ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Test gloveman Joshua Da Silva carved out his third first class hundred in his 50th first class game, to help Team Headley rebound against a spirited West Indies Academy, on the opening day of the first match in the Headley Weekes Tri-Series here yesterday.
With his side tottering precariously on 59 for five in the opening session at Coolidge Cricket Ground following fast bowler Johann Layne’s impressive opening four-wicket burst, the 24-year-old Da Silva entered to stroke a high quality unbeaten 136 and guide Team Headley to 259 all out.
He was supported by Test prospect Akeem Jordan who struck a breezy 54 but the pair were the only ones to pass 20 as the 19-year-old Layne finished with five for 43 on first class debut.
Jordan (2-15) then returned with the ball to give Team Headley a rousing start, the right-armer claiming two wickets in the first over of the innings without a run on the board.
However, opener Kirk McKenzie came to his side’s rescue with an unbeaten 31 to see WI Academy to the close on 49 without further loss.
“We would’ve liked to have batted out the day but from where we were, 259 is a decent total – we can bowl to that,” captain Da Silva said following the day’s play.
“Our bowlers have something [to bowl at]. They don’t have to be too negative. We can attack a little bit.
“We’ve got two quick wickets early on in this innings so tomorrow we just want to come out here and do what we can.”
Opting to bat first, Team Headley endured the worst possible start when Test opener Kieran Powell feathered a leg side catch to wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach without scoring off the third ball of the morning from Layne, with a single run on the board.
They then lost left-handed opener Sheyne Moseley for nine to injury in the fourth over after he collided with Kevlon Anderson at the striker’s end, after completing a quick single.
Layne continued his demolition when he had another Test star Darren Bravo caught chest high at first slip by Teddy Bishop driving at a wide full length delivery for five, before getting Kavem Hodge to hole out to short mid-wicket on the pull for 10.
With the innings now languishing on 34 for three, Layne hit wicketkeeper Tevyn Walcott (15) in front to gain an lbw decision and left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop then spun one through the gate to bowl Justin Greaves for three.
The right-hander Da Silva stabilised the innings, first combining with Jordan in a 105-run, sixth wicket stand which steered Team Headley to lunch on 96 for five.
All told, Da Silva faced 201 balls in 3-½ hours and counted 16 fours and three sixes while Jordan played with enterprise to punch eight fours in a 64-ball innings.
Jordan gave Layne his fifth wicket when he top-edged a pull to short mid-wicket in the first hour after the interval but Anderson Phillip (16) stuck with Da Silva, unbeaten on 34 at lunch, in a 38-run, seventh wicket stand, to ensure the tail wagged.
Da Silva reached triple figures in the penultimate over before tea to be 102 not out at the break, and then eked out precious runs in posting a further 22 for the eighth with Chaim Holder (10) and 35 for the ninth with Marquino Mindley (0).
WI Academy’s reply also started shakily, Keagan Simmonds tapping a low return catch to Jordan off the fifth ball of the innings and Teddy Bishop having his stumps shattered next ball, missing a drive at a full length delivery which nipped back.
