ADELAIDE, Australia, CMC – All-rounder Justin Greaves says being positive was the key to his crucial century stand with Kavem Hodge on the opening day of West Indies’ three-day game against Cricket Australia.
The right-handed Greaves scored 65 in a 120-run fifth-wicket partnership with Hodge, who made 52, as West Indies recovered from a second-session collapse to reach 251 for eight at the close at Karen Rolton Oval.
The pair came together after West Indies lost three wickets for three runs to plunge to 103 for four.
Greaves played with freedom to lash ten fours in a 135-ball knock before perishing in the final session when he played on to an innocuous delivery from seamer Liam Haskett (3-57).
“I think that’s pretty much where I am at the moment,” Greaves said, his freedom in stroke-play.
“Spending some time with Kavem in the Windwards last season also gave me a bit of confidence out in the middle, so our thing is always trying to be as positive as possible.”
Greaves arrived here two weeks ago as one of seven uncapped players in an inexperienced 15-man squad for two Tests against the hosts.
The 29-year-old played three One-Day Internationals against Ireland two years ago without much fanfare and will be looking to kick start his career on his maiden Test tour.
“I just want to take it one game at a time. Coming here, you just wanted to be able to get into your work, and if you’re selected for that first Test, make sure you’re prepared,” said the Barbadian.
“Being in this group, I’ve played with most of the guys as I have been traveling a bit in the Caribbean, but I’m just trying to enjoy it as much as possible.”
Dogged by injury for much of his career, Greaves has stayed on the park long enough recently to impress selectors.
And in last October’s Super50 Cup, he amassed 403 runs at an average of 80 as he helped power Leeward Islands Hurricanes into the final.
He said he hoped to get back into top shape where his pace bowling played a crucial part in his game.
“It’s been an enjoyable one (career), sometimes plagued by injury, but I’ve just tried to make the most of it when I’ve gotten the opportunity on the field. To be on my first Test tour, I’m looking forward to it,” he said
“I’m still able to bowl; it just all depends on which team I’m in [and] which role I have to pick, but I still enjoy my bowling.
“I just think moving away [from my bowling] with the injuries, I haven’t been bowling as much, but I’m getting back into it, just trying to hit my straps and enjoying it.”
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