Test cricket is all about patience and West Indies pacer Jayden Seales tested Bangladesh batters on Day 2 of first Test at Sabina Park, Kingston. Seales conceded just five runs, bowled 15.5 overs including 10 maidens and claimed four wickets scripting history. He delivered the most economical spell in Test cricket since 1977.
His economy rate of 0.31 is the seventh-best in Test cricket history. He surpassed legendary England fast bowler Jim Laker who had a 0.37 economy rate against South Africa in 1957. Overall, the record belongs to India's Bapu Nadkarni who conceded 0.15 runs per over against England in 1964. Nadkarni bowled 32 overs including 27 maidens and conceded just five runs.
Seales' all-time Test record
However, Seales bagged the most economical four-fer in the history of the game. The previous best belonged to Pakistan's Pervez Sajjad who conceded runs at 0.41 runs per over. He bowled 12 overs including eight maidens, conceded five runs and took four wickets against New Zealand in 1965.
Sobers only West Indian ahead of Seales
For West Indies, the record for best economy rate in an innings belongs to Gary Sobers. The all-rounder conceded at 0.21 runs per over. He bowled 14 overs including 11 maidens and leaked just three runs against New Zealand in 1956.
Seales leaves Umesh behind
Since 1978, the record for best economy rate in an innings belonged to India pacer Umesh Yadav. He conceded at 0.42 runs per over against South Africa in 2015. He bowled 21 overs including 16 maidens, conceded nine runs and claimed three wickets.
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Bangladesh collapse
As the 23-year-old bagged a record-breaking four-wicket haul, Bangladesh were bowled out for 164 from 71.5 overs in the first innings. Opener Shadman Islam turned out to be their top scorer with 64 runs from 137 balls. Skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz put up a fight as well with 36 runs from 75 balls. Apart from Seales, young pacer Shamar Joseph took three wickets. Experienced campaigner Kemar Roach claimed two wickets whereas Alzarri Joseph dismissed Taijul Islam.
In reply, West Indies lost only one wicket. They were 70/1 from 37 overs after the end of Day 1's play. Nahid Rana bagged the wicket of Mikyle Louis. Skipper Kraigg Brathwaite scored 33 runs from 115 balls. On the other end, Keacy Carty scored 19 runs from 60 balls. West Indies trail by 94 runs.