Greaves out: West Indies lose their in-form opener
West Indies have suffered a major setback ahead of their must-win second ODI against India. Opener Justin Greaves, who scored a brilliant 101 in the series opener, has been ruled out of the Guwahati match due to a calf injury.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed the news in an official statement on Tuesday. The all-rounder picked up the injury while batting in the first ODI in Thiruvananthapuram and did not take the field in the second innings.
How the injury happened
Greaves was in sublime touch in Thiruvananthapuram, smashing his maiden ODI hundred off 108 balls. He shared a 135-run opening stand with Brandon King and gave West Indies a strong platform.
But as his innings progressed, he started showing signs of discomfort. He was seen receiving treatment on his right leg during the knock. After West Indies posted 295/7, Greaves did not come out to field in India’s chase.
CWI said: “Justin Greaves has been ruled out of the second game of the ODI series against India after sustaining a calf injury. Greaves picked up the injury during his innings in the opening match of the series.”
What this means for West Indies
Losing Greaves hurts West Indies on two fronts. First, they lose a batter who just scored a century and looked set for a big series. Second, they lose a handy bowling option in the middle overs.
India won the first ODI by chasing down 296 with four wickets in hand. With Greaves out, West Indies’ top order looks thinner as they head to Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati for the September 30 clash.
The third ODI is scheduled for October 3 in New Chandigarh. CWI has not confirmed a replacement yet, and Greaves’ availability for that game is also in doubt.
India’s position and what’s next
India lead the three-match series 1-0 and will be keen to wrap it up in Guwahati. Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 139 and Shubman Gill’s century powered the chase in Thiruvananthapuram, while Kuldeep Yadav took four wickets.
For West Indies, the focus now shifts to reshuffling the top order and finding someone to fill Greaves’ slot. Their middle order will also be under pressure to fire if the openers don’t get a big start.
After the ODIs, the two teams will play a five-match T20I series starting October 6. Greaves is not part of that T20I squad.
FAQs
Why is Justin Greaves out of the Guwahati ODI?
He has been ruled out due to a calf injury picked up while scoring his century in the first ODI in Thiruvananthapuram.
Is Greaves also out of the third ODI?
He is in doubt for the third ODI in New Chandigarh on October 3. No final call has been announced yet.
What did Greaves score in the first ODI?
He made 101 off 108 balls, his maiden ODI hundred, in a 135-run opening partnership with Brandon King.
Has West Indies named a replacement for Greaves?
As of September 29, no official replacement has been named in the squad and the recovery timeline for his calf injury is not confirmed.
