Joseph’s five-for, Bramble’s 55* highlight final day’s play

Guyana Jaguars senior statesmen Keon Joseph and Anthony Bramble got impressive returns on the final day of their three-day practice match ahead of the Regional Four-Day season, which commences January 9.

Joseph, who spent most of last season out of the Jaguars playing XI, showed he still has his old menacing pace, albeit, a bit expensive, but it was a fiery spell of with 5-75 in 10 overs for Leon Johnson’s XI at the National Stadium, Providence, on Monday.

The hurt for him would be the seven no-balls, but the joy is getting batsmen to drive and edge through the slip-cordon. Backed up by Gudakesh Motie with 3-33 and Kevin Sinclair 1-10, they routed Antony Adams’ XI for 154, which set up a comfortable five-wicket win for Johnson’s XI, who were set 202 to win.

Adams’ XI resumed on 76-3, but Raymond Perez, who looked solid in the final session on day two, failed to add to his overnight of 40, after he was stumped off Motie. Johnathon Foo added eight to his 27, but Adams’ XI squandered their opportunity for a big lead as the lower-order folded.

Ronaldo Alimohamed cracked a 20-ball 27 (3x4s;1×6), while there were some contributions from Ricardo Adams (15) and Antony Adams (16).

Set 202 in just over a session, Johnson’s XI had a more productive outing with the bat. Trevon Griffith (26) and Chandrapaul Hemraj (30) both spent close to an hour and a half at the crease.

Johnson made 18 and Christopher Barnwell 17, but it was some classical batting from Vishaul Singh and aggressive batting from Bramble which took them over the line.

Singh struck four fours in his 47 until he hit Ricardo Adams straight to cover, however, Bramble used the sweep shot to good effect in his 49-ball 55, striking eight fours.

There will be a second practice game from January 2-3. It is understood the squad for the first match against Leeward Islands Hurricanes in Antigua will be named after the first day’s play.

Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Raymond Reifer, who missed the first practice game, are expected to participate in the second.