Greaves’ busy action, levers working like pistons, persevered on behalf of his teammates. He soon squared up their principal nemesis, whose soft hands could not prevent an edge to first slip Alick Athanaze for 52.
The West Indian quick had Latham caught by wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach 10 deliveries later for 24 in a similar corridor of uncertainty. Their dismissals brought a six-ball sojourn from Rachin Ravindra, bowled by Jayden Seales for three. The trio fell in the space of 3.3 overs.
A vulnerable middle order had been exposed, reeling from the withdrawal of Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner with groin injuries on the opening morning.
This might mark Greaves’ 12th test, but he gave every indication of a big match temperament with figures of 2-35 from 10 overs. The visitors will need that attribute to break a test-winning drought in this country stretching back 18 matches to February 1995 in Wellington.
The surety of the Barbadian’s hands also shone on a lively pitch under gloomy skies. Winning the toss must have been jive-inducing dressing room news for a five-prong pace attack in dreary surrounds.
The third ball of the game saw Greaves sidle right to catch Devon Conway at second slip for a duck. Ditto, he pouched Will Young for 14 off Johann Layne.
Beyond the merits of his performance, Greaves’ effort inspired teammates to maintain the momentum. Notably, each bowler took at least one wicket. You could also hear the enthusiasm surging among the Caribbean tourists in those precious moments on the embankment when music wasn’t blaring from the PA system.