Blackwood, Hope find form in Windies squad match
Published:Tuesday | June 1, 2021 | 12:15 AMLennox Aldred/Gleaner Writer
Jamaican Jermaine Blackwood and Barbadian Shai Hope signalled their intentions to the West Indies selectors and coaching staff, following half-century knocks on the opening day of the four day ‘Best vs Best’ Intra-squad practice match at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground in St Lucia.
Blackwood hit a stroke-filled 85, while Hope was also in sparkling touch following his knock of 79, as Blackwood’s ‘A’ team posted 264 all out in 62.3 overs.
Jahmar Hamilton’s ‘B’ team reached 44 for four at stumps, still trailing by 220 runs on first innings.
DECENT START
Earlier, Blackwood’s team got off to a decent start, with openers Hope and John Campbell posting a quick-fire 62 runs in the 13th over, before Campbell was caught by Nkrumah Bonner off Chemar Holder for 20.
Holder would eventually snare two more wickets with the score on 104, when he had Bravo brilliantly caught at midwicket by Jayden Seales for seven and then had Kyle Mayers caught in the deep for nought.
With the opening slot still up for grabs, Hope decided he was going to put his hand up for selection, as he stroked 13 lovely boundaries and a huge six in his 88-ball knock before he fell to Seales.
Blackwood, who had a series of low scores coming into the match, hit his way back into form with 10 fours and two sixes in his 125-ball knock. However, he went lbw to Jomel Warrican with the score on 254 for six.
Roston Chase bowling his off-breaks then made his presence felt, picking up the last four wickets to finish with four for 44, while Holder ended with three for 44, as Blackwood’s team was all out for 264.
Pacer Keon Harding then snapped two wickets late in the day, as Hamilton’s team was in trouble at 44 for four when stumps were drawn.