Key Takeaways
- Justin Greaves scored an unbeaten 64 to help West Indies reach 239-5 at stumps.
- The partnership between Greaves and Roston Chase (36 not out) was worth 66 runs.
- West Indies face a challenging second day against Pakistan's bowlers.
Justin Greaves made an unbeaten 64 to steer West Indies to 239-5 at stumps on the opening day of the second Test against Pakistan in Trinidad. His performance came after a match-winning display with the ball in the first Test.
Greaves, who was hobbling due to a left leg injury sustained while completing a sharp run, displayed his trademark ease and composure at the crease. Despite an error that saw captain Babar Azam drop a straightforward chance at leg-slip, Greaves continued his innings with resilience.
His sixth-wicket partnership with Roston Chase (36 not out) was worth 66 runs, providing stability for West Indies as they face a challenging second day against Pakistan's bowlers. Greaves will be hoping to return to his usual athletic mobility when he resumes the innings on the second morning.
The match saw a rain-affected session in which Pakistan’s decision-making highlighted their struggles off the field. Mohammad Abbas, the tourists’ best bowler by some distance from the 90-run defeat in the first Test, was dropped despite a match haul of eight for 85, including five for 22 in the second innings.
A second Pakistani debutant, Awais Zafar, got his chance due to the finger injury sustained by former captain Shan Masood while compiling a determined century in the first Test. Pakistan’s think-tank seemed convinced of the wisdom of playing an additional slow bowler on a surface devoid of grass, drafting in Sajid Khan as an off-spinning option alongside left-arm orthodox bowler Ali Usman.
Khan's first notable act was to take the catch at long-leg which sent Tagenarine Chanderpaul to the pavilion for 15 after a brisk opening stand of 49 with Brandon King. The partnership between Greaves and Hope provided stability, but seamer Mohammad Ali bowled Hope off the inside-edge for 29.
Kavem Hodge fell early in the innings, and Amir Jangoo was dismissed by Ubaid Shah's first ball of a new spell, leaving West Indies at 173 for five. King summed up the day’s effort, saying, 'We needed those partnerships at the end of the day and it was good to see those guys (Greaves, Hope and Chase) making those contributions.'
As easily as the runs flowed, especially off King's bowling, West Indies will be hoping for a strong start on the second morning.
We needed those partnerships at the end of the day and it was good to see those guys (Greaves, Hope and Chase) making those contributions.
Brandon King, West Indies player
