(CMC) – Left-hander Jeremy Solozano forced himself into the selection frame for the upcoming Test series against South Africa with an impressive hundred on day one of the four-day tour match against the tourists yesterday. The 28-year-old carved out 111 as the West Indies Championship XI recovered from 34 for three to reach 245 for six at Brian Lara Stadium, after being asked to bat first. All-rounder Shamar Springer struck an unbeaten 45 while Amir Jangoo chipped in with 30 and Keacy Carty and Captain Justin Greaves, 24.
Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada led South Africa’s attack with three for 47. In fact, the right-armer claimed the first three wickets when he knocked over Tagenarine Chanderpaul for one and then claimed Carty and Kevin Wickham (0) in the same over.
However, Solozano, who played one Test against Sri Lanka three years ago but was injured in the field and never batted, steered his side out of trouble with a knock that required 211 deliveries and included 16 fours and a six. Importantly, he stitched together a fourth wicket stand of 51 with Greaves, put on a further 49 with Jangoo for the fifth wicket before partnering in a crucial 103-run stand for the sixth wicket with Springer. Solozano eventually perished about 25 minutes from the close, but Springer remained steadfast, his knock so far including five fours and a six and coming from 82 deliveries.
The West Indies take on South Africa in the first Test starting next Wednesday at Queen’s Park Oval.
