CAPE TOWN, South Africa, CMC – Leon Johnson believes West Indies are well placed to push on for a big score after rallying to make a relatively strong finish to the opening day of the final Test here yesterday.
West Indies recovered from a dodgy position of 172 for five just after tea, to reach 276 for six at the close at Newlands.
“We always talk about getting between 350, 400 so I think we have set the platform,” said Johnson. “Jermaine (Blackwood) is in there and doing pretty well and Jason (Holder) is very capable. The other batters to come are very capable as well so we’ll be looking to get 400-plus.”
Johnson has so far top-scored with 54, captain Denesh Ramdin made a timely return to form with 53 while opener Devon Smith stroked 47.
Marlon Samuels hit 43 and Blackwood an unbeaten on 45, and was accompanied by Holder on five at stumps.
When West Indies lost three wickets for 41 runs to slump after tea, Blackwood and Ramdin posted 94 for the sixth wicket to revive the innings.
“We showed the kind of fight today that we have been talking about. We’re one or two wickets too many down but we’re very happy with the position that we’re in today,” said the left-handed Johnson.
He added: “We’re not totally happy with guys not carrying on to get the three figure scores but as a team, we have to be happy with getting to 276 for six. It is the first time we have batted 90 overs out in the series so far so we are pretty happy with that.”
Ramdin’s half-century was his first since December, 2013 and Johnson said he was happy for the skipper.
“Denesh is a very good player and he’s been doing well for the last two years in Test cricket and he’s been inspirational to all the fellas so it’s good to see him get runs today as well.”
