Wallace (137) lashes TT attack

BRIDGETOWN: Opener Philo Wallace lashed a 137 to guide Barbados to a crucial first innings lead over Trinidad and Tobago on the second day of their Carib Beer International Challenge cricket semi-final yesterday.

Barbados were 288 for seven at the close, a first innings advantage of 30. Earlier in the day, Trinidad and Tobago added just eight runs to their overnight 250 for nine before they were bowled out for 258. Fast bowler Corey Collymore claimed the last wicket to end with five for 65. But the day belonged to 32-year-old Wallace, who slammed 14 fours and five huge sixes in 322 minutes. The right-hander faced 211 deliveries and benefited from two chances at 10 and 107. Fast bowler Marlon Black missed a sharp return catch while Dave Mohammed grassed a spiralling catch also off Black later in the day. Wallace gained excellent support from captain Courtney Browne, who scored 67 in just over three hours. Browne struck nine boundaries off 133 balls.

The pair added 115 for the fifth wicket after West Indies pacer Mervyn Dillon snared three wickets to restrict Barbados to 141 for four. Dillon (three for 67) picked up Sherwin Campbell (7), Ryan Hinds (26) and Floyd Reifer (2), all to catches off the outside edge to wicket-keeper Lendl Simmons. Off-spinner Rodney Sooklal ended with four for 82 off 23 overs. Wallace brought up his milestone in grand style with two sixes in one over off Sooklal. The first blow cleared the Kensington Stand at midwicket while the next one sailed over the Pickwick Pavilion as the batsman raised his arms in celebration. It was Wallace’s second century of the season — his first also came off Trinidad in the preliminary round. He fell late in the day to a tired stroke off Sooklal, slapping a long hop to extra cover. Sooklal also removed Dwayne Smith (16) to a catch at deep midwicket, bowled Ryan Hurley (4) and had Browne caught and bowled. The match resumes in Barbados today.