Parchment, Lambert shine at trials

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

Openers Brenton Parchment, Xavier Marshall, Danza Hyatt and middle-order batsman Tamar Lambert enhanced their claims for a spot in Jamaica's 14-member squad for the upcoming West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) President's Cup one-day tournament, which will be held here in Jamaica, following impressive half-centuries during yesterday's third and penultimate trial match at Sabina Park.

Parchment, who missed the first trial match after arriving in the island earlier this week, made a topscore of 78 off 110 balls for Lambert XI, who defeated David Bernard Jr XI by eight wickets.

Batting first, Bernard Jr XI, after struggling at one stage at 131-7, made 210 off 49.4 overs with Marshall getting 66, inclusive of three fours and four sixes, and off-spinning all-rounder Bevon Brown, 33, off 34 balls.

First-time invitee, left-arm pacer Sheldon Cotterel of the JDF, bowling with speed and accuracy, claimed 3-21 off 10 overs, Andrew Richardson, 2-54 off 9.4, and Andre Russell, 2-33.

62 off 47 balls

Lambert XI, in their reply, then strolled to 211-2, with Parchment leading the way, and Lambert, making an uncharacteristic quick-fire but solid 62 off 47 balls, before falling in the day's penultimate over, and Hyatt, 59.

Part-time off-spinners Yannick Elliot and Donovan Sinclair took one wicket each.

"It was good to get some play in after Wednesday's second trial match, scheduled for Chedwin Park, was abandoned due to rain," said national coach and selector, Junior Bennett. "Marshall again continues to do well, albeit I would have loved to see him converting his 50 into a hundred. Also doing well was Parchment, Hyatt and Lambert, who looked the part.

"The hope is that the rain will stay away again and we will have another good day during the final trial match," Bennett added.

The final trial match will be played today, also at Sabina Park, after which the selectors are expected to meet and pick the 14-man squad, which will also have four reserves.

West Indies captain, Chris Gayle, missed the game after he was given permission to travel to the eastern Caribbean.

Meanwhile, it is unclear as to who will captain the team during the tournament as the Jamaica Cricket Association was said to be deliberating the matter up to press time.

Gayle, who was recommended by the chairman of selectors, and Lambert, who captained the team during the four-day and Twenty20 tournaments, are the contenders.