Out-of-sorts West Indies and Guyana middle-order batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan yesterday top scored for the Leon Johnson led XI on the third and final day of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) three-day trial match played at the Everest Cricket ground.
Heavy showers washed out Friday‘s play after the Christopher Barnwell XI scored a formidable 358 for 9 on the first day.
However, there was a bit of sunshine yesterday which enabled the two teams to resume their battle as players from both teams tried to stake claims for county selection.
Barnwell’s XI went into the third day in a commanding position with the skipper unbeaten on 105 and fast-bowler Kellon Carmichael on one. Barnwell, who had clobbered the bowlers on the first day, raced to his century under 80 deliveries but he only managed to add 11 to his over-night score before left-arm pacer Andre Stoll had his number.
Chasing a formidable 369, Johnson’s team was left stranded on the last day at stumps on 164 for 7. Sarwan rolled back the years in his knock of 40 in which he looked positive striking three boundaries and two sixes. Former West Indies Test batsman Ryan Ramdass making a comeback chipped in with 23 while West Indies Under-19 batsman Tagenarine Chanderpaul scored 23, Johnson, 21, Vishal Singh 19 not out, Robin Bacchus (12) and Shaquille Williams (11).
The batsmen were cautious in their approach to the huge total but Amir Khan bagged 2 for 30 and Barnwell 2 for 12, performances with the ball that dragged the innings back significantly and ensured that the bowling team remained well in control.
After two days of cricket the selectors will now pick the squad toady. The other participating teams for the competition which bowls off on November 28 are Essequibo, Berbice and the President’s XI.
