Chemar Holder

Akshay Saraswat ∙ 29 Nov 2020

West Indies settle for tame high-scoring draw in practice game

West Indies Test team would have been upbeat after piling up 571 in their first innings of the practice match against New Zealand A. However, the latter side ensured that the visitors won't get any further encouragement by scoring 440/8 in their own innings as the four-day match ended in a tame draw. The New Zealand A side benefitted from two centuries, one from 28-year old right-hander Will Young and the other by their skipper Cole McConchie, also 28. For the Windies team, up and coming pacer Chemar Holder was the leading wicket-taker with figures of 3/100 in 28 overs while Kraigg Braithwaite followed up his highest first-class score with decent figures of 2/66 in 28 overs. Captain Jason Holder picked up a solitary wicket in his 19 overs while conceding 45 runs while Alzarri Joseph went wicketless in his 18 overs. The only frontline spinner in West Indies line up, Rahkeem Cornwall, also got just one wicket in return for 34 runs off 15 overs. All-rounder Raymon Reifer remained without any scalps. One wicket was taken by part-timer Jason Campbell. While conceding such a big score is not ideal for the West Indies team, it is quite possible that the pacers bowled within themselves and didn't exert much after discovering the flat nature of the wicket. The likes of Jason Holder and Alzarri Joseph are quite likely to benefit from the swing-friendly conditions of New Zealand when the Test series start. Earlier in the match, West Indian opener Kraigg Braithwaite scored 248, his highest score in first-class cricket. His effort, along with 93 from the returning Darren Bravo and 53 from Jermaine Blackwood, took the visitors to an impressive 571. Braithwaite had a tough time in West Indies' last Test series in England. His big score would please the West Indies team and the selectors. However, the spotlight would be on his opening partner Campbell who hasn't got a good score for some time. The 93 by Bravo is also crucial due to the importance of the left-hander in the West Indies team. With Shai Hope out of the team due to lack of runs, Bravo's role becomes greater. The two-match Test series begins on December 3 at Hamilton. Second Test takes place from December 11 at Wellington.