T&T spinners strike late to keep Scorpions at bay

T&T spinners strike late to keep Scorpions at bay
Published on Feb 19, 2016, 10:21 pm AST


DRIVEN: Trinidad and Tobago Red Force’ Steven Katwaroo, left, looks on as Jamaica Scorpions’ Kirk Edwards play a lofted drive on the first day of the seventh round Professional Cricket League four-day match at Sabina Park, Jamaica, yesterday.--Photo: WICB Media/LMA Photography


It was a tough grind for Trinidad and Tobago Red Force for most of the first day of the Professional Cricket League Four-Day match against Jamaica Scorpions at Sabina Park in Kingston before two late strikes by leg-spinner Imran Khan balanced the scale just before stumps.

The hosts reached 197 for six at the close with a century stand for the second wicket between Kirk Edwards and Shacaya Thomas frustrating T&T for most of the day until the Red Force spinners intervened after lunch.
T&T only picked up one wicket in the first session as the Jamaican batsmen took their time after the hosts won the toss and elected to bat first. Medium pacer Marlon Richards struck early for the visitors when John Campbell was caught by Evin Lewis in the fourth over for eight.

That was all the success T&T would get in the first session as Shacaya Thomas and Kirk Edwards took the hosts to lunch at 65 for one. The pair eventually brought up their 100-run stand after the break with Edwards getting to his 50 off 104 balls. He hit four fours and two sixes.

But the partnership wouldn’t get any bigger as off-spinner Jon Russ Jaggesar (three for 53) struck to send back the Barbadian Edwards via the lbw route for 66. Edwards faced a total of 129 balls and hit six fours and two sixes.
Andre McCarthy (14) and Jermaine Blackwood (1) also fell victim to Jaggesar before Shacaya Thomas and Deveon Thomas came together to help the hosts reach tea without further loss at 140 for four.

Shacaya Thomas eventually reached his half century after the break off 201 balls but leg-spinner Khan (two for 59) struck two late blows to bring the visitors back into the contest. He sent back both Devon Thomas and Shacaya Thomas for 38 and 64 respectively as the Jamaican franchise stumbled towards the close.

Summarised Scores

SCORPIONS 197 for six (Kirk Edwards 66, Shacaya Thomas 64, Devon Thomas 38; Jon-Russ Jagessar 3-53, Imran Khan 2-59) vs RED FORCE