Jaggernauth, Simmons steal spotlight

AMIT JAGGERNAUTH (four wickets for 38 runs) and Lendl Simmons (63) stole the spotlight on the opening day of the final two-day trial match at the National Cricket Centre, Balmain yesterday. Apart from Jaggernauth and Simmons, it was former West Indies players Daren Ganga (46 not out) and Ricardo Powell (44) who showed any form which would provide the Trinidad and Tobago selectors with much optimism as they finalise the squad for the opening round fixture against Guyana on January 7.

The selectors, headed by Dudnath Ramkissoon, are also faced with injuries to key players as they decide on the 13-member squad today. WI youth opener Tishan Maraj who would have been the likely choice to open the innings with Sherwin Ganga is on the injured list while medium pacers Reyad Emrit and Ravi Rampaul are also doubtful candidates. Emrit missed the Pizza Hut Gerry Gomez Classic and last week’s three-day trial because of pain in the lower back while Rampaul, although he batted brilliantly, will probably need some more work to get back to full bowling fitness. On an easy paced NCC pitch yesterday, batsmen paid the price for lack of technical discipline and Team “B” were skittled for a paltry 112. Powell top scored with 44 which contained three sixes and one four off 29 balls.

Badree displayed patience ended unbeaten on 21 after being at the crease for 87 minutes and losing six partners in quick succession. Jaggernauth captured four wickets for 28 runs from 13 overs, while Kelly scalped two wickets for six runs from 11 economical overs (six maidens). The other wicket-takers were Lynch (one for seven from six overs), Rishard Harris (one for 17 from four overs) and Mohammed (one for 32 from 5.3 overs). Team “A” reached 126 for three wickets at the close of play. Daren Ganga, unbeaten on 46, was dropped by Harriot off his brother Sherwin’s bowling with  the score at 109 for two at that stage. Gregory Mahabir is the other not out batsman but is yet to open his account.