which the keeper pouched safely behind the wickets.

In the first over after lunch, Greaves sent Mohammad Abbas back to pavilion and completed his maiden five-wicket haul in tests. The astonishing burst of fast bowling from Greaves triggered a dramatic collapse for Pakistan as they lost five wickets for just 15 runs before eventually they were bowled out for 289, giving West Indies a handy lead of 29 runs.

With his remarkable achievement, Greaves surpassed the previous record of four consecutive wicket-maidens by former England pacer Stuard Broad who had achieved the feat in a test versus South Africa in Johannesburg in January 2016.