ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – The Sir Vivian Richards Stadium bore witness to an unforgettable milestone on day two of the first Test on Saturday, as Justin Greaves’ maiden Test century orchestrated a stunning West Indies resurgence against Bangladesh.
His composed 115 not out anchored the hosts to a commanding 450 for 9 declared, leaving the visitors trailing by a daunting 410 runs with eight wickets in hand.
The morning began ominously for the West Indies, as Bangladesh’s Hasan Mahmud struck with ruthless efficiency, removing overnight batter Joshua Da Silva for 14 with the fifth ball of the day. Soon after, Mahmud had Alzarri Joseph spectacularly caught at gully for just four. With the home side precariously placed at 261 for 7, Bangladesh seemed poised to seize control.
But Greaves, combining patient strokeplay with unwavering determination, found an able ally in Kemar Roach. Together, the duo scripted a heroic 140-run, eighth-wicket stand that shifted momentum firmly in the West Indies’ favor.
Greaves’ journey to glory
Roach, better known for his exploits with the ball, showcased grit and skill with the bat, crafting his highest Test score of 47 in a 15-year career. The pair frustrated Bangladesh through the morning and into the afternoon, guiding the hosts to lunch without further loss.
Greaves grew increasingly confident as the day wore on. A sumptuous pull through midwicket off Taskin Ahmed for his third boundary signaled his intent. He survived a scare on 77 when a faint nick behind went unnoticed by the bowler and stand-in wicketkeeper Jaker Ali.
The Barbadian raised his bat in triumph with a picturesque cover drive off Taijul Islam, marking his maiden Test century. His disciplined innings, spanning 206 balls and featuring just four boundaries, epitomized adaptability and determination. This performance was a continuation of the scintillating form he displayed in the Super50 Cup, where he notched three consecutive centuries earlier in the month.
Bangladesh’s bowling efforts falter
While Mahmud was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, his teammates struggled to sustain pressure. Taskin Ahmed added two scalps, while spinners Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam toiled for their combined three wickets from over 73 overs.
After setting a formidable total, the West Indies declared their innings at the end of 145 overs, giving themselves 105 minutes to exploit the fading light. Their pace attack wasted no time making inroads.
Jayden Seales bowled Zakir Hasan for 15, while Alzarri Joseph dismissed Mahmudul Hasan Joy for just five, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 40 for 2 by stumps. Mominul Haque (7) and Shahadat Hossain (10) remain at the crease, facing a Herculean task to salvage their innings.
The day’s proceedings were a testament to the West Indies’ tenacity and rising star power. Greaves’ century, Roach’s determination, and the relentless pace attack have put the hosts firmly in the driver’s seat. With three days remaining, Bangladesh faces an uphill battle to avoid a crushing defeat.
