Bravo, Joseph stake first Test claims

SHENLEY: Sylvester Joseph made the most of his first opportunity on tour and Dwayne Bravo joined the contest for a spot in the West Indies team for next week’s first Test against England at Lord’s. The two players desperate for runs were needlessly run out however, on the opening day of the cricket tour match against Sri Lanka “A” yesterday. Capitalising on an early reprieve, Joseph blazed his way to 114 off 152 balls with 21 fours and one six, while Bravo went for his shots after an uncertain start in compiling an attractive 118 (130 balls, 17 fours, two sixes) that lifted the Caribbean side to 351 for six at stumps.

The Sri Lankan attack of medium-pace and spin lacked any real menace in conditions that became gradually easier as cloudy skies gave way to brilliant afternoon and evening sunshine. Yet, it would have been particularly painful for left-hander Shivnarine Chanderpaul and all-rounder Dwayne Smith to watch the runs flowing after they both fell victim to poor running between the wickets. The ground owned by a Sri Lankan property lawyer is almost a home away from home for fellow expatriates from that sub-continental island and West Indian fans were few and far between as the unofficial “home” team gave their supporters much to cheer about in the opening overs.

Pacers Thilan Thushara and Nuwan Kulasekara posed real challenges for the West Indies openers, after the Caribbean team, led by Ramnaresh Sarwan, won the toss and decided to bat. Sarwan looked to give his team a solid start in partnership with Devon Smith as Chris Gayle was also being rested. He lost Smith in just the fourth over of the day when the compact left-hander, on six, pushed forward to Kulasekara and Malintha Gajanayake held a straightforward catch at third slip.

Joseph should have perished shortly after, but an expansive drive off Thushara took the edge only for the head-high catch to be put down at first slip. There was even more frustration for Thushara half-an-hour later when Sarwan, on 19, sliced a square-drive and this time it was the turn of the second slip fielder to grass the opportunity. Bravo played with increasing authority, launching into a succession of extravagant off-drives. Bravo was obviously keen to reach three figures before the close and a cover-drive and flick through mid-wicket for boundaries off successive deliveries from Kulasekara took him to the landmark off 117 balls with 16 fours.