Johnson, Hemraj warm up for Four-Day with twin tons

Captain Leon Johnson and opener Chandrapaul Hemraj struck ‘gold’ by cracking vital centuries on the final day of the Guyana Jaguars two-day practice match ahead of the Regional Four-Day Championship. The Regional competition commences January 9.

Both went to the pavilion after solid innings of 104, which powered Johnson’s XI to 388-5 when they closed their innings against Antony Adams XI at the National Stadium, Providence, on Friday.

Hemraj spent over three and a half hours at the crease, striking eight fours and six maximums before he was caught behind of the bowling of Ronaldo Alimohamed, while Johnson grafted for just over five hours, hitting nine fours and one six, before he retired.

They shared a stand of 167 for the second wicket.

Johnson’s XI had resumed their innings on 85-1 with Hemraj on 46 and the skipper 23. After a below standard performance in the first match, both bogged down and got valuable time in the middle, and easily helped their team to eclipse Adams XI total of 244.

The other score of substance was Tagenarine Chanderpaul with 57 (4x4s). He spent over three and half hours in the middle.

Raymon Reifer (27*), Christopher Barnwell (27) and Anthony Bramble (24) also got some further batting practice under their belt. Alimohamed and Ricardo Adams both took two wickets.

Guyana Jaguars squad will depart Monday for Antigua where they play a day/night match against Leeward Islands Hurricanes.

The squad reads: Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Leon Johnson (Captain), Christopher Barnwell, Vishaul Singh, Devendra Bishoo, Tevin Imlach, Keon Joseph, Raymon Reifer, Anthony Bramble, Veerasammy Permaul, Nial Smith and Kevin Sinclair.

The Coach is Esuan Crandon with Shivnarine Chanderpaul doubling as Assistant Coach and Manager. Neil Barry Jr. is the Physiotherapist.