Team Brathwaite’s batsmen enjoyed some valuable time in the sun on the opening day of the Cricket West Indies’ second Best versus Best, three-day match at Coolidge Cricket Ground.
With the bowlers shifting sides for this match, Team Blackwood’s bowlers were not up to the task and Team Brathwaite’s men duly reached 280 for four from 95.1 overs at close of play after winning the toss and batting.
At the top of the order, Jeremy Solozano top scored with 74 from 216 balls. The Trinidadian left-hander carved 12 boundaries including a six.
The 26-year-old and his opening partner, Kraigg Brathwaite, saw their side to 98 without loss at lunch. They went on to share in a century stand before Brathwaite retired on 58. Brathwaite returned later but did not add to his score before retiring once again after 118 balls where he struck six fours and one six.
Solozano was joined by Shamarh Brooks who could only manage 11 from 41 balls before Nial Smith accounted for his wicket.
Shai Hope then joined Solozano and the duo shared in a 71-run partnership for the second wicket.
Hope went on to make 71 from 112 balls, highlighted by nine fours and two sixes before retiring.
After Solozano was dismissed by off-spinner, Rakheem Cornwall, Hope was accompanied by his Barbadian countryman, Kyle Mayers. The all-rounder, Mayers was brisk in his innings, making 45 from 63 balls, laced with seven fours and two sixes.
Young fast bowler, Jayden Seales, accounted for the wickets of Mayers and Alzarri Joseph who failed to score, to end with 2-28.
Joshua Da Silva is on 10 from 18 balls, striking two boundaries along the way.
