England Lions corner Jamaica XI on opening day

Sidelined Windies 'A' fast bowler Reynard Leveridge believes inexperience and unfamiliarity were key ingredients in what led England Lions to dominate the first day of their three-day tour match against Jamaica XI at Sabina Park.

The tourists, in their first and only warm-up fixture before taking on the Windies 'A' next weekend in their first unofficial 'Test' posted 263 for eight declared late in the afternoon.


Tame response



Jamaica, in their response, then closed on a troublesome 36 for four.

"When one doesn't really know about the opposition and what to expect, it can be difficult to perform, and I believe that affected us," said Leveridge.

"It caused some of our players to be a bit tentative, both in the field and while batting.

"The good thing, however, is that we have now seen them and have a better understanding of them, and hopefully on the second day we can improve."

Leveridge claimed two for 23 off 11 overs to lead his team.

Another player axed from the Windies 'A' team that played against Sri Lanka 'A' late last year, legspinner Damion Jacobs, two for 63, and returning off-spinner Jamie Merchant, two for 67, were best.

England, in the meantime, had captain and opener Keaton Jennings to thank for their efforts.

The former South Africa Under-19 batsman, who has six Tests to his name, slammed a majestic 129 not out.

His knock included 13 fours and two sixes.

Fellow Test representative and opener Haseeb Hameed made 18, with 21-year-old wicketkeeper Alex Davies providing best support to Jennings with 53. Play is scheduled to resume at 10 a.m. today.
jamaica-gleaner.com