Hope, Blackwood rally Windies with half-centuries
CANTERBURY, England, CMC – Jermaine Blackwood continued to press his case for a return to the Test side with another half-century while Shai Hope was again among the runs as West Indies rallied against Kent on the opening day of their three-day tour game here yesterday.
Opting to bat first at Kent County Ground, the Windies fought back from a position of 78 for four to be bowled out for 265 in their first innings late in the day.
Hope top-scored with 57 while Blackwood scored exactly 50 and Kyle Hope, 36.
Tail-ender Alzarri Joseph chipped in with 31 and Devendra Bishoo, 23.
Jermaine Blackwood … scored exactly 50.
Fast bowler Charlie Hartley claimed four for 80 while left-arm seamer Adam Ball (2-27) and off-spinner Adam Riley (2-37) chipped in with two wickets apiece.
In reply, Kent lost Daniel BellDrummond without scoring in the first over, caught at the wicket off pacer Joseph, to end the day on one for one.
The Windies had a dodgy start, losing Kraigg Brathwaite (8) and Kieran Powell (13) cheaply, both lbw to Hartley to leave the total on 36 for two.
Shai Hope then joined his older brother Kyle – who made 36 – in a 38-run, third wicket stand which stabilised the innings.
Shai, who was among the runs against Essex last week, faced 121 deliveries and struck five fours while Kyle counted five fours in a 78-ball knock.
Kyle played on attempting pull a short one from Ball at 74 for three and with four runs added, left-hander Shimron Hetmyer was caught low down at the wicket in Ball’s next over, without scoring.
Shai then combined with the enterprising Blackwood to put on 70 for the fifth wicket and rally the innings for the tourists.
Blackwood, who gathered a half-century against Essex, struck six boundaries off 92 balls but once again, failed to carry on.
The partnership was broken when Shai gloved one that bounced from Riley to Ball at slip and Blackwood added a further 30 with Shane Dowrich (15) before played back to a full length one from Hartley and falling lbw.
Three wickets tumbled for 23 runs to leave the Windies 201 for eight but Joseph anchored two successive 32-run stands with Bishoo and and Miguel Cummins (8 not out) to ensure the tail wagged.