Justin Greaves, who had put the West Indies in a strong position with a brilliant century in the first ODI against India, suffered a costly innings. The West Indies have suffered a major setback ahead of the second ODI in Guwahati on September 30. The team’s star all-rounder has been ruled out of the second match due to a calf injury.
However, it’s important to understand that Greaves hasn’t been permanently ruled out. He will be unavailable for the second ODI against India, while further details regarding the severity of the injury and his return are expected to be revealed at a later date.
Memorable innings of his career played against India
Justin Greaves batted brilliantly in the first ODI played in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27. He scored his first ODI century, scoring 101 runs off 108 balls .
Greaves, along with John Campbell, gave the West Indies a strong start. They shared a 135-run opening partnership . Greaves’ innings gave the West Indies hope of a big total against India in the early stages.
But he suffered a calf injury during his innings. After completing his batting, he was unable to field during India’s innings.
West Indies reached 295 runs
Riding on Greaves’ century and contributions from other batsmen, West Indies posted 295/7 in the first innings.
It looked like India would have to work hard to achieve the target, but Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill changed the entire equation.
Kohli scored an unbeaten 139 , while Gill made a brilliant 110. Both centuries helped India reach 300/2 in just 41.4 overs to win the match by eight wickets.
Greaves will not play in the second ODI
Despite scoring a century in the first match, Greaves will no longer be part of the West Indies playing XI in the second ODI due to injury.
Cricket West Indies has confirmed that he has been ruled out of the second match due to a calf injury . The team has not yet announced an official replacement for him for the second match.
Greaves’ absence is crucial for the West Indies, who are already trailing 0-1 in the three-match series and will need a win in the second ODI to level the series.
Will there be a comeback in the third ODI?
It is currently unclear whether Greaves will be fully fit for the third ODI, which is scheduled to be played in New Chandigarh on October 3 .
Therefore, the most accurate thing at the moment is that Justin Greaves, who scored a century against India, is out of the second ODI due to injury and has not been dropped from the West Indies team.
While he made headlines by scoring his first ODI century against India, an injury sustained during the same innings ruled him out of the very next match.