Jamaica Select X1 make Blackcaps toil

Falmouth, Jamaica, (CMC) – New Zealand have clawed their way back after they were forced to struggle against a Jamaica X1 on the first day of the two- day tour match on Thursday at the Trelawny Multiplex here.

New Zealand who were struggling at 42 for the loss of four wickets limped to 112 for six declared but debutant Mark Craig grabbed three late wickets to throw the home side into disarray at 94 for five at stumps.

The Black Caps opened their tour of the West Indies with a tough batting day losing captain Peter Fulton without scoring with the score on seven after winning the toss and electing to bat.

Left arm pacer Gavon Brown led the Jamaica attack that crippled New Zealand’s innings taking two wickets for 15 runs including the wicket of BJ Watling who was bowled for seven as the Blackcaps slipped to 43-3 just before rain brought the players in.

After James Neesham , fresh from the Indian Premier League (IPL) was, removed without scoring , new Zealand went to lunch at 53-4.

But Tom Latham looked promising on his way to 33 before he became Brown’s second victim, trapped lbw.

Ish Sodhi and Luke Ronchi rallied in the middle innings contributing 23 not out and 21 respectively as Christopher Powell, Odean Brown, Ramaal Lewis and Brian Buchanan picked up a wicket each.

A solid opening stand of 40 between Shacaya Thomas and Jon Ross Campbell ensured the Jamaicans were given an encouraging start.

But when the partnership was broken after Campbell was caught for 18, the Jamaica innings began to collapse.

Offspinner Craig exploited a grassless pitch to remove opener Thomas for 22, captain Paul Palmer for six and Brandon King for three to send the home side reeling.

Kenar Lewis is not out on a well played 31.

The Jamaica select X1 trail by 18 runs with five first innings wicket standing.

Summarized Scores:

New Zealand 1st Innings: 94/5 (27.4 Overs). Tom Latham 33, Ish Sodhi 22, Luke Ronchi 21, Hamish Rutherford 13; Gavon Brown 11-7-15-2, Ramaal Lewis 10-2-14-1, Christopher Powell 11-4-21-1, Brian Buchanan 11-4-24-1.

Jamaica Select XI 1st Innings: 94/5 (27.4 Overs). Kennar Lewis 31*, Shacaya Thomas 22, Jon-Ross Campbell 18, Paul Palmer 6; Mark Craig 9-3-17-3, Neil Wagner 4.4-0-18-2, Ish Sodhi 6-2-14-0, Trent Boult 5-0-25-0.