NewKerala.com

Justin Greaves Reveals Why Test Cricket Is a "Massive Step Up" from Caribbean First-Class

West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves just played a heroic, match-saving innings against New Zealand. He explains that Test cricket is a huge leap from the first-class game back in the Caribbean. To make that jump, he's completely changed his approach to training and fitness. He's also leaning on experienced players like Jason Holder for advice on building a successful Test career.

Key Points: Justin Greaves on Test Cricket Step Up After NZ Double Century

  • Greaves saved the first Test with an unbeaten 202, batting nearly 9.5 hours
  • He is the seventh batter ever to score a double century in a Test fourth innings
  • The all-rounder changed his training for greater physical and mental demands
  • Greaves seeks tips from players like Jason Holder to improve his Test career
2 min read

Test cricket a massive step up from first-class cricket in Caribbean: West Indies allrounder Justin Greaves

West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves discusses the demanding jump to Test cricket, his match-saving 202*, and seeking advice from Jason Holder.

"It Test cricket is a massive step up from first-class cricket in the Caribbean. It's much more demanding, both physically and mentally. - Justin Greaves"

New Delhi, December 8

West Indies allrounder Justin Greaves has called the progression from first-class cricket in the West Indies to Test cricket a "massive step up".

The Caribbean all-rounder also stated he wanted to play Test cricket and has changed the way he trains, both in strength and conditioning and in skills.

Greaves is coming off a match-saving 202 not out against New Zealand in the first Test in Christchurch. The batter scored his maiden double-Test century. Justin remained unbeaten on 202 off 388 deliveries, including 19 fours.

"It [Test cricket] is a massive step up from first-class cricket in the Caribbean. It's much more demanding, both physically and mentally. This is where I always wanted to be, so I had to change the way I train, both strength- and conditioning-wise and skill-wise. Enjoying it, learning as I go along," Greaves said as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.

Greaves became the fourth batter from his country to notch up a double century in the fourth innings of a Test match. Overall, Greaves is the seventh batter to score a double century in the fourth innings of a Test match. The elite list includes George Headley (223), Gordon Greenidge (214), Kyle Mayers (210*), Nathan Astle (222), Sunil Gavaskar (221), and Bill Edrich (219).

His brilliant innings saved the Test match, which ended in a draw. Greaves batted for nearly nine and a half hours and faced 388 balls to help them survive 163.3 overs and salvage a draw.

He also said that learnings from conversations with Jason Holder had helped improve his game, stating he has dropped him a few messages in terms of finding out what Holder has done to have the career he's had in Test cricket.

"If I can pick up some tips from the other successful all-rounders around the world when we play against them, I pretty much do that. I lean on Jason Holder, who's been around with the T20 squad when I'm here. I've dropped him a few messages in terms of finding out what he's done to have the career he's had in Test cricket so far."

Greaves will hope to build on this performance in the second Test against New Zealand in Wellington, which starts on Wednesday, with the three-match series levelled at 0-0.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
It's refreshing to see a player openly talk about the massive step up to Test cricket and adapting his training. So much focus is on T20 these days. This kind of dedication to the longest format is what keeps Test cricket alive. Well done, Justin!
V
Vikram M
His point about first-class cricket in the Caribbean not being as demanding is a bit worrying, no? If the domestic structure isn't tough enough, how will they produce consistent Test players? West Indies cricket board needs to look into this seriously.
P
Priya S
388 balls! That's mental strength of the highest order. Facing that many deliveries under pressure to save a game is incredible. Hope our young Indian batters are watching and learning. Test cricket is the ultimate test, after all.
R
Rohit P
Smart of him to seek guidance from Jason Holder. Having a senior pro to lean on makes a huge difference. We see it in the Indian team too with the likes of Dravid mentoring the youngsters. Good luck to him for the rest of the series!
N
Nikhil C
While I admire the innings, let's be honest, the pitch in Christchurch was a flat road in the 4th innings. A true test would be doing this on a Day 5 turner in India or a greentop in England. Still, credit for the concentration 👏.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50