Justin Greaves produced one of the great fourth-innings performances in Test cricket, crafting a magnificent unbeaten 202 to help West Indies pull off an extraordinary draw against New Zealand in the opening Test at Hagley Oval on Friday.
The visitors, dismissed for just 167 in their first innings, mounted a sensational fightback to finish on 457 for 6, registering the highest fourth-innings total in Test history and becoming the first touring side to cross 400 in the final innings on New Zealand soil.
Greaves briefly carried hopes of an unthinkable chase of 531 before West Indies settled for a draw that will be remembered for decades.
“Special Day For Me And The Team”: Greaves
Greaves, only the seventh batter in Test history to score a double century in the fourth innings, said the innings was built on discipline and calmness under pressure.
Special day for me and the team. Kemar, the senior pro, guided me all the way. Coach told me once you get in, stay in. To be a part of history is exciting, but for me it’s one day at a time. We just wanted to get into the last session, but losing Shai was a big thing for us.
His knock earned him the Player of the Match award.
Roach’s Career-Best 58 and Five-Wicket Haul Complete Remarkable Test
Kemar Roach delivered the finest all-round performance of his career, finishing unbeaten on 58 after batting for 233 balls in a marathon 282-minute stay. Earlier, he claimed 5 for 78 in New Zealand’s second innings, becoming the fourth-oldest player to take a five-for and score a fifty in the same Test.
Shai Hope contributed a fluent 140 before falling to Jacob Duffy, who collected eight wickets in a tireless effort across 60.4 overs.
A Chase for the Ages — But Short of History
The West Indies’ 457 for 6 stands second only to England’s 654 for 5 in the timeless Test of 1939. They ultimately finished 74 runs short of equalling the highest successful fourth-innings chase, the West Indies’ own 418 against Australia in 2003.
New Zealand were thwarted late when Roach survived a caught-behind shout in the 143rd over. With all three reviews exhausted, replays showed he had indeed edged the ball, leaving the Black Caps helpless as the match slipped away.
“A Test match that had it all”: Latham
Captain Tom Latham praised the spectacle and the West Indies’ fighting spirit.
It was a Test match that had it all. When you have two of your seamers go down, it’s never ideal, and sometimes you have to give credit; the way West Indies played was outstanding.
New Zealand were without their premier seamer Matt Henry for much of the match. Latham lauded Jacob Duffy and Zak Foulkes for their heavy workloads, adding: “Always nice to spend time in the middle and give ourselves a chance. The way Rachin Ravindra played was outstanding and gave us a chance to declare.”
Off-spinner Michael Bracewell bowled a mammoth 55 overs in the final innings, underlining New Zealand’s strain in the absence of Henry.
Brief Scores: New Zealand 231 & 466/8 decl drew with West Indies 167 & 457/6 (Justin Greaves 202, Shai Hope 140, Kemar Roach 58*; Jacob Duffy 3–122).
