Opening batsman Matthew Nandu and pacer Shamar Joseph were among the standout performers on the opening day of the Guyana Harpy Eagles Four-Day practice match at the National Stadium, Providence, on Saturday.
With Tagenarine Chanderpaul set to be absent from the first Regional Four-Day match on February 1 due to West Indies commitments, Nandu struck a compact 78 from 147 balls to raise his hands for selection.
The West Indies Under-19 batsman stroked 12 fours in his knock that seemed destined for triple figures until a needless run out.
Joseph, who had some solid performances in the Inter-County 50-Over tournament last year, nipped out 4-30 from eight overs as Veersammy Permaul XI was bowled out for 261 in 86 overs.
Players would be pressing hard to impress the selectors given there are about five to six spots up for grabs and this first practice match could hold the key to who fills those spots.
From a batting standpoint, Harpy Eagles’ management would be up in arms over the numerous starts by the batsmen but none carrying on to triple-figure scores.
Young Shamar Yearwood looked solid for 36 while Ronaldo Alimohamed (34) and Tevin Imlach (33) also got starts, likewise, Rampertab Ramnauth (27) and Kevlon Anderson (26).
Gudakesh Motie, who would be eying a return to the Test side for the tour later this month to Zimbabwe, took 3-38 from 18 overs while the nagging Antony Adams had 1-15 from nine overs.
Tagenarine Chanderpaul XI reached stumps three without loss with their skipper on two and Chandrapaul Hemraj on one.
The match continues from 09:30h on Sunday.
