Justin Grieves and Kemar Roach delivered a masterclass in resilience, offering New Zealand a true spectacle of Test cricket in Christchurch. The West Indies duo’s remarkable innings not only mesmerised fans but also etched their names in cricketing history with a world-record partnership. Despite chasing a monumental target, West Indies’ valiant effort ultimately ended in a draw.
Chasing a staggering 531 in the fourth innings, hope briefly flickered for the Caribbean side. However, they played cautiously, finishing at 457 for six wickets at the close of the fifth day. This tally sets a new world record for the highest fourth-innings score in a five-day Test, surpassing New Zealand’s 451 against England in 2002 at the same venue.
Historically, there have been larger fourth-innings team totals, notably England’s 654 for five against South Africa in Durban in 1939. That match, played over ten days due to timeless Test rules, ended in a draw, leaving England just 42 runs short of victory.
West Indies had ample time to secure a win. In the final session, they required 132 runs from 33 overs with four wickets in hand. Choosing a conservative approach, Grieves and Roach added 58 runs in 32.3 overs without losing a wicket after tea.
Grieves scored his maiden double century, remaining unbeaten on 202 from 388 balls, including 19 boundaries. His marathon innings spanned 564 minutes, showcasing immense concentration and skill. Roach supported admirably, remaining unbeaten on 58. Together, they stitched a seventh-wicket stand of 180 runs from 410 balls. Earlier, Grieves had combined with Shai Hope for a fifth-wicket partnership of 196 off 384 balls.
This is only the third occasion in Test history where a team has recorded two partnerships of 150 or more runs in the fourth innings, with the previous instances dating back to England versus South Africa in 1939 and India against England in 1979.
New Zealand faced significant challenges, with injuries sidelining key bowlers Nathan Smith and Matt Henry, forcing them to rely on just three primary bowlers. Controversy added to their woes as umpiring errors denied reviews on crucial dismissals during Grieves and Roach’s stand.
Ultimately, the match ended in a draw, allowing West Indies to claim their first points in the new World Test Championship cycle. The second Test of the series is scheduled to begin in Wellington on 10 December.