VINODE MAMCHAN
vinode.mamchan@guardian.co.tt
Left-handed batsman Jeremy Solozano continued his fine batting on day two of the national trials yesterday, finishing on 194, as his team the Marlon Richards XI made 466 all out against the Imran Khan XI at the National Cricket Centre (NCC) in Balmain, Couva.
At the close, Khan's team was responding on 113 for three. Beginning the day unbeaten on 149, Solozano carried on to fall six runs short of a double century. This knock which almost guarantees him selection on the Red Force team for their opening match against Jamaica in the PCL was compiled in 382 minutes, off 333 balls. He struck seven fours and eight sixes. On day one, he and Kyle Hope who scored 115, added 201 runs for the first wicket. Also getting in some time in the middle yesterday was Isaiah Rajah who counted 42 off 78 balls with three fours. Wicketkeeper Steven Katwaroo also looked good in scoring 36 off 77 balls with a four and a six.
Despite all the mayhem fast bowler, Anderson Phillip bowled very well in taking 3/31, while Tion Webster took 2/37.
When Khan's team began their reply, Amir Jangoo and Joshua Da Silva added 57 runs for the first wicket. The free-flowing Jangoo then left for 25 off 39 balls with three fours and was immediately followed by Nicholas Alexis. The Queen's Park batsman Alexis who scored a century in the first trial failed to score. Da Silva was the third wicket to fall, making 51 off 67 balls with six fours. At the close, the PowerGen pair of Cephas Cooper 13 and Ewart Nicholson 18 were together and will resume on the final day today.
SCORES: Marlon Richards XI 466 all out (Jeremy Solozano 194, Kyle Hope 115, Isaiah Rajah 42, Kamil Pooran 32, Steven Katwaroo 36, Anderson Phillip 3/31, Tion Webster 2/37) vs Imran Khan XI 113/3 (Joshua Da Silva 51, Ewart Nicholson 18no, Cephas Cooper 13no).