Jamaica Gleaner article.
John Campbell, captain of Jamaica Scorpions, believes the wicket of Barbados Pride opener Kraigg Brathwaite will be key if the Jamaica Scorpions is to make a comeback in their WICB Professional League encounter at Sabina Park.
Brathwaite, the captain of the Pride, at the close was on 66 when his team closed on 103 for three on the first day.
This was in reply to the Scorpions pedestrian first-innings total of 177 after they had won the toss and elected to bat.
"His (Brathwaite's) wicket will be key, and if we can come out and get his wicket, I think their batting will be under some pressure," stated Campbell, who is leading the Scorpions for the second time.
Coming off scores of 117, 30 and 34 since his return from Australia with the West Indies Test team, Brathwaite, in his usual accumulating style, has so far batted for close to two and, half hours and hit 11 fours.
Of note, as well, was his duel with the tournament's leading wicket-taker, left-arm spinner Nikita Miller.
Closing with competitive figures of three for 22 off 14 overs, Miller got the ball to turn considerably, putting Brathwaite and others under pressure at times.
"Miller put in a good spell," conceded Brathwaite, who is eyeing a 16th first class in the process.
"Once the spinners hit in the right areas, it is not easy scoring as the pitch is turning.
"But its' just about trusting my defence and staying positive when I see the ball to score and rotation of the strike.
He continued: "I would like to score a hundred here at Sabina Park. The last couple of times, I scored two 90s.
"I am working towards that, but, at the end of the day, I am looking to build a foundation with my team to get a big score."
With him at the close was the in-form Royston Chase, who has batted for 39 minutes and is nine not out.
Earlier, the Jamaica Scorpions, hoping to break a string of three consecutive defeats, were led to their total by Andre McCarthy, 52, and opener Shacaya Thomas, 50.
McCarthy, entering the fray with Jamaica at 42 for one, batted for one hour and 48 minutes and counted six fours and a six, while Thomas batted for an hour and 34 minutes on his way to hitting his second half century in as many matches.
Former West Indies Under-19 fast bowler Justin Greaves with five for 41, his first five-wicket-haul in his third first-class encounter, was the pick of the bowlers.
New West Indies left-arm spinning recruit Jomel Warrican ended with two for 43.
"We did not get anywhere close to the runs that we wanted," Campbell highlighted.
"But, having said that, the total is already there and is a task for our bowlers to go and defend."
First Published In The Jamaica Gleaner.
