W. Indies had to work hard

Press, 24 February 1986, Page 23

W. Indies had to work hard

NZPA-Reuter Kingston West Indies toiled for six hours yesterday against England’s on-target bowling to take a 109-run first innings lead on the second day of the first cricket test at Sabrina Park. The reliable left-handed Larry Gomes hit one of two half-centuries to help the islanders reach seven for 268 at the close of play in reply, to England’s first innings 159. Gomes hit five fours in solid 68-run fourth wicket partnership with Carlisle Best, making his test debut, before he was leg-before to Richard Ellison. Ellison was the hero in the English bowling attack, snapping up three wickets with the second new ball, including the prized scalp of - the captain, Viv Richards. Richards, who temporarily unnerved the bowlers with a quickfire 23, was also trapped leg-before. Ellison, with three for 59, was supported by all-rounder lan Botham who captured two wickets, leaving the other two for the newcomer, iGreg Thomas, and the veteran spinner, Peter Willey. Resuming this morning on 85 : without loss, the West Indies were pinned down for the first two hours. They added 46 runs for the loss of three wickets — Desmond

Haynes for 32, Joel Garner for 24 and Richie Richardson for seven.

Their performance steadied when Best joined Gomes and started his test career in grand style by slamming his third ball from Botham for a six.--'.'•' ... ■

Best was eventually - legbefore for 35 while trying to sweep a straight delivery from Willey.

Richards came to the crease at four for 183 and seemed ready to explode, immediately driving the, spinners for three bound,-.: aries. Ellison put an end to the • Crowd’s delight with a ball that came back and struck Richards at shin height The umpire. Johnny Gayle, did., not hesitate over the decision. Y Malcolm Marshall was Ellison’s third victim, miscuing a ball to mid-ori for six.

The opener, Gordon Greenidge, who retired hurt on Saturday after being struck over the left eye by a Botham bouncer resumed batting yesterday and was not out 54 at stumps. The cut needed four stitches. <

He was joined by Jeff Gujon, unbeaten on 26. England: first innings 159 (G. A. Gooch 51; B. .P. Patterson four for 29); West Indies first innings 268 for. Seven at stumps (C. G. Greenidge 54 not out; Ellison three for 59).