Shai Hope’s magnificent 116*, supported by Justin Greaves’ resilient 56 off 143 balls*, powered a superb West Indies fightback on Day 4 of the first Test against New Zealand at Hagley Oval.
Chasing a massive target, the visitors closed on 212/4, still requiring 319 runs but very much alive thanks to the unbroken 140-run stand between Hope and Greaves.
It was a remarkable effort from Hope, who returned to the crease despite suffering from an eye infection earlier in the Test. The century was his second in three innings, following a first-innings fifty.
NZ Declare, Injuries Disrupt Their Attack
New Zealand declared at 466/8, with Rachin Ravindra (176) and Tom Latham (145) dominating once more. But injuries severely hampered their attack.
Nathan Smith did not bat or field due to a side strain, and later in the day Matt Henry left the field for scans, forcing Tom Latham to turn to part-time spin.
With wicketkeeper Tom Blundell out injured, Latham was also wearing the gloves, a rare burden for a Test captain.
West Indies Collapse Early Before the Resistance Begins
The West Indies were rocked early at 72/4 after disciplined seam bowling from Jacob Duffy (2/65) and Henry (1/29). John Campbell (15), Tagenarine Chanderpaul (5), Alick Athanaze (5) and captain Roston Chase (4) all fell cheaply.
Chanderpaul scratched through 45 balls before edging behind, while Campbell succumbed to a sharp chance off Foulkes an over earlier.
Athanaze’s frustration led to a mistimed pull, and Chase fell in near-identical fashion to his first-innings dismissal, nibbling at Henry while anchored to the crease.
Hope Shows Class, Greaves Shows Grit
Once Hope and Greaves came together, the tone changed. Hope was tested relentlessly with the short ball: Duffy set a leg-side trap with three fielders back, but the batter stayed composed, swaying, ducking, and controlling strokes with soft hands. After 139 balls, he raised a superb fourth Test hundred.
Greaves, whose natural instinct is more free-flowing, mirrored Hope’s patience. He used his height to ride the bounce and defended with care, striking just two boundaries but providing exactly the support his senior partner needed.
Roach: “A Positive End to the Day — We’re Still in the Game”
Kemar Roach, who earlier claimed a brilliant 5–78, said the partnership had transformed West Indies’ outlook.
Yeah, still a long way to go. Obviously, a very positive end to the day today. The way that partnership is put on has kept us in the game. It’s all about being positive from here on, and let’s see what tomorrow brings.
Roach even said the team would not shy away from pushing for a win: “If we’re in a position to win the game, we are definitely going for it. Yes, 500 is a lot of runs, but we’ve played in our hands a little bit.”
NZ’s Morning Batting Leaves Many Puzzled
Some eyebrows were raised when New Zealand opted to bat on in the morning session before declaring. With multiple bowlers carrying niggles, the decision appeared geared toward giving the attack extra rest on a placid surface. Roach took three of the four wickets to fall, moving to 290 career Test wickets.
With Hope immovable and Greaves equally determined, the West Indies will resume Day 5 with belief, even if the target remains enormous. New Zealand, meanwhile, must hope their depleted attack can find breakthroughs early.
Brief Scores: New Zealand 231 & 466/8 dec (Rachin Ravindra 176, Tom Latham 145; Kemar Roach 5–78) West Indies 167 & 212/4 (Shai Hope 116*, Justin Greaves 56*; Jacob Duffy 2–65). New Zealand lead by 319 runs.
