Justin Greaves credits 'thinking big' after starring in West Indies' series win over Sri Lanka

Justin Greaves played a key role in West Indies' 1-0 Test series victory over Sri Lanka, producing match-winning performances with both bat and ball to earn the Player of the Series award.

The all-rounder scored a magnificent 180 in the first innings of the second Test, an innings that proved crucial in helping West Indies secure a draw and seal the series. He also picked up four wickets across the two matches, capping off an outstanding all-round display.

Speaking after the conclusion of the second Test, Greaves said his focus has always been on contributing to the team's success rather than personal milestones.

"Once you get out there, the captain asks me to do a job, I try to do the job to the best of my ability, whether batting or bowling," Greaves said at the post-match press conference.

"Always wanting to do better - I think that's the start of it. Always wanting to get really big scores. Always talk about staying hungry in the dressing room. It's just not for yourself, it's just more for the team at the end of the day. Because, you know, there's sometimes that you might get a hundred or you might get a 90 and it might be good for you, but it's not good enough for the team. And it's always team first for me. So thinking big, thinking big scores really, really help the team," he continued.

Greaves' knock of 180 came off 325 deliveries and lasted 510 minutes, underlining his patience and determination at the crease. It was also the third century of his Test career, following unbeaten scores of 115 and 202.

The 31-year-old described the series victory as one of the biggest achievements of his career, especially as it marked West Indies' first series win in the current World Test Championship cycle.

"I think this will be top of the list - contributing to a team win and then contributing to a series win as well. For me, first team series win as well in the Test Championship for us was a very, very big achievement," he said.

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy also praised Greaves after the match and revealed how determined the all-rounder had been following his disappointing outing in the first Test, where he managed just three runs.

"Justin, just a while ago, he spoke to Floyd [Reifer, the batting coach], talking about he having to zone back in. You know, he missed out in the first Test [3 in his only innings], and you could see he was so determined," Sammy said.

The West Indies coach also credited Greaves' positive attitude and confidence for his recent improvement.

"I'm like, whatever he's done, and that's not even cricket. It's just from his social skills, the way he looks like he's enjoying the game. [He should] keep it up, because I've seen a change from the last year and it's working. So long may it continue," Sammy concluded. 

After an impressive all-round display against Sri Lanka, Greaves will now look to carry the same form into West Indies' upcoming two-match home Test series against Pakistan.