Hope continues to impress

The runs continue to flow for Barbadian Shai Hope who rattled up a fine century on day two to follow up his half-century on the opening day of the four-day 'Best vs Best' West Indies intra-squad practice match in St Lucia.

The right-hander was not out on 104 when stumps were drawn, as Jermaine Blackwood's 'Team A' closed the second day on 197 for three, for an overall lead of 283 runs over Jahmar Hamilton's 'Team B', who were dismissed for 178 in their first turn at the crease.

Hope, who scored 79 in the first innings, decided he would go even better in his second knock, hitting nine fours and six sixes in his 132-ball knock.

Red-ball format

"I am just happy to be getting the runs that I want in the red-ball format, hopefully, I can continue scoring runs and if I get the opportunity to get into the Test team, I am going to grasp it with both hands," said Hope.

Left-hander Kyle Mayers chipped in with 40, while skipper Blackwood will resume today with Hope on 23.

Jamaican opener John Campbell did not open in the second innings following a knee injury.

Darren Bravo, who opened the innings with Hope, made 17, as Trinidadian pacer Jayden Seales has so far taken two for 28.

Earlier, Hamilton's team who resumed day two on 44 for four, found the going tough thanks to some accurate seam bowling from Nial Smith who picked up three wickets to help dismiss Team 'B' for 178.

Jamaican Paul Palmer failed to get off the mark when he resumed yesterday, however, their innings was rescued from total embarrassment, thanks to an unbeaten 60 from Raymon Reifer. Fast bowlers Shannon Gabriel and Keon Harding took two wickets each.