Barnwell’s ton ensures Rest XI maintain control
DISCARDED national all-rounder Christopher Barnwell struck an unbeaten ton and, along with Krishna Arjune’s resilient half-century, helped the Rest XI maintain the control they held over the National team at the end of the second day in their three-day practice game at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, yesterday.

After bowling out their opponents who commenced the day on 287-8 for 306, the Rest XI, riding on the back of a 171-run partnership between Barnwell who is unbeaten on 105 and Arjune (66), ended the day on 216-1, with Shemroy Barrington being Barnwell’s partner on 29 (2×4, 1×6).

Not even a 126-minute stoppage caused by rain was enough to hold back the Rest XI which consists of players who were good enough to represent this country in West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) organised matches at one level or the other over the past 12 months.

They got rid of Esaun Crandon who started the day on 43 but only added one to that total and even though Brandon Bess struck both Trevon Garraway (2-53) and Keyron Fraser (2-70) for boundaries, along with Trevor Benn who started the day on six, got an outside edge off Garraway to third man for four in his unbeaten 13, it was not enough as the Rest XI wrapped things up early.

Stephen Herman Latcha (3-40) and Totaram Bishun 2-91 were the other wicket-takers for the Rest XI, who raced to 100 in quick time as Barnwell showed scant respect to the opening bowlers who will be taking care of Guyana’s new ball in the upcoming WICB four-day tournament.

Short deliveries from Bess whose first over went for 15 runs, was dispatched with disdain by both Barnwell and Arjune, with the latter hitting Esaun Crandon over deep backward square leg for his lone maximum.

Barnwell posted his 50 and the team’s 100 at the same time, hitting six fours from 95 balls, when he struck Bess who was being plagued by no-ball problems, through mid wicket for two while the 100 took a mere 19.2 overs to achieve, with Barnwell on 52 and Arjune 32.

Both batsmen were given lives, with Benn finding it difficult to hold onto a running offer from Arjune at deep backward square leg while Esaun Crandon could get only his fingertips to one from Barnwell off none other than left-arm orthodox spinner Veerasammy Permaul, who watched as Barnwell struck him for two maximums in successive overs after being given the chance.

Arjune duly reached a well-deserved half-century with a flick off his legs from a Royston Crandon delivery, facing 95 balls and hitting three fours and his lone maximum, but when he looked set to see his team to the close of play without losing any wicket, he was caught brilliantly by wicketkeeper Derwin Christian off Permaul, as he could only get the toe of his bat to a sweep shot.

His demise after facing 124 balls and hitting six of them for four along with his six brought Barrington, who earlier this year was opening the batting for Guyana, to the wicket and he reminded the selectors of his ability to hit the ball, when he struck his former teammate Dion Ferrier back over his head for six from the first ball he faced.

Barnwell took a liking to Permaul who was switched to the northern end by skipper Assad Fudadin and dutifully posted his ton off him, when he struck him through mid wicket for four, followed by a six back over his head from successive deliveries, facing 166 balls and counting 10 fours and three sixes.

Barrington refused to be left out of the boundary-scoring act when he contributed to his team’s total with successive fours through point and extra cover off Ferrier. At the close, he had galloped to a 34 balls 29 with three fours and one six while Barnwell was on 105.

Permaul, who seemed to be missing the services of his spin partner and club mate Devendra Bishoo (out with flu) at the other end, has so far taken 1-62 from his 17 overs.

Today is the final day and play is scheduled to commence at 09:30 h weather permitting.