West Indies pacer Jayden Seales made history on Day 2 of the first Test against Bangladesh at Sabina Park, Kingston, with an extraordinary bowling performance that rattled the Bangladesh batting line-up. Seales bowled 15.5 overs, including 10 maidens, giving away just 5 runs and claiming 4 wickets. This remarkable feat has earned him the title of delivering the most economical spell in Test cricket since 1977.
With an astonishing economy rate of 0.31, Seales set a new benchmark, surpassing the legendary Jim Laker of England, who had an economy rate of 0.37 against South Africa in 1957. The all-time record for the most economical spell belongs to India’s Bapu Nadkarni, who bowled with an incredible rate of 0.15 runs per over against England in 1964, a feat achieved over 32 overs, 27 of which were maidens, with only five runs conceded.
An absolute beauty from Seales!
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) December 1, 2024
He grabs his first of the match!#WIvBAN #WIHomeForChristmas pic.twitter.com/sGAtsy8nuq
Seales Sets New Record for Economical Four-Wicket Haul
Seales not only set a record for the most economical spell since 1977 but also claimed the most economical four-wicket haul in Test history. The previous record for a four-wicket spell was held by Pakistan’s Pervez Sajjad, who bowled at an economy rate of 0.41 against New Zealand in 1965.
Gary Sobers Holds West Indies’ Economy Record
Among West Indian bowlers, the record for the best economy rate in an innings is held by the legendary Gary Sobers. Sobers conceded just 0.21 runs per over in a spell against New Zealand in 1956, bowling 14 overs, 11 of them maidens, and conceding only three runs.
Seales Overtakes Umesh Yadav’s Record
Seales’ achievement also sees him surpass India’s Umesh Yadav, who held the record for the best economy rate in an innings by a fast bowler since 1978. Yadav had bowled at 0.42 runs per over against South Africa in 2015, claiming three wickets for just nine runs from 21 overs, 16 of which were maidens.
Bangladesh’s Struggles and West Indies’ Response
Thanks to Seales’ exceptional performance, Bangladesh were bowled out for just 164 in 71.5 overs during their first innings. Opener Shadman Islam was the top scorer for Bangladesh, making 64 runs off 137 balls, while skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz contributed with 36 runs from 75 balls. Seales’ fellow pacer, Shamar Joseph, also impressed with three wickets, while Kemar Roach took two wickets. Alzarri Joseph dismissed Taijul Islam.
In response, West Indies had a solid start, ending Day 1 at 70/1 after 37 overs. Skipper Kraigg Brathwaite was unbeaten on 33 from 115 balls, while Keacy Carty was on 19 from 60 balls. Nahid Rana took the only wicket for Bangladesh, dismissing Mikyle Louis. West Indies trail by 94 runs as the match moves into its second day.
