As West Indies batsmen struggled in India, the overall frailty of regional batsmanship was again on display as Cricket West Indies’ First Class Championship got underway today.At Kensington Oval, hosts Barbados Pride took the honours when they reduced Leeward Islands Hurricanes to 172 for nine declared, and then closed on 27 without loss.Sent in, Hurricanes got a breezy 58 off 77 balls from Devon Thomas and 43 off 76 deliveries from out-of-favour West Indies opener Kieran Powell, while captain Jahmar Hamilton chipped in with 29.Fast bowler Keon Harding, who played a single One-Day International for West Indies last year, picked up four for 42.Powell, who punched eight fours, featured in a 52-run, second wicket stand with Keacy Carty (20) while Thomas produced a counter-attacking knock with half-dozen fours and three sixes, to inspire a 72-run fifth wicket stand with Hamilton.
