Justin Greaves Anchors West Indies After Pakistan Miss Early Chances in Second Test
Unbeaten all-rounder guides West Indies to 239-5 on a rain-hit opening day as Pakistan rue dropped catches and bold selection decisions.
Justin Greaves celebrates his unbeaten half-century against Pakistan in Trinidad.
PORT OF SPAIN — Justin Greaves produced another composed innings to lead West Indies to 239-5 at stumps on a rain-affected opening day of the second and final Test against Pakistan at Queen’s Park Oval on Sunday.
The unbeaten all-rounder scored 64 not out, helping steady the innings after Pakistan made regular breakthroughs. His resilient knock followed an impressive all-round performance in the opening Test, where he played a decisive role in West Indies’ victory.
More than 100 words into the opening day’s play, Justin Greaves survived a major opportunity when Pakistan captain Babar Azam dropped a straightforward chance at leg slip shortly after the batter reached his half-century. Greaves was also hampered by a left-leg injury sustained while completing a quick single but continued his innings and added an unbeaten 66-run sixth-wicket partnership with captain Roston Chase, who finished the day on 36 not out.
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Greaves arrived at the crease with West Indies on 91-3 after off-spinner Sajid Khan dismissed Kavem Hodge. Pakistan sensed an opportunity to dominate when debutant fast bowler Ubaid Shah claimed his maiden Test wicket by dismissing Amir Jangoo.
However, Greaves and Shai Hope rebuilt the innings with a valuable 53-run partnership before Mohammad Ali, Pakistan’s standout bowler on the day, bowled Hope for 29 after the batter inside-edged the ball onto his stumps.
Pakistan’s Selection Raises Questions
Pakistan’s team selection attracted attention before play began after the tourists left out fast bowler Mohammad Abbas, despite his outstanding performance in the first Test, where he claimed eight wickets, including a five-wicket haul in the second innings.
The visitors instead opted for an additional spin option by recalling Sajid Khan on a dry-looking surface alongside left-arm spinner Ali Usman, while Awais Zafar made his Test debut following an injury to former captain Shan Masood.
Mohammad Ali provided Pakistan’s early breakthrough by dismissing Tagenarine Chanderpaul for 15, ending an opening partnership of 49 with Brandon King.
King looked set for a half-century before Ali Usman trapped him leg before wicket for 46, claiming his first Test wicket. Earlier in the innings, both King and Chanderpaul survived edged chances as Pakistan operated with fewer slip fielders than the bowlers had hoped for.
At the close of play, West Indies appeared well placed with Greaves and Chase still at the crease, while Pakistan will look for early wickets on the second morning to regain control of the match.
