Shai Hope backs Justin Greaves to score in all conditions after record WI-SL Test stand

Wicketkeeper-batter Shai Hope was full of praise for Justin Greaves after the two put on a record fifth-wicket partnership in West Indies vs Sri Lanka Tests, sharing 242 runs to steer the hosts clear of trouble in the second WTC Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua, on Monday, July 6.

Hope and Greaves came together with the West Indies wobbling at 141 for 4 on day three after left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya had removed both Amir Jangoo and Kavem Hodge in quick succession. The pair gradually took control, batting with great care and only stepping up the tempo when the rare loose delivery arrived. The resolute Hope struck 112 off 243 balls before falling in a freakish stumping, while the Barbados-born Greaves batted through the entire innings to make 180 off 325 deliveries, occupying the crease for eight and a half hours. The Caribbean side closed their first innings on 499, responding to Sri Lanka's 549 for 9 declared.

“He’s shown that he’s capable of scoring runs in all conditions against all bowling line-ups,” Hope said, as quoted by Cricinfo.

The 242-run stand is the highest fifth-wicket partnership between the two nations in Test cricket. Both batters reached their centuries within four overs of each other, with Hope becoming the first to three figures off 199 deliveries for his fifth Test hundred and first on Caribbean soil. The industrious Greaves followed shortly after with 201 balls to complete his third century in the longest format. It extended a remarkable conversion rate for the right-hander, whose Test centuries now outnumber his fifties three to one.

Sri Lanka closed day four at 92 for 2 in their second innings, with Dinesh Chandimal and Kamindu Mendis unbeaten, leading by 142 runs. The West Indies, who won the opening Test at the same venue by an innings and 217 runs, will begin the final day needing early wickets to push for a series-clinching win. The fixture is part of the ICC World Test Championship, with valuable points on the line for both nations.