Justin Greaves produced a marathon double century (202* off 388 balls) to help West Indies snatch a memorable draw in the opening Test against New Zealand at Hagley Oval, Christchurch on Saturday (December 6).
Chasing an improbable 531, the Caribbean side, whose first innings folded for a paltry 167, displayed remarkable character to reach a record fourth innings total when players shook hands.
Greaves faced 388 balls in his unbeaten double ton that included 19 fours. Shai Hope (140 off 234 balls) also slammed a crucial hundred, while Kemar Roach returned with a gutsy 58* off 233 balls to frustrate the Kiwis.
Resuming the final day at 212/4, the visitors lost Hope and wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach early in the morning session before Greaves and Roach forged an unbroken 180-run stand off 409 balls to save the Test.
West Indies finished on 457/7 -- the highest-ever fourth innings score in a five-day Test. The tourists played out 163.3 overs, recording the second-longest fourth-innings effort to draw a Test this century. Only Pakistan had played more overs in the fourth-innings of a drawn match, having seen off 171.4 overs during the Karachi Test against Australia in 2022.
West Indies batters’ herculean effort to save the Christchurch Test was lauded by the cricket fraternity on social media.
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