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"Once in a lifetime day": R Ashwin praises Justin Greaves with inspiring words after heroics vs NZ

Umesh Sharma

Justin Greaves celebrates his double ton against NZ in first Test (Source: AFP) Justin Greaves celebrates his double ton against NZ in first Test (Source: AFP) 

The first Test between New Zealand and West Indies in Christchurch ended in a dramatic draw, thanks to the outstanding and historic fourth-inning double hundred smashed by Caribbean all-rounder Justin Greaves. He played an unbeaten knock of 202 runs off 388 balls, hitting 19 fours pushing New Zealand away from the victory. 

Meanwhile, the former India great, Ravichandran Ashwin came up with the praising and encouraging words for Greaves. Ashwin’s comments came after WI successfully executed an exciting draw in the game which was being dominated by the Kiwis. 

Exceptional day for WI and Greaves, says R Ashwin 

The visitors ended up scoring 457 runs for the loss of six wickets in 163.3 overs while chasing a mammoth target of 531 runs. 

“Today happens only once in a lifetime and it’s that day for “Justin Greaves”. Let’s not forget Kemar Roach in this effort,” wrote Ashwin in a post on his official X handle (formerly Twitter).
"Also, Shai Hope was remarkable with the bat in both the innings, Exceptional day for West Indies,” he added later, mentioning Shai Hope for his brilliant century knock of 140 runs off 234 balls, with 15 fours and two sixes. 

R Ashwin's X post for Justin Greaves (Source: X)R Ashwin's X post for Justin Greaves (Source: X)

Speaking of the action of the game in the Test series opener between New Zealand and West Indies, the visitors won the toss and asked the Kiwis to bat first. The hosts were bundled out at the score of 231 runs in the first innings, courtesy of Kane Williamson’s 52 runs off 102 balls and Michael Bracewell’s 47 runs off 73 balls. 

Furthermore, the Caribbean side failed to give a strong response and ended up getting bundled out at just 167 runs in the first innings, with New Zealand getting 64-run lead at the end of first innings. Later in the second innings, Skipper Tom Latham’s (145) and all-rounder Rachin Ravindra’s (176) centuries helped the hosts post a massive total of 466/8 before declaring their second innings. Kemar Roach also shone for WI, with his sensational five-wicket haul (5/78). 

While chasing the target in the fourth innings, the visitors were struggling after losing four wickets at the score of just 72 runs. But then came two amazing and survival knocks played by Shai Hope (140) and Justin Greaves (202*) to save the game for their side.