NEW DELHI: West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves has joined an elite list of batters, becoming just the seventh player to score a double hundred in the fourth innings of a Test match.
Greaves likely played the innings of his life, finishing unbeaten on 202 to snatch a draw for the West Indies from the jaws of defeat in the first Test against New Zealand in Christchurch.
The elite list of batters who have scored a double century in the fourth innings of a Test match includes George Headley of West Indies, who scored 223 against England in Kingston in 1930; William Edrich of England, who made 219 versus South Africa in Durban in 1939; Sunil Gavaskar of India, who compiled 221 against England at The Oval in 1979; Gordon Greenidge of West Indies, who remained unbeaten on 214 against England at Lord's in 1984; Nathan Astle of New Zealand, who scored 222 against England in Christchurch in 2002; and Kyle Mayers of West Indies, who hit an unbeaten 210 against Bangladesh in Chattogram in 2021.
Greaves batted for almost 9 1-2 hours, first in a 196-run partnership with Shai Hope, who made 140 before being only of only two West Indies batters dismissed on the final day. Kemar Roach, who finished 58 not out, faced 233 balls to add a half century to his five-wicket bag in the New Zealand second innings.
Chasing 531 to win, West Indies reached 457/6 when the stumps were drawn on the final day of the Test - highest fourth-innings score since Tests were limited to five days.
Greaves highlights how persistence and mental strength were central to their approach. His focus was not on personal glory but on staying at the crease to give his team a chance, reflecting a selfless mindset.
"Resilient is the word we've thrown around in the dressing room a lot so for me to to there at the end of the day was really important. Anything for the team at the end of the day," Greaves said.
"It's a special, special day for me, a special day for the team. We were pretty much up against it."
