Batting not a cause for concern, says Reifer

All-rounder Raymon Reifer, speaking at the end of day two of the West Indies warm-up game, said there should be no concern about the side’s batting since some batsmen are still finding their feet after the COVID-19 imposed break on on-field activities.

Reifer was outstanding on the day, claiming 5-60 in 13 overs, all five wickets coming in the space of 11 balls, as Jason Holder’s XI folded for 193 in response to Kraigg Brathwaite’s XI 275.

“I don’t think it is a cause for concern. Obviously, this is our first game since everyone played First-Class cricket in March; some of the batters got good scores so it is just about the rest of the batters finding their feet and being ready for that first Test,” Reifer stated at the end of the day’s play.

Opener Brathwaite has shown the most consistency thus far with scores of 84 and 34, while Shai Hope made 83 in the first innings. John Campbell made 49 in the second innings after 16-ball duck in the first.

Reifer indicated the conditions are certainly not easy and it is about the players building confidence.

“Not too worried because playing in England is one of the toughest conditions you probably going to face as a batter. It is challenging; some days a team will lose a lot of wickets for not many runs, but just to try and get past those periods and try to get the team in good positions.”

According to all-rounder, who is seeking to force his way into the playing XI for the first Test on July 8, consistency in line and length did the trick for him during the spell.

“I just tried to get the ball finishing around the off-stump, trying to get the batsman playing as much as possible and I think conditions are pretty suitable for my style of bowling as well.”

Thursday will mark the conclusion of the three-day match, with the next warm-up fixture- a four-day match- starting on June 29.