PREPARATION for the National Under-19 cricket team ahead of the regional tournaments, got off to a poor start yesterday, after they were bowled out for a paltry 52 early on day one of the 3-day practice game against the GCB’s Academy team.

Lack of proper application at the crease on a flat Everest pitch was the main reason for their failure with the bat, as they were eventually dismantled inside the first two hours of play.

Only National Under-17 captain Sachin Singh offered some fight with 18. Left-arm spinner Anthony Adams was the chief destroyer with figures of 5-7. Raun Johnson and Ramaal Lewis chipped in with two wickets apiece.

In reply, the Academy team reached 136-9 when rain intervened, resulting in the day’s play ending prematurely.

Sherfane Rutherford has so far top-scored with 38, while Trevon Griffith made 28. Kelvin Umroa took four wickets, while Qumar Torrington and Kevin Sinclair had two wickets each. Left-arm spinner Ashmead Nedd was the other successful bowler.