TRINIDAD and Tobago Red Force had arguably their best day of the 2024 West Indies Four-Day Championship competition on Wednesday, led by fast bowler Anderson Phillip. Phillip grabbed a five-wicket haul as leaders Windward Islands Volcanoes were dismissed for 191 on day one before Red Force closed on 89/1 at the Queen’s Park Oval, St Clair.
West Indies batsman Alick Athanaze showed his class for the Volcanoes, but other batsmen struggled to stick around with the left-hander.
Athanaze struck 54 to top score for the Volcanoes, playing with his usual elegance.
However, it was Phillip’s day as he ended with figures of 5/37 in 13 overs. Phillip’s fast bowling twin Jayden Seales had a solid day at the office also, ending with 2/48 in 14 overs.
Left-arm spinner Khary Pierre, despite only bowling seven overs, picked up 3/21.
After losing openers Jeremy Solozano for eight and Johann Jeremiah for 14, West Indies Test player Kavem Hodge and Sunil Ambris led a response.
Ambris was not shy, taking the attack to the Red Force bowlers.
The right-hander attempted one shot too many as Pierre removed him with his first ball, caught at short cover by Tion Webster. Ambris struck 35 off 30 balls.
The Windward Islands went to lunch on 88/3 with Hodge on 28 not out and Athanaze on one.
Athanaze showed his quality after lunch with exquisite timing.
The other batsmen only played cameos, as Hodge pushed tentatively at a delivery from Phillip and was caught by wicket-keeper Joshua Da Silva for 28.
Athanaze showed his prowess on the off side. He struck a four off Bryan Charles using a cut shot and then drove Phillips for four through covers.
Tevyn Walcott was not scared to play his shots as he also picked up a few boundaries. He rode his luck at times, slashing at a Terrance Hinds delivery that flew over the slip cordon and ran away for four.
Shortly after, a sweep shot by Walcott off Charles just evaded Pierre fielding at square leg.
[caption id="attachment_1070195" align="alignnone" width="1024"] TT's Bryan Charles bowls during the CWI Regional Four Day Championship round four match against Windward Islands Volcanoes, on Wednesday, at the Queen's Park Oval, St Clair. - Photo by Roger Jacob[/caption]
Windwards progressed to 140/4 at the drinks break in the second session as the partnership between Athanaze and Walcott was now worth 44 runs. Walcott had already raced to 26 off 31 deliveries and Athanaze was more patient getting to 27 off 55 balls.
Walcott’s stay at the crease was entertaining, but brief, as he was dismissed for 28 off 40 balls by Seales.
Athanaze continued to show his ability, hitting Pierre for two reverse sweeps for four, followed by a conventional sweep that also found the fence.
New batsman Shamar Springer survived a few bouncers from Seales, but seemed to misjudge the flight of a delivery from Pierre and was bowled for six.
Athanaze brought up his 50 as he continued to show why he is seen as one of the most talented youth players in the region.
Unfortunately for the Windwards, nob
