Brathwaite, Hope sustain form as Sri Lanka tour approaches

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Test batsmen, Kraigg Brathwaite and Shai Hope, maintained their good form ahead of this month’s tour of Sri Lanka, when they carved out half-centuries on the opening day of the second three-day trial match here yesterday.

Captain Brathwaite punched 58 and Hope struck 71 before they both retired as Brathwaite’s XI finished on 280 for four after choosing to bat first at Coolidge Cricket Ground.

Left-handed opener, Jeremy Solozano top-scored with a patient 74 while Kyle Mayers lashed a breezy 45. However, Shamarh Brooks failed to make the most of his opportunity, dismissed cheaply for 11.

Brathwaite also hit a half-century in last week’s first warm-up game while Hope notched three figures and both again showed their hunger for runs.
The right-handed Brathwaite faced 118 balls in nearly 2-½ hours at the crease and counted half-dozen fours and a six, putting on 98 for the first wicket with the uncapped Solozano, who struck 11 fours and a six in a knock requiring 216 deliveries and just under 4-¾ hours.

Brooks lasted 41 balls before falling to a catch at the wicket off seamer Niall Smith, but Hope then anchored two successive half-century stands to keep the innings moving.

He put on 71 with Solozano and then added a further 73 with the left-handed Mayers who belted seven fours and two sixes in an entertaining 63-ball innings.

Seamer Jayden Seales, 20, struck twice late in the day to end as the best bowler with two for 28.
West Indies are expected to announce a squad this week for the upcoming tour which gets underway in Colombo with a four-day match starting November 14.

Both Tests are scheduled for Galle; the first bowling off November 21 and the second beginning eight days later.