West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves made test cricket history on Monday when he became the first bowler in the recorded era to take wickets in five consecutive maiden overs, during the opening test against Pakistan in Tarouba.
The 32-year-old finished with figures of 5-27 on the third day. His spell swung the World Test Championship contest firmly in the hosts’ favour.
Greaves broke the previous record of four consecutive wicket maidens, which former England fast bowler Stuart Broad had set against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2016.
Playing his 17th test, Greaves claimed his maiden five-wicket haul as Pakistan were bowled out for 282 in reply to West Indies’ first-innings total of 311.
Pakistan looked in control at 244-3, with Shan Masood having reached a century, before Greaves triggered a dramatic collapse. He dismissed Masood for 109, then struck in successive overs to remove Aamer Jamal, Ali Usman and Mohammad Rizwan without conceding a run. Pakistan slipped to 267-8 at lunch.
Greaves completed the historic feat after the break when he had Mohammad Abbas caught behind, giving him five wickets from five successive maiden overs. Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 282, trailing by 29 runs in the first innings.
Pakistan fought back late in the day, reducing West Indies to 126-7 in their second innings by stumps.
The hosts still held an overall lead of 155 runs heading into the fourth day.
