JUSTIN GREAVES’ SPECIAL CENTURY AND LATE EVENING WICKETS PUT WEST INDIES IN CONTROL OF FIRST TEST AGAINST BANGLADESH

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – A scintillating maiden unbeaten century from Justin Greaves, along with two late evening wickets from pacers Alzarri Joseph and Jayden Seales, has given West Indies control of the first Test against Bangladesh at stumps on Day Two at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

Justin Greaves etched his name in West Indies cricket history with a stunning century that led the Caribbean team to an impressive position.

The day resumed at 250 for 5, Greaves, on 11, and Joshua Da Silva, on 14, returning with purpose. However, within ten deliveries, the regional team fell to 261 for 7.

In a moment of need, Greaves and compatriot Kemar Roach revived the innings with a remarkable 140-run eighth-wicket partnership off 289 balls. Combining aggression with finesse, the pair rebuilt the innings, with Greaves reaching his half-century off 88 balls, including two boundaries. By lunch he had advanced to 63, with the team in a solid position at 336 for 7.

At the other end, Roach showed his experience by collecting 47 off 144 balls, including two boundaries, while keeping the bowlers at bay. As the partnership grew, so did Greaves’ confidence, pushing him closer to his first Test century.

Roach’s resistance eventually ended at 401 for 8, falling to a sharp inswinger from Hasan Mahmud. Their partnership now ranks as the third-highest eighth wicket stand in West Indies Test history.

Unfazed, Greaves belted his 181st delivery through mid-match, achieving his childhood dream of a Test century at the age of 30. To rapturous applause he walked the team to 450 for 9 before captain Kraigg Brathwaite declared.

In response, Bangladesh fought against the pacers of the West Indies. Jayden Seales struck first, dismissing Zakir Hasan for 15 after the batsman cut through at 20 for 1. Moments later, birth hero Alzarri Joseph Mahmudul dismissed Hasan Joy, caught by Alick Athanaze at second slip, leaving the visitors reeling at 20 for 2 .

The tourists faced another hostile spell from the West Indian pacers before poor lighting ended the game prematurely. Bangladesh closed at 40 for 2 and were still trailing by 410 runs with eight wickets in hand.

Looking back on his milestone, Greaves described the moment as career-defining:

He credited his collaboration with Roach with helping him achieve this feat:

Play resumes on Sunday, day three, at 10am local time.