New Zealand v West Indies: Justin Greaves’ sensational double hundred earns West Indies an unexpected draw | Cricket News

Justin Greaves produced a nine-and-a-half-hour batting masterclass as his maiden Test double hundred secured an unlikely draw for the West Indies against New Zealand.

The 31-year-old’s unbeaten 202 was the foundation of West Indies’ 457-6, the second-highest fourth-innings total in Test match history, in pursuit of an unlikely victory target of 531 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

Greaves’ method was more metronome than fireworks and as she came up against a New Zealand attack depleted by mid-match injuries to seamers Nathan Smith and Matt Henry, her 388-ball vigil forced a draw and earned her side their first points in the new World Test Championship cycle.

Greaves forged a 196-run stand with Shai Hope (140), then lifted 180 with Kemar Roach (58) for the unbroken seventh wicket for a pride-restoring draw that was as good as a victory.

“Special day for me, special day for the team,” Greaves said.

“We were pretty up against it. So to come out here and beat a full day…a really, really special day for us as a group.”

West Indies did not push for an improbable victory in the final session and Greaves felt that he and his team showed enough resilience in their second innings batting.

“It’s a word we used a lot in the locker room. So for me, being there at the end was really important. All for the team at the end of the day,” he said.

West Indian skipper Roston Chase praised Greaves and Roach for their spectacular rearguard action.

“Obviously a Herculean effort from Justin Greaves, proud of him,” Chase said.

“He’s someone I grew up playing cricket with, so I’m very proud of this moment, for him, and obviously for Kemar Roach… he’s a modern day legend. I’m happy for these guys and happy that we were able to achieve what we did.”

New Zealand captain Tom Latham regretted not achieving victory, but found solace in playing in a memorable match.

“It was a test match that had it all,” he said.

“For it to head into the final hour with all three results on the cards, it was a great test match to be a part of.”

The second Test of the series begins in Wellington next week.