‘Chanders’, Jacobs set batting record

BLOEMFONTEIN: Shivnarine Chanderpaul smashed a double century for the West Indies and hurt Free State through a record-breaking triple century fifth-wicket stand with Ridley Jacobs on the second day of their four-day tour match at Goodyear Park yesterday.

Chanderpaul belted a commanding 245 and Jacobs a career-best 149 in a 359-run partnership as the West Indies piled 618 all out, the left-handed pair erasing the First-Class record in South Africa for the fifth wicket of 341, previously held by Eric Rowan and Paul Gibb in 1952-53. West Indies added to Free State’s misery when pacers Mervyn Dillon and Ravi Rampaul struck two vital blows before the close to leave the home side reeling on three for two —- trailing by 615 runs with eight wickets remaining entering today’s third day. Reducing Free State’s bowling attack to a wicket-less pre-lunch session, Chanderpaul and Jacobs added 123 runs before the break, building well on their overnight score of 342 for four.

Jacobs struck 15 boundaries in his best First-Class knock, before he was trapped leg before wicket by left-arm pacer Cliff Deacon late in the session, as Chanderpaul carried on to reach 241 not out at the tea-break. But from a tea-time position of 582 for five, the West Indies declined sharply after losing Chanderpaul, who faced 369 balls and belted 31 boundaries in his innings. Carlton Baugh (4), Merv Dillon (5), Wavell Hinds, for a brisk 38 off 44 balls with four sixes, and Ravi Rampaul (0) followed after with pacers Dillon du Preez (3-75) and Deacon (3-118) earning the best returns.

Facing only three overs before the close, Free State plunged into deep trouble at two for one when Dillon had left-hander Johnathon Beukes caught by wicket-keeper Carlton Baugh without scoring, and the 19-year-old Rampaul bowled Rayno Arendse (1). Rampaul’s sole over was a wicket-maiden, and Dillon conceded three runs for his wicket off two overs as fading light brought play to a premature close. The West Indies are preparing for the First Test match against South Africa starting  on Friday in Johannesburg.