Young West Indies dominate Aussies

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (CMC):

Captain Kraigg Brathwaite and Anthony Alleyne stroked centuries, as West Indies Under-19s surged ahead of Australia Under-19s on the second day of their three-day 'Test' here yesterday.

Skipper Brathwaite kept up the prolific scoring that has been the feature of his short career with an unbeaten 168, while Alleyne hit 106 to push their side to 426 for eight declared, in response to Australia's first innings of 350 at the International Cricket Council (ICC) Global Cricket Academy.

At the close, Australia were 54 without loss, still 22 runs behind with all their second innings wickets intact.

Beginning the day at their overnight 81 for two, West Indies benefited from a 183-run third-wicket stand between Brathwaite and Alleyne, as they dominated the Aussie bowlers.

resolute

Brathwaite, unbeaten on 28 at the start, stroked 20 fours and a six off 293 balls, while the left-handed Alleyne, not out on 23 overnight, hammered 18 fours off 136 balls.

When Alleyne departed, bowled by right-arm pacer Jacob Judd, the right-handed Brathwaite added a further 81 for the fourth wicket with Kavem Hodge, who stroked an enterprising run-a-ball 46 with six fours and a six.

The partnership put West Indies in sight of first innings lead, but when Hodge and Kyle Mayers (0) fell with just five runs added, Australia looked to be back in the fray.

Brathwaite remained resolute, however, and stitched up the innings in a 64-run, sixth wicket partnership with Justin Greaves, who hit 41 from 46 balls with three fours.

Following the declaration, any hopes of making early inroads into the Australian innings were quickly dispelled as openers Meyrick Buchanan (28 not out) and Sam Truloff (24 not out) saw the Aussies to the safety at the close.