Greaves, Brathwaite, Hodge all star with half-centuries

West Indies’ Kraigg Brathwaite walks off the field after being dismissed by England’s Chris Woakes during the last day of the second cricket Test match between England and West Indies at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, Monday, July 20, 2020.
Associated Press/Jon Super, Pool, file

All-rounder Justin Greaves was one of three players with half-centuries as West Indies rallied on day one of their three-day tour match against Cricket Australia XI.

After the Caribbean side lost three wickets for three runs in the space of 23 deliveries, the right-hander produced a top score of 65, as the visitors ended on 251 for 8 at the Karen Rolton Oval.

Greaves anchored a 120-run, fifth wicket stand with Kavem Hodge who made 52, before West Indies lost four wickets for eight runs towards the end.

The other half-century came from Captain Kraigg Brathwaite, hitting 52 to provide his side with a sound start when they opted to bat after winning the toss.

Brathwaite struck a few boundaries as he put on a crucial 54 for the first wicket with left-hander Tagenarine Chanderpaul who made 17, and a further 46 for the second wicket with left-hander Kirk McKenzie who struck 23.

Chanderpaul struck a few sweetly-timed drives before edging a delivery at seamer Bradley Hope and falling to a catch, West Indies headed to lunch on 70 for 1.

McKenzie’s fell about 45 minutes following the resumption, off pacer Jack Nisbet (2-50) and triggered a slide with Alick Athanaze (0) and Brathwaite following quickly.

Athanaze top-edged at seamer Liam Haskett (3-57) and was taken by the keeper while Brathwaite scooped left-arm spinner Doug Warren (2-47) to backward square, after facing 129 deliveries and striking eight fours.

Greaves, struck 10 fours from 135 balls then combined with Hodge, who faced 101 deliveries scoring five fours and a six, to steer West Indies safely on 160 for 4.

Greaves reached his 50 with a single to mid-on off Warren while Hodge, brought up his landmark by clearing the ropes off spinner Tim Ward.

Both fell in successive overs, Warren bowled Hodge and Greaves playing on to Haskett.