Hope’s hundred highlights Day Two of ‘Best v Best’ game

Shai Hope followed his first innings half-century with an unbeaten hundred to highlight Day Two of the West Indies Four-Day ‘Best v Best’ game in St. Lucia on Tuesday.

Playing at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, Hope stroked an unbeaten 104 to add to his first innings’ 79, thereby making a strong case for a spot in the West Indies squad to face South Africa in the first Test, starting June 10 at the same venue.

The right-hander’s knock, which has so far spanned 132 deliveries, propelled Jermaine Blackwood XI to 197-3 by the close, a lead of 283 against Jahmar Hamilton XI.

Scores in the match: Blackwood XI 264 and 197-3; Hamilton XI 178.

Blackwood was the other not out batsman at the close on 23. Earlier, Kyle Mayers made 40, Darren Bravo 17 and Kavem Hodge was dismissed without scoring. Jayden Seales has taken two wickets.

Hamilton XI started the day 44-4 and were dismissed for 178. Guyanese fast bowler Nial Smith was impressive with the ball, claiming 3-35 off 12 overs, while Shannon Gabriel took 2-16 and Keon Harding 2-61. Guyanese left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul bowled just 2.3 overs, conceding three runs without taking a wicket.

Raymon Reifer made 60* off 122 balls, Roston Chase 35 and Kieran Powell 22.