'A' team coach hails Smith, Fletcher

CROYDON, England (CMC): West Indies 'A' head coach Hendy Springer yesterday praised the duo of Devon Smith and Andre Fletcher after they stroked superb centuries on the third day of the second four-day 'Test' against India 'A'.

The left-handed Smith hit an unbeaten 131 while Fletcher stroked 123 to lead the Caribbean side to 332 for three in response the Indians' mammoth first innings total of 543 for eight declared.

Coming on the heels of poor batting performances in the first 'Test' which Windies 'A' lost by six wickets, Springer said he was pleased by the improvement.

"The batting today was very good. We saw a more intelligent and more purposeful effort than we saw in the first match at Leicester," Springer said.

"This was very good for the players as individuals and for the team as a whole. We are very much pleased with today's effort."

Captain Smith and Fletcher added 225 for the third wicket after West Indies 'A' had slipped to 54 for two early in the day, after resuming at 12 for one at the Whitgift School.

Smith, who has already played 31 Tests, cracked 15 fours in a knock that has so far lasted 224 balls.

captain's knock

"Smith played a real captain's knock. He showed his experience and was able to guide and help Fletcher," Springer pointed out.

"He didn't open because he got a really bad blow yesterday (Friday) trying to take a catch, so he recovered well and made an excellent contribution."

Fletcher, who struggled recently in the shorter versions of the game for the senior team, also came in for praise from Springer after stroking 20 fours off 253 balls.

"He batted really well. It was a good innings and it was good to see him getting his highest first-class score," the former Barbados off-spinner said.

"His wagon wheel shows he scored all around the wicket and what he needs to do from now on is to go on to get big scores more often."