Justin Greaves shines as West Indies dominate on day two in Antigua

Justin Greaves took his place alongside West Indies legends when he scored his first Test hundred with a well-compiled, patient knock that put his team in a strong position on the second morning of the first Test against Bangladesh at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

The 26-year-old Barbadian rose to the occasion and came up with an unbeaten innings of 115 to take the team from the shoals at 261-7 into the driving seat at 450-9. Joining forces with fellow fast bowler Kemar Roach, who scored his career-best 47 in Tests, Greaves held a vital 140 runs partnership for the eighth wicket.

Since Bangladesh started the day with at least some indication of optimism before the match began, they left the game feeling the heat at the end.

Turning the Tide

Hasan Mahmud dismissed Joshua Da Silva in his first over, and Alzarri Joseph immediately afterward. At 261-7, Bangladesh looked like they would get the tail end of the West Indies batting.

But Greaves and Roach were not to allow this to happen. Greaves, who was looking composed and calculated brought up his hundred with a cover drive and Roach admirably anchored the innings with 47 runs when the bowlers were tiring.

Torrential rain did not stop the duo, they continued till the team set a steep target for Bangladesh before the declaration was made.

Bangladesh Falters

Given the challenge, Bangladesh’s openers struggled against West Indies’ hot pace bowling. Jayden Seales dismissed Zakir Hasan for 15 and that was followed by Alzarri Joseph sending back Mahmudul Hasan Joy at just 5.

Finally, Bangladesh reached a hapless 40-2 at stumps and to all intents and purposes, they are 410 runs behind. As the West Indies bowlers are in ominous mood, a long and hard journey awaits the audience.

A Star Emerges

What a revelation Greaves’s century was, how he adopted and how he dominated under pressure. After recently dominating the opposition at the domestic Super50, he showed he belongs on the global stage.

Presumably, Roach was a typical representative of the West Indies’ fighting spirit that was embodied by the cricketing team. It guaranteed that the lower order not only withstood but thrived.

Towards future

Bangladesh needs to pull together fast. For the middle-order, there is a tough time ahead as the team has assured eight wickets in hand.

For the West Indies really, the plan A is always to get off to a flying start to increase the chances of a big victory. A high-scoring day two was procured by Justin Greaves and the West Indies.