Hope and Greaves lead West Indies fightback against Sri Lanka

ST JOHN'S, Antigua. Shai Hope and Justin Greaves struck unbeaten half-centuries and shared an unbroken 174-run partnership to lift the West Indies to 318 for four in the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

The West Indies remain 229 runs behind Sri Lanka’s first-innings total but are close to avoiding the follow-on going into the penultimate day.

Campbell’s fifty

Resuming on 58 for one, John Campbell started strongly alongside Kavem Hodge and brought up his fourth Test half-century. He made 72 off 154 balls before falling to Asitha Fernando while attempting a big shot, leaving the West Indies on 122 for two.

Prabath Jayasuriya then removed Amir Jangoo for nine and Hodge for 31, leaving the hosts struggling at 144 for four.

The recovery

Hope, returning from a shoulder injury, and Greaves steadied the innings, though Greaves survived an early run-out scare. The pair took the score to 219 for four at tea, Hope on 38 and Greaves on 36.

After the break Hope reached his seventh Test half-century, and Greaves soon followed with his second. Hope survived a dropped chance after edging a delivery from Isitha Wijesundara.

The pair ended the day nearing centuries, with Hope on 86 off 173 balls, including nine fours, and Greaves on 85 off 162 balls with ten boundaries. Their stand is the best for the fifth wicket by the West Indies against Sri Lanka in Tests.

Fernando, with 2 for 74, and Jayasuriya, with 2 for 77, took two wickets apiece for Sri Lanka.