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West Indies produced one of the most remarkable fourth-innings efforts in modern Test cricket, grinding out a heroic draw against New Zealand at the Hagley Oval. While the fight shown by Shai Hope, Justin Greaves and Kemar Roach stunned the hosts, the final two days also yielded a string of extraordinary records that underlined the scale of the achievement. Chasing an improbable 531 after being skittled for just 167 in their first innings, the visitors were staring at certain defeat when they slipped to 72/4. But what followed was a historic rearguard that saw West Indies bat for 163.3 overs, survive two close calls when New Zealand had no reviews left, and finish on 457/6 to secure an unforgettable stalemate.
Greaves remained unbeaten on 202, Roach hung on for 58 not out off 233 balls, and Hope earlier crafted a superb 140. Their resistance not only denied New Zealand a win but also led to several rare milestones being broken.
Records broken by West Indies in the Christchurch classic
1. Highest fourth-innings total in a five-day Test
West Indies’ 457/6 is now the highest ever fourth-innings score in a traditional five-day Test. Only England’s 654/5 against South Africa in 1939 is higher, but that came in a Timeless Test that lasted 218 overs.
2. Second-longest fourth innings to save a Test in the 21st century
Their 163.3-over stand is the second-most overs batted in the fourth innings of a drawn Test this century. Only Pakistan’s 171.4-over rescue act in Karachi in 2022 sits ahead.
3. Longest fourth-innings partnership below the fifth wicket
The stand between Greaves and Roach spanned 409 deliveries, making it the longest lower-order fourth-innings partnership (below No.5) ever recorded in a drawn Test.
4. Greaves joins elite club with double century
Justin Greaves became just the fourth West Indian and the seventh batter in history to score a double hundred in the fourth innings of a Test. His 202* is also the only unbeaten fourth-innings double ton in a drawn match.
5. Kemar Roach sets unique tailender milestone
Roach’s 58* off 233 balls makes him the first tailender (No.8–11) in Test history to face more than 200 deliveries in the fourth innings to save a match. West Indies may not have won the Test, but their historic resistance etched their names into the record books and produced one of the great escape acts in recent memory.
