Chandrapaul Hemraj yesterday struck an unbeaten ton on the first of three days of game simulation matches for the Guyana Jaguars as part of their preparation ahead of the upcoming Professional Cricket League (PCL) Regional season.
The 23-year-old ended the recent Jaguars Franchise League three-day tournament as the leading run-getter with 542 runs including a double century.
His fine form continued yesterday when the A Team and B team squared off in a 90 over-per-side game which, according to Coach Esaun Crandon, was to simply assess the match readiness of his players.
Both team comprised members of the Jaguars senior national team while some of Cricket Guyana Inc.’s (CGI) academy contracted players and others who have been a part of the CGI’s player pool expansion, hit the ground running looking keen during the simulation which bowled off at 9:00hrs.
Batting first, Team A were solidly placed on 192-3 after 55 overs thanks to the left-handed Hemraj centurion who cracked 11 fours and four sixes in his unbeaten 102. Veteran Guyana and former West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul compiled a solid 30 as openers Robin Bacchus (30) and Kandasammy Surujnarine (29), lent ideal support.
The Team B bowlers, especially the spinners, toiled on a surface which seemed tailor-made for batting.
Seamers Christopher Barnwell and Romario Shepherd were the standout bowlers with a scalp each.
Speaking with Crandon following the match, the former national player told Stabroek Sport that that while the simulation match is not the official practice game, it was important to still have a look at his players most of whom should be in good form after coming off strong performances in the three day league.
“The batters looked good. I think the seamers bowled well too but the spinners weren’t consistent enough because they gave away a lot early,” said Crandon who added that he expects good result at the conclusion of the three days.
Although Crandon did not confirm the exact date, he did say that the Jaguars will definitely have their first official four-day match practice next week at Everest Ground. According to the rules of the simulation match, if either team is bowled out before the end of the allotted 90 overs, then the other side will have their 90 overs plus the remaining overs left by the team which was bowled out.
Team A has already batted 55 of their 90 overs and will look to make full use of their remaining 35 overs today when day two action resumes at 9:00hr
