Justin Greaves became the first bowler in the recorded era to take wickets in five consecutive maiden overs in Test cricket during the first Test between West Indies and Pakistan at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad on July 28 [1, 2, 3]. The 32-year-old Barbadian all-rounder dismissed five batsmen for 27 runs on day three, surpassing Stuart Broad's previous record of four consecutive wicket maidens set in 2016 [1, 2, 3].
Greaves’ breakthrough came after a wicketless opening spell in which he bowled six overs for 27 runs [1]. He triggered Pakistan’s collapse by dismissing captain Shan Masood, who had scored 109 runs [1, 3]. Greaves then removed Aamer Jamal, Ali Usman lbw, Mohammad Rizwan, and Mohammad Abbas in consecutive maidens [1, 3].
Pakistan were bowled out for 282 in their first innings, replying to West Indies’ 311 [1, 2, 3]. West Indies closed day three at 126 for 7 in their second innings, leading by 155 runs [1, 3].
Speaking after the spell, Greaves said, “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.” He added, “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.” He expressed his pride in taking five wickets for the first time in Test cricket but noted, “there’s still a lot of work to do in the game” [1].
Greaves is playing his 17th Test and has established himself as a key member of the West Indies bowling attack [1, 2, 3]. The second day of the Test will continue the contest for the series opener.
