West Indies pacer Jayden Seales etched his name in the record books with a remarkable spell against Bangladesh on Day 2 of the second Test. Delivering one of the most economical spells in Test cricket since 1977, Seales conceded just 5 runs in 15.5 overs, taking 4 wickets. His stunning economy rate of 0.31 now ranks as the seventh-best in Test history, surpassing England’s Jim Laker, who held a 0.37 economy against South Africa.
The record for the most economical spell in Test cricket still belongs to India’s Bapu Nadkarni, who gave away only 5 runs in 32 overs against England in 1964. Seales also surpassed India’s Umesh Yadav, who had held the most economical spell since 1977. Yadav had conceded 9 runs in 21 overs, with 16 maidens, against South Africa in 2015.
Additionally, Seales now holds the record for the most economical four-wicket haul in Test history. Previously, Pakistan’s Pervez Sajjad held this distinction with an economy rate of 0.41, achieved against New Zealand in 1965 when he conceded 5 runs in 12 overs, including 8 maidens.
Bangladesh struggled against the Windies’ bowling attack, collapsing for 164 in their first innings. Only Shadman Islam, who scored a fighting half-century, provided any resistance. Seales was instrumental in dismantling the visitors’ batting lineup, giving his team a significant advantage.
In reply, the West Indies reached 70/1 at stumps, trailing by just 94 runs and firmly in control of the match. Seales’ exceptional performance has not only put the Windies in a commanding position but also earned him a place among the game’s most efficient bowlers.
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