Shai Hope, who was left out of the last two series played by the Windies team, due to lack of form, has made a bold statement to the Windies selectors.
On day two of the practice match, dubbed BEST V BEST, currently being played in St. Lucia, Hope made a stroke-filled century, not out, to add to his fine knock of 79 in the first innings.
The Jahmar Hamilton X1, commenced the day, struggling on 44 for 4 and was eventually bowled out for 178.
The Blackwood led X1, the second turn at the crease, was on 197 for 3, at the end of the day’s play, with Hope on 104 not out and the Captain, Jermaine Blackwood on 23 not out.
It is obvious that the Hamilton X1 will be chasing a huge target the second time around, already trailing by 283, but that will give a second chance to persons such as Kieran Powell, to also make a statement to the Windies selectors.
Summarized scores: Team Blackwood 264 all out: Blackwood 85; Hope 79; Hodge 37; Campbell 20
Chase 4 for 44, Chemar Holder 3 for 44, Jomel Warrican 2 for 35, J. Seales 1 for 47
Hamilton X1 178 all out: Raymon Reifer 64*, Roston Chase 36, Kieran Powell 22; Jahmar Hamilton 19
N. Smith 3 for 35, Shannon Gabriel 2 for 16, Keon Harding 2 for 61, Kyle Mayers 1 for 24
Team Blackwood- 197 for 3: Hope 104*, Kyle Mayers 40, Blackwood 23*
Seales 2 wickets; Chase 1