West Indies Academy Takes on Sri Lanka Emerging Men in Red-Ball Series
The West Indies Academy and Sri Lanka Emerging Players concluded their two-match Unofficial Test series with a thrilling 1-1 draw, showcasing contrasting fortunes and highlighting the impact of spin bowling on both sides. The series began with Sri Lanka Emerging Players asserting their dominance in the first match, utilizing their spin trio to orchestrate a remarkable collapse in the West Indies Academy’s second innings, securing a 75-run victory. However, the Academy bounced back emphatically in the second match, delivering a comprehensive innings and 26-run win to level the series.
The first Unofficial Test saw Sri Lanka Emerging Players post a competitive first-innings total of 292. The West Indies Academy, in response, were restricted to 214, giving Sri Lanka a valuable lead. Sri Lanka’s second innings yielded 219 runs, setting the Academy a challenging target of 297. Despite a promising start with an 82-run partnership between Ackeem Auguste (82) and Mbeki Joseph (25), the Academy’s middle order crumbled under the pressure exerted by Sri Lanka’s spinners – Dilum Sudeera, Dulaj Samuditha, and Ashian Daniel – who shared all ten wickets in the second innings. This dramatic collapse saw the Academy lose their last six wickets for a mere 41 runs, ultimately falling 75 runs short of the target. Nathan Edward’s impressive bowling figures of 6-23 were not enough to prevent Sri Lanka’s victory.
The second Unofficial Test witnessed a reversal of fortunes. Sri Lanka Emerging Players, after winning the toss and electing to bat, were bowled out for a modest 241 in their first innings. Anjala Bandara top-scored with an unbeaten 56, while Joshua Bishop led the Academy’s bowling attack with figures of 3-68. The West Indies Academy responded with a commanding 374, built on four half-centuries. Mavendra Dindyal’s 82, along with contributions from Teddy Bishop (50), Ackeem Auguste (57), and Rivaldo Clarke (50), propelled the Academy to a substantial lead of 133 runs. The pivotal moment of the match arrived on day two, with Dindyal and Bishop forging a crucial 127-run partnership for the third wicket.
Facing a significant first-innings deficit, Sri Lanka Emerging Players succumbed to a devastating collapse in their second innings, managing only 107 runs. Captain Dhananjaya Lakshan’s resilient 50 was the lone bright spot in an otherwise dismal batting performance. Leg-spinner Zishan Motara’s dismissal of Lakshan triggered a rapid decline, as Sri Lanka’s innings folded swiftly. The West Indies Academy’s emphatic victory ensured a shared series outcome, highlighting their ability to rebound strongly after the initial setback.
The series showcased the significant influence of spin bowling, particularly on the slower pitches of the Caribbean. In the first match, Sri Lanka’s spinners exploited the conditions masterfully to dismantle the Academy’s batting line-up. Conversely, in the second match, the Academy’s batsmen displayed greater resilience against spin, while their bowlers effectively contained the Sri Lankan batsmen. The contrasting results underlined the importance of adapting to different playing conditions and the need for both teams to possess a well-rounded bowling attack.
The fluctuating fortunes of both teams across the two matches provided a captivating spectacle, highlighting the unpredictable nature of Test cricket. The series served as a valuable learning experience for both the West Indies Academy and Sri Lanka Emerging Players, exposing their strengths and weaknesses as they prepare for future challenges on the international stage. With the red-ball series concluded, both teams shifted their focus to the upcoming white-ball leg, comprising three One-Day Internationals, also at Coolidge Cricket Ground. The change in format promised a different dynamic, with the emphasis shifting from patient accumulation to aggressive strokeplay and astute bowling variations.
Share this content:
Post Comment