The Leeward Islands Hurricanes are large and in charge of their third round match against the Guyana Jaguars at Warner Park at stumps on day two. Replying to the Hurricane’s mammoth first innings total of 412 for 9 declared, the Jaguars limped to the close on 53 for 6.
Chandrapaul Hemraj
After spending close to two days in the field, the Jaguars were asked to negotiate 17 overs before stumps on the second day but crumbled miserably to give full advantage to the only team to beat them twice last season.
Rajendra Chandrika was dropped for this game and Tagenarine Chanderpaul began with Chandrapaul Hemraj and the new Jaguars opening pair first innings together at the top of the order lasted just 15 balls. Chanderpaul was first to go at 6 for 1 in the third over and his dismissal opened the flood gates for the home team. Out of form Leon Johnson did not last long and was followed by Hemraj who looked good after hitting three fours and a six in his 31-ball knock. At 39 for 3 in the 11th over, the Jaguars sent night watchman, Veerasammy Permaul to partner Vishaul Singh and after a mad mix up the night watchman’s role was over.
With five overs still to be bowled in the day’s play, veteran batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul, in his first game this season, made his appearance but didn’t last long. While in the day’s final over, Anthony Bramble was sent back after poking 12 previous balls leaving Singh not out on 17 and a huge task on hand.With only the all-rounders; Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford and Romario Shepherd and specialist fast bowler, Keon Joseph to come the Hurricanes will be looking for their third straight victory very early on day three.
Earlier, the Hurricanes resumed on 181 for 1 with Keacy Carty on 61 and Montcin Hodge on 72 in an unbroken 123-run partnership having lost only Chesney Hughes on the opening day. The pair punished the defending champions in the 165-run partnership which ended in the morning session when Carty went at 223 for 2. The Hurricanes eventually lost three more wickets before lunch which was taken at 250 for 5 and the Jaguars were back in the contest after conceding 69 runs.
The Hurricanes’ middle and lower orders then rallied until the declaration with Jahmar Hamilton and Terence Ward joining Hodge and Carty with half centuries. All of the Jaguars bowlers were stretched however, it was teenager Rutherford who picked up three wickets while the seasoned campaigners Permaul (2) and Joseph were kept out.
Day two was total contrast to the opening day in terms of runs and wickets where 15 wickets fell for 284 runs were scored compared to 181 for 1 on the opening day. What will day three bring? We will have to wait and see but the Hurricanes will be the happier team when the action resumes today at 10:00H. the three-time defending champions will have to dig deep to claw back into this contest.
