Jamaica take first innings lead

Jamaica, led by a masterful century from Tamar Lambert, took a first innings lead over Barbados in their West Indies Cricket Board’s Four Day semi-final yesterday at Kensington Oval.

Lambert scored 121 as Jamaica ended on 302 all out in reply to Barbados’ first innings total of 245 all out. Jamaica resumed yesterday on 52-1 and solid contributions came also from David Bernard Jr who made 42 and Jermain Blackwood who made 37.

Sulieman Benn was the leading wicket taker for Barbados with 5-102. Fidel Edwards took 2-58 off his 12 overs while Ashley Nurse took 2-47.

Today, left-hander John Campbell, who resumed on 25, was leg before wicket by Benn for 31 as he essayed a sweep (67-2; 18.1 overs). Nightwatchman Damion Jacobs, pushing forward, was caught at silly point by Omar Phillips off Benn for 21 from his overnight nought (98-3; 32.3 overs).

Andre McCarthy, driving, was caught at short midwicket by Kraigg Brathwaite off off-spinner Ashley Nurse for nought (113-4; 39.2 overs). Jermaine Blackwood was caught off bat and pad at silly point by Phillips off Benn for 37 (125-5; 42.5 overs).

Carlton Baugh, backing up too far, was run out for ten after Benn dropped a return catch offered by Lambert (140-6; 46.1 overs). David Bernard was leg before wicket by fast bowler Fidel Edwards for 42 (254-7; 84 overs).

Nikita Miller was caught at second slip by Jonathan Carter after the ball was dropped at first slip by Nurse off Benn for nought (255-8; 84.5 overs). Jerome Taylor, hitting out, was caught at short cover by wicket-keeper Shane Dowrich off Edwards for one (264-9; 88 overs).

Lambert was the final wicket to fall when he was caught overhead by Carlos Brathwaite off Benn (302 all out; 93 overs).

Last evening, Nkrumah Bonner, sweeping, was leg before wicket by Nurse for 26 (51-1; 9.2 overs).

Barbados will begin today 57 runs behind Jamaica. (PG)