Justin Greaves produced a nine-and-a-half-hour batting masterclass as he secured an improbable draw for West Indies against New Zealand with his first Test double hundred.
The 31-year-old’s unbeaten 202 was the foundation of West Indies’ 457-6, the second-highest four-innings total in Test match history, as they chased an improbable victory target of 531 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
Greaves’ methods were more metronome than fireworks, and while New Zealand’s attack was dealing with Nathan Smith and Matt Henry, both injured during the match, his 388-ball vigil ensured a draw and earned his side their first point in the new World Test Championship cycle.
Greaves scored 196 with Shai Hope (140) and then 180 with Kemar Roach (58) for an unbroken seventh wicket to seal a pride-restoring draw that felt as good as a win.
Greaves put up a 196-run stand with Shai Hope and then a 180-run stand with Kemar Roach.
“It’s a special day for me and a special day for the team,” Greaves said.
“We were pretty much against it, so to come out here and have a full day… it’s a really, really special day for us as a group.”
West Indies did not pursue an unlikely win in the final session and Greaves felt he and his team showed enough resilience in batting in the second innings.
“It’s something we throw around a lot in the dressing room, so it was really important for me to be there at the end, do whatever it takes for the team at the end of the day,” he said.
West Indies skipper Roston Chase paid tribute to Greaves and Roach for their brilliant back-row action.
“Obviously I’m proud of Justin Greaves for putting in a tremendous effort,” Chase said.
“He’s someone I grew up with playing cricket, so I’m very proud of this moment. That guy and obviously Kemar Roach… he’s a modern-day legend. I’m happy for these guys and I’m glad we were able to achieve what we achieved.”
New Zealand captain Tom Latham regretted not being able to secure victory but found solace in the fact that he had been part of a memorable match.
“It was a Test match with everything,” he said.
“It was a great Test match to be a part of heading into the final hour with all three results on the cards.”
The second Test of the series is played in Wellington next week.
