After declaring their first innings closed on 480/3 the Barbados Pride prized out four Jaguars batsmen before close of play to remain in firm control of the eight round match in the Cricket West Indies Professional Cricket League Digicel Regional Four Day match at the Kensington Oval on Friday.
The home team’s mammoth first innings total was built around an attractive double
Shimron Hetmyer’s expression says it all for the Jaguars (WICB Media Photo)
century from top order batsman, Shai Hope. The solid stroke maker hit 23 fours and three sixes from 391 balls in a career best knock of 215 not out. After passing his previous highest score of 211 the Pride declared their innings just about 50 minutes before tea on the second day.
Beginning the day on 293/2, the Pride lost one wicket in the morning session which turned out to be the only wicket of the day for the visitors. After adding 154 with Hope, Shamarh Brooks was dismissed to give Romario Shepherd his second wicket of the innings. The Jaguars bowlers especially the spinners struggled to stem the flow of runs on the typical Kensington track and fast outfield.
Like the bowlers, the batsmen found the going difficult as well and were in trouble in the very first over of their reply. Pugnacious opening batsman, Shimron Hetmyer was taken at square leg after just getting off the mark with a single to fast bowler, Miguel Cummins which exposed the fragile Jaguars top order.
Out of form skipper, Leon Johnson and vice-captain Vishaul Singh woes this
Shai Hope plays with confidence on his way (WICB Media Photo)
season continued when they were both sent back for 15. However, with Rajendra Chandrika who is also low on runs and confidence, Johnson added 52 runs either side of tea but were dismissed within eight runs of each other in successive Roston Chase overs.
When stumps were drawn the veteran Shivnarine Chanderpaul and the Jaguars dependable all-rounder Raymon Reifer were in a 33-run rebuilding partnership. At 119/4 the Jaguars are trailing by 361 runs and if they are to get back in the game, Chanderpaul and Reifer will have to bat deep.
Today is day three then the match will take a break for one day to facilitate the opening T20 international between West Indies and Pakistan at the same venue on Sunday before resuming on Monday.
