Century milestone sweet for Greaves, but West Indies fall short
Key Points(5)
- Justin Greaves marked a significant milestone with his maiden One-Day International (ODI) century, but the achievement was tempered by West Indies’ defeat to India in the opening match of their three-game series.
- Greaves made 101 from 108 balls, striking 12 fours, and anchored a 135-run opening partnership with John Campbell that gave West Indies a strong platform.
- The visitors eventually posted 295 for seven, but India’s formidable batting lineup made light work of the target to take a 1-0 series lead.
- A special setting For Greaves, however, the occasion carried significance beyond the personal landmark.
- “Happy to get the first one out of the way,” he told CWI Media.
Justin Greaves marked a significant milestone with his maiden One-Day International (ODI) century, but the achievement was tempered by West Indies’ defeat to India in the opening match of their three-game series.
Greaves made 101 from 108 balls, striking 12 fours, and anchored a 135-run opening partnership with John Campbell that gave West Indies a strong platform.
The visitors eventually posted 295 for seven, but India’s formidable batting lineup made light work of the target to take a 1-0 series lead.
A special setting
For Greaves, however, the occasion carried significance beyond the personal landmark.
“Happy to get the first one out of the way,” he told CWI Media.
The 101 came after he established his rhythm early and maintained it for much of his innings.
“In terms of the innings, I think I started pretty well. Got off to a quick start and then just about kept that tempo throughout the innings.”
Greaves said the conditions rewarded a disciplined approach, with the key being to avoid unnecessary risks while building an innings.
“The pitch was pretty good, as you could see from the scores in the game. And it was just about keeping it low-risk. Play proper cricket shots and just try to get through the power play and then just take it from there.”
Hard work behind the form
The century was the latest indication of Greaves’ growing comfort at the top of the West Indies’ white-ball batting order.
He attributed his progress to preparation and a clear understanding of his responsibility.
“It’s come down to a lot of hard work and a lot of discipline in terms of going out there, understanding my role as well in terms of opening the batting in white-ball cricket.”
His objective, he said, is straightforward: remain at the crease long enough to give the team the foundation for a substantial total.
“To bat as long as possible, to bat as deep as possible, and to help the team get those big scores.”
More needed from 295
Despite the impressive start provided by Greaves and Campbell, West Indies were unable to translate it into a winning total.
Greaves acknowledged that 295 for seven was below what was required against India.
“It obviously wasn’t enough because India’s batting line-up is very good.”
Still, he saw positives in the contributions from the middle order, particularly Amir Jangoo and Roston Chase.
“But in terms of us as a group, I think we did some things really well today.”
“Again, talking about the start between John Campbell and myself, we slowed a bit, but then I think Amir (Jangoo) played a very good innings, as well as Roston (Chase).”
With the World Cup qualifiers also in their sights, Greaves stressed the importance of turning those positive passages into sustained performances.
“But it’s just understanding where we need to be in terms of going into the qualifiers and trying to get that momentum.”
India provides memorable backdrop
There was little hesitation when Greaves was asked which of his international hundreds meant more to him.
“First ODI century.”
And playing in India made the occasion even more memorable.
“To be in India, packed house, yeah, always special to play against India.”
