‘Today happens only once in a lifetime’ - Veteran spinner hails Justin Greaves for remarkable knock

West Indies batter Justin Greaves scored a remarkable double hundred in the fourth innings of the first Test against New Zealand, earning praise from former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Chasing a daunting target of 531, Greaves anchored the innings alongside Shai Hope and Kemar Roach, producing the finest knock of his career.

Greaves remained unbeaten on 202 off 388 balls, hitting 19 fours as the match ended in a draw. Roach provided valuable support with an unbeaten 58 off 233 balls, including eight fours, helping West Indies reach 457/6. Ashwin lauded Greaves for his brilliant innings and also highlighted Roach’s crucial contribution in the drawn contest.

“Today happens only once in a lifetime and it’s that day for “Justin Greaves”. Let’s not forget Kemar Roach in this effort,” Ashwin wrote on X.

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In a remarkable display of resilience, Greaves and Roach put together a 180-run partnership for the seventh wicket to rescue West Indies from what looked like an inevitable defeat. The right-handed batter, who had previously recorded a century and a fifty in the red-ball cricket, delivered a masterclass against New Zealand.

The hosts posted 231 in their first innings, while West Indies responded with 167. New Zealand then scored 466 in their second innings, setting a daunting target of 531. With Greaves, Roach, and Shai Hope (140) leading the chase, West Indies held their nerve to secure a hard-fought draw. Greaves was named Player of the Match and described the day as special for both himself and the team. He credited Roach for guiding him through the final day and expressed his happiness at contributing to the team’s effort.

“I'll just say pretty much resilient. It's a word that we've thrown around in the dressing room a lot. So for me to be there at the end, you know, was really important. So anything for the team at the end of the day. And you can look at me. Special, special day for me. Special day for the team. We were pretty much up against it. So, to come out here about a whole day, after losing Shai, we thought we would have probably pushed for a win. But then, with Kemar, the senior pro, getting me all the way. Pretty much happy for him being there at the end as well,” said Greaves in the post-match presentation.