Hurricanes in control
OPENER MONTCIN Hodge hit his third first-class century and anchored a string of partnerships as Leeward Islands Hurricanes rallied to take honours on yesterday’s opening day of their third-round fixture against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force.
The right-hander was unbeaten on 112 at the close at the Brian Lara Stadium as the visitors recovered from the cheap loss of skipper and Test opener Kieran Powell, to reach 291 for six.
Not for the first time, immensely talented all-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall signalled the West Indies selectors with a fluent 65 while Akeem Saunders chipped in with 41 and Devon Thomas, 27.
DECENT WARM-UP
Windies new-ball speedster Shannon Gabriel had a decent warm-up for the first Test against England later this month with three for 42 while leg-spinner Imran Khan supported with two for 99.
Powell, also hoping to impress selectors, was sent back in the morning’s eighth over for six when he was bowled by seamer Daniel St Clair with the score on 17.
However, Hodge then added exactly 44 for the second wicket with Keacy Carty (25), one of several partnerships that kept the Red Force attack at bay.
The right-hander also put on exactly 50 for the third wicket with Thomas before adding a further 57 for the fourth wicket with Saunders, who faced just 67 balls and lashed five fours and a six.
Overall, Hodge faced 276 deliveries and counted 14 fours and one six while Cornwall’s knock was a typically breezy one, requiring only 84 balls and comprising 10 fours and a six.