Greaves savours maiden ODI ton but admits West Indies total was not enough

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – West Indies batsman Justin Greaves described his maiden One Day International (ODI) century as a special moment, especially against India in a packed house, but admitted his side’s 295 for seven was not enough in the opening game of the three-match series in India.

Greaves struck 101 from 108 balls, hitting 12 fours, and shared an opening stand of 135 in 19.2 overs with John Campbell. Despite that platform, India’s powerful batting line-up completed the chase as West Indies fell to defeat.

“Happy to get the first one out of the way,” Greaves told CWI Media. “In terms of the innings, I think I started pretty well. Got off to a quick start and then just about kept that tempo throughout the innings.”

Reflecting on the pitch, he said: “The pitch was pretty good, as you could see from the scores in the game. And it was just about keeping it low risk. Play proper cricket shots and just try to get through the power play and then just take it from there.”

Greaves credited hard work and discipline for his recent form, particularly in his white-ball role at the top of the order.

“It’s come down to a lot of hard work and a lot of discipline in terms of going out there. Understanding my role as well in terms of opening the batting in white-ball cricket. To bat as long as possible, to bat as deep as possible and to help the team get those big scores.”

On the team’s total, he was candid: “It obviously wasn’t enough because India’s batting lineup is very good. But in terms of us as a group, I think we did some things really well today.

Again, talking about the start between John Campbell and myself. We slowed a bit, but then I think Amir (Jangoo) played a very good innings, as well as Roston (Chase). But it’s just understanding where we need to be in terms of going into the qualifiers and trying to get that momentum.”

Asked how he would rate his first Test century against his first ODI century, Greaves did not hesitate: “First ODI century.”

The reason? “To be in India, packed house. Yeah. Always special to play against India.” West Indies travelled to Guwahati on Monday evening and will train on Tuesday afternoon ahead of the second ODI.

CMC