Hope, Greaves lead strong response from Windies against Sri Lanka

Shai Hope and Justin Greaves scored unbeaten half-centuries and shared a 174-run partnership to help the West Indies recover to 318 for 4 in the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

Although they remain 229 runs behind Sri Lanka’s first-innings total, they are close to avoiding the follow-on going into the penultimate day of play.
Continuing on 58 for one, John Campbell resumed the day strongly alongside Kavem Hodge, playing several attacking shots and bringing up his fourth Test half-century.

Campbell made 72 off 154 balls, but was dismissed after attempting a big shot off Asitha Fernando, leaving the West Indies on 122 for 2 after building a promising partnership.

Prabath Jayasuriya dismissed Amir Jangoo for 9 and Kavem Hodge for 31, leaving the West Indies struggling at 144 for 4.

However, Shai Hope and Justin Greaves steadied the innings with an unbeaten partnership, although Greaves survived an early run-out scare.

Hope, returning from a shoulder injury, looked in strong form and helped Greaves steady the West Indies innings. They took the score to 219 for four at tea, with Hope on 38 not out and Greaves on 36 not out.

After the break, Hope reached his seventh Test half-century, followed soon after by Greaves, who also brought up his second Test fifty.

Hope survived a dropped chance after edging a delivery from Isitha Wijesundara, after which he and Justin Greaves settled into a dominant partnership.

The pair ended the day in strong positions, nearing centuries and recording the best fifth-wicket stand for the West Indies against Sri Lanka in Tests.
Hope finished on 86 off 173 balls inclusive of nine fours and Greaves on 85 off 162 balls inclusive of ten boundaries.

For Sri Lanka, Asitha Fernando (2-74) and Prabath Jayasuriya (2-77) both took two wickets apiece.