Justin Greaves Creates History, Becomes First Cricketer Ever To Bowl 5 Consecutive Wicket-Maidens

West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves delivered a historic spell against Pakistan in the opening Test in Trinidad, becoming the first bowler in recorded Test history to bowl five consecutive wicket-maidens.

The remarkable feat came on Day 3 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, where Greaves turned the game on its head just when Pakistan looked in control. The right-arm seamer finished with career-best figures of 5/27 in 11 overs, with all five wickets coming in successive overs without conceding a single run. It was also his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket.

Greaves went past the previous record of four consecutive wicket-maidens, set by England’s Stuart Broad against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2016.

Greaves credited West

Indies captain Roston Chase for keeping things simple with his instructions when he was brought into the attack.

“When I came on, captain Roston Chase just said ‘continue to be disciplined in what you are doing’ and to see if I can get some wickets for the team,” said Greaves.

“The ball nipped around, and I got some reward. Anytime I get the ball in hand, the team looks to me to be that solid player for them to try to dig us out of situations. To get five wickets for the first time in Test cricket, I’m really happy, but there’s still a lot of work to do in the game.”

Pakistan were cruising at 244/3, with Shan Masood scoring a century, and looked set for a big first-innings lead. However, the innings quickly unravelled. Greaves dismissed Masood and then ripped through the middle and lower order. Aamer Jamal, Ali Usman and Mohammad Rizwan were among his victims as Pakistan failed to score off his bowling for five straight overs.

By lunch, Pakistan had slipped to 267/8, despite being in a strong position earlier. Greaves struck again soon after the break, removing Mohammad Abbas to complete his fifth consecutive wicket-maiden and secure his five-wicket haul. Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 282, giving West Indies a 29-run first-innings lead.