POINTE-A-PIERRE, Trinidad (CMC) – Kirk Edwards anchored Barbados’ batting, and was within sight of a second first-class hundred in the WICB Regional first-class championship against Trinidad & Tobago yesterday. Edwards was unbeaten on 75, as Barbados, choosing to bat, reached 133 for two in their first innings on a rain-marred opening day of their first round match at Guaracara Park.
The 26-year-old Edwards, a reserve for the West Indies World Cup team, struck 12 fours and one six from 157 balls, after the start was delayed by almost 4½ hours because an adjoining pitch was left damp by rainwater seeping through faulty covers.
When play started, T&T collected an early scalp, when Shannon Gabriel had Dale Richards caught at first slip for 14.
Barbados reached 25 for one at tea, and after the break, Edwards and Kraigg Brathwaite knuckled down to add 64 for the second wicket.
Brathwaite spent nearly two hours over 33 from 111 balls before he was dismissed by Aneil Kanhai, bowling his uncomplicated off-spin, to leave the Barbadians 81 for two.
Edwards however, continued to play solidly, and captain Ryan Hinds joined him to navigate Barbados through the last hour.
Edwards looked very accomplished against the four-pronged spin attack employed by T&T, which looked unpenetrative for the most part.
T&T are seeking to extend their recent dominance over arch rivals Barbados in the feature attraction of the opening round.
Apart from last year’s contest, when T&T had to come from behind, and narrowly missed-out on a victory, the home team have dominated their regional neighbours over the last five years.
T&T have won four of the last eight matches, lost one, and have gained first innings points in two draws two seasons ago.