Hinds lifts Jamaica with masterful ton

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

An undefeated 131 from Wavell Hinds has put leaders Jamaica in a good position to make a big first-innings total against second-place Trinidad and Tobago, heading into today's second day of their West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional Four-day Tournament clash at Sabina Park.

The 34-year-old, who was the tournament's leading run-scorer last season, slammed seven sixes and 11 fours in his knock, which propelled Jamaica to 297 for five at the close of play.

Another in-form player, David Bernard Jr, with 55 not out, will resume batting with the left-hander today.

"It is a good start overall for us, given the fact that we were 60-odd for four at one stage and struggling," said Jamaica's captain Tamar Lambert.

"I thought that under the circumstances Hinds applied himself well, and come tomorrow we hope that he continues and help us to post a much bigger first-innings total."

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Jamaica's captain would perhaps have been regretting his decision when after 17.4 overs the team was wobbling at 60 for four.

The first wicket to fall was that of opener Simon Jackson, who played down the wrong line and was bowled for zero by fast bowler Reyad Emrit.

This then brought Samuels to wicket and with Danza Hyatt slowly took the score to 23, before the latter was caught at gully trying to drive impressive young pacer, Shannon Gabriel, for seven.

The next batsman to enter the fray was 'Mr Dependable', Brendan Nash, who joined Samuels and took the score to 59 when Samuels, attempting a big drive, was caught at slip off Sherwin Ganga for 25.

It was a big blow for Jamaica to see Samuels, who is averaging 86.85 in the tournament - including three centuries - walking back to the pavilion.

short-lived celebrations

One run later, with the score on 60, Samuels' replacement Lambert was caught spectacularly at slip off the bowling of part-time seamer Lendl Simmons, much to the delight of the Trinidadians, who danced and pranced in wild jubilation.

Little did they know the celebrations would have been short-lived as, thanks to a 116-run fifth-wicket partnership between Hinds and Nash, Jamaica were able stage a recovery.

Hinds, who played the role of the aggressor, was particularly brutal against off-spinners Amit Jaggernauth and Sherwin Ganga, and leg-spinner Imran Khan, against all of whom he used his feet and hands to telling effect in accumulating seven sixes, most of which went between long on and long off.

The partnership, however, did come to an end when Nash, prodding forward to a Jaggernauth delivery, was adjudged leg before wicket, having put together a well-played 66 at 176 for five.

In Bernard Jr, Hinds found an able partner and together they have so far put on 121 for the sixth wicket.

"At 60 for four we thought we were in with a very good chance of bowling out Jamaica for a total close to 200. However, thanks to Hinds, Nash and Bernard Jr they have consolidated well," said Trinidadian pacer Reyad Emrit, who was asked to speak to the media by Trinidad and Tobago officials.

"But the wicket is good to bat on and if we can come tomorrow and pick up some early wickets, then we could be able to give ourselves a chance at whatever total they eventually put up," he added.

Play is slated to resume today at 10 a.m.