Justin Greaves Admits Test Cricket Is a Huge Step Up from Caribbean First-Class Level

Justin Greaves played a stunning knock to help West Indies draw the first test against New Zealand at Christchurch. He is one of those players who is new to the international level, so playing such a big knock was certainly a major achievement for him. His double hundred stunned the hosts on the last day of the Christchurch test when they needed only 4 wickets to win the match.

Speaking after the game, Justin Greaves said that playing test cricket is a huge step up from the Caribbean first class cricket. He acknowledged that international cricket demands more physical fitness as compared to domestic cricket, so players need to work hard all the time to remain fit.

"It [Test cricket] is a massive step up from first-class cricket in the Caribbean. It's a lot more demanding both physically and mentally. This is where I always wanted to be - so I had to change the way I train, both strength-and-conditioning and skill-wise. Enjoying it, learning as I go along.” said Justin Greaves.

He then described his learning process, in which he tries to take cues from the world’s top all-rounders. He specifically mentioned Jason Holder, with whom he always tries to chat a bit to gain valuable cricket insights.

"If I can pick up some tips from the other successful allrounders around the world when we play against them, I pretty much do that. I lean on Jason Holder, who's been around with the T20 squad when I'm here. I've dropped him a few messages in terms of finding out what he's done to have the career he's had in Test cricket so far." said Justin Greaves.

Taking on the Challenge of Playing in Different Conditions

Speaking about his experiences playing international cricket in different countries, Greaves said that every country offers a different environment. It is therefore up to the cricketer to adapt to those conditions and play proactively, using all of his skills.

"Everything had to change because it's not easy being on the road [in] different conditions. When you're at home, it's pretty easy because you know pretty much all the conditions in the Caribbean, and then, coming overseas, playing cricket in Australia and then to Pakistan, and here now, in New Zealand, everything is different.” said Justin Greaves.

He further said that players need to pay attention to different things to become successful in different countries. From maintaining a proper diet to training regularly in the gym, there are several areas players must focus on to improve their game.

He also emphasized the importance of patience in international cricket, noting that it is a challenging stage where players need to evolve continuously to stay highly competitive.

"Adapting to that in the gym, getting stronger, eating better in terms of food, putting on a bit more muscle as well, and being a bit stronger; skill-wise, adding a bit more to my game; [while] batting - being a bit more patient because at this level, everything is not given to you.” said Justin Greaves.

Speaking about his responsibilities as an all-rounder, he said that the opportunity to make an impact either with the bat or ball comes very quickly. He takes all these challenges with complete confidence, knowing that he has the skills to perform strongly at any moment.

“Bowling-wise, being the allrounder in the team, you can be bowling, and within an hour or two, you could be batting again. So, you're putting your mind to it, and adapting to change." said Justin Greaves.

Just like the first test at Christchurch, the all-rounder is now confident to make an impact in the second game as well. It would be interesting to see how Greaves lives up to the expectations, as everyone is now hoping that he will play another big innings at Wellington.