Batsmen impress at Carib T20 warm-up

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

Opener Xavier Marshall, David Bernard Jr and the returning Marlon Samuels all posted impressive half-centuries to guide Hinds XI to a 70-run win over Parchment's XI in the fourth of seven Caribbean Twenty20 (CT20) tournament practice matches at Kensington Park yesterday.

The trio, who along with captain Wavell Hinds will form the core of Jamaica's batting at the two-week tournament, played well with Marshall making 85 off 61 balls, Bernard Jr 51 off 41 balls, and Samuels 50 off just 19 balls.

Hinds XI, which included members of the national 14-man squad, made 203-5 off their maximum allotment of overs. This against left-arm wrist-spinner Dennis Bulli, who claimed three for 50.

Parchment's XI, which had in their line-up squad reserves and players who narrowly missed out on selection, were then restricted to 132-4.

Marshall, who was Jamaica's leading run-getter during last season's staging of the CT20, hit three sixes and 10 fours. Bernard Jr, who opened with Marshall, three sixes and two fours, and Samuels, four sixes and four fours.

"I have been working hard on my game for the past couple of matches, and it was a good feeling as balls came from the middle of the bat," said Marshall.

"I just hope I can continue improving so that I can help the team to win the tournament," he added.

Aiming to build on a good start

Samuels, the squad's most in-form batsman since the trial matches with scores of 38, 76 not out, 34 not out and 47 not out prior to yesterday's knock, said his aim was to build on the good start his team got.

"Today was a day where, given the good start that the team got, it was easier for me to go out there and express myself, and by playing some shots," he said.

"It felt good as I continue to find my feet, and I just hope that I will continue to grow from strength to strength."

Meanwhile, coach Gus Logie said he was happy with the yesterday's outing, which saw for the first time since his arrival on December 1 a team posting a total over 200.

"I am quite pleased. I think we did some of the basics right today regarding the building of partnerships at the top of the innings and running between the wickets," he said.

"It was also good to see the bowlers using their experience and showing good control when we wet the balls.

"We wanted to use the super over also, but we decided against it today, however, come tomorrow I am looking forward to the players adapting accordingly," he added.

Today's fifth practice match will be played at the same venue.