Justin Greaves' Monumental Double Century Secures Historic Draw for West Indies Against New Zealand

In a display of extraordinary resilience and skill, West Indies batsman Justin Greaves carved his name into Caribbean cricket history with a magnificent unbeaten double century, ensuring a remarkable draw against New Zealand in the opening Test match at Christchurch's Hagley Oval.

Greaves, 31, batted for an astonishing nine-and-a-half hours, compiling 202 not out off 388 balls. His disciplined, metronomic approach steadied the West Indies innings as they pursued a daunting victory target of 531 runs on the fourth innings — a chase that became the second-highest fourth-innings total in Test history with the team finishing on 457 for 6.

The innings was marked by two significant partnerships: a 196-run stand with Shai Hope, who contributed 140 runs, and a crucial unbeaten 180-run partnership with Kemar Roach, who supported with 58 runs. These efforts not only defied the formidable New Zealand bowling attack but also showcased the team's grit amid challenges, including injuries to New Zealand seamers Nathan Smith and Matt Henry during the game.

"It's a special day for me and the team," Greaves reflected after receiving the player of the match award. "We were pretty much up against it, so to bat a whole day was really special. This result is a point of pride for us in this new World Test Championship cycle."

Captain Roston Chase praised Greaves' "herculean effort," emphasizing the importance of the innings in securing the draw for the Windies. The team consciously opted against pushing for an unlikely victory in the final session, focusing instead on resilience and consolidation.

Greaves' innings has been widely lauded as a masterpiece of patience and technique, and it marks his maiden Test double hundred, solidifying his reputation and contribution to West Indies cricket.