Hope in full flow with superb 104 not out
GROS ISLET, Saint Lucia – Shai Hope scored a sparkling century to highlight the second day of the “Best v Best” four-day match at the Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. The right-handed opener closed the day on 104 not out to follow up his equally impressive 79 in the first innings.
Scorecard - Scorecard Day 2
The stylish right-hander has so far faced 132 balls and struck nine fours and six sixes as the Jermaine Blackwood XI reached 197-3 in the second innings. They have an overall lead of 283 runs in the second innings, after they bowled out Jahmar Hamilton XI for 178 in their first innings. Blackwood’s XI made 264 in the first innings.
It’s been a slight change of game plan. I’ve been trying to show a bit more intent [but] still trying to make sure I play the ball on merit and be disciplined,” Hope said of his attacking approach which also saw him score at a strike rate of nearly 90. “It’s about making sure the bowlers don’t settle and almost putting pressure back onto them. So the key is to make sure I can stay within my game plan. Obviously the situation of the game would dictate how I play in certain passages but more or less that is the [type] of play I will try to portray so hopefully it works out in the future, and hopefully I can continue in this vein and continue to score runs.”
With Hope at the crease is the captain on 23 not out – they have so far added 63 for the fourth wicket as the innings progressed at a rapid scoring rate of over five runs per over. This came immediately after Hope added 92 for the third wicket with left-hander Kyle Mayers who made 40 off 43 balls with seven fours. Mayers played fluently on both sides of the wicket before he was caught by Jayden Seales at long -on as he tried to hit off-spinner Roston Chase out the ground.
The pair came together after a passage of play when fast bowler Jayden Seales grabbed two wickets in three balls. He had opener Daren Bravo superbly caught at gully by Kieran Powell and then in the same over, Kavem Hodge was snapped up by Hamilton, diving full stretch in front first slip.
Earlier in the day fast bowler Nial Smith was impressive with 3-35 as Hamilton XI were bowled out 86 runs behind on first innings. Raymon Reifer played very well and ended on 60 not out, which came off 122 balls and included seven fours and a six.
The match continues on Wednesday and can be viewed on West Indies YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/ozr2t6KAwNo