CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (CMC) — West Indies Test Captain Roston Chase has lauded his troops for their outstanding performance which helped them earn a draw in the opening Test against New Zealand here on Saturday.

Justin Greaves stroked an unbeaten 202, Shai Hope made 140, and Kemar Roach scored an unbeaten 58 to see the West Indies up to 457 for six in pursuit of 531 for victory, before both sides agreed to a draw.

It was the highest total in the fourth innings of a Test match in 84 years and earned them their first drawn Test in New Zealand since 2013.

Speaking during a post-match press conference Chase said the team was in high spirits following the result.

“I wouldn’t say that it feels like a win but the guys are proud and the boys are quite happy, especially with the effort that it took to do it. It wasn’t something ordinary.

“It was very special for three of the guys to really stand up and put their hands up in a time of need under tremendous pressure, so the guys are really proud and looking forward to a bit of a celebration,” Chase said.

Heading into the final session of play the Windies required 132 runs for victory, with Greaves and Roach at the crease.

Chase said while they contemplated going for the win at one point, they eventually decided to play it safe.

“Going back out at tea, the guys wanted to see if they could push for the runs, but it didn’t quite work out the way they wanted.

“When the last hour came and they came off at the water break, we had a discussion and they said they would just play it out, and we didn’t think it was a bad idea at that time. So, we were happy for them to just try and play it out — and that’s what they did,” Chase said.

The skipper was full of praise for Hope and Greaves, who added 196 runs for the fifth wicket, along with Greaves and Roach who shared an unbroken, seventh-wicket partnership of 180 runs to secure the draw.

“I actually thought it [a double hundred] was going to be from Shai Hope — he looked as if he wasn’t going to be out at any point — but it came from Justin Greaves.

“I’m happy for him, his first double hundred, but to get it in these conditions away from home, I think that’s a superb effort,” Chase said.

“As for Kemar, it just shows you his character. Being out of the team for the last couple of series, coming back in, and on his first chance given he shows his class with ball and with bat? It just goes to show you the quality of the cricketer he is. And for me, he is a modern-day legend.

“I mean, he’s close to 300 wickets. He hasn’t gotten there yet but in my eyes, he is a modern-day legend for the West Indies.”

West Indies Test Captain Roston Chase (Photo: AFP)