ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Test star Joshua Da Silva said his hundred in adversity on Wednesday was nothing unfamiliar, as he was now accustomed to batting in such situations at the international level.
The 24-year-old struck a brilliant unbeaten 136 to guide Team Headley out of trouble at 59 for five, to 259 in the final session on the opening day of their Headley Weekes Tri-Series contest against West Indies Academy at Coolidge Cricket Ground.
Da Silva arrived at the crease with the score on 34 for three and with opener Sheyne Moseley forced off injured at 11 for one in the fourth over.
He watched as another two wickets tumbled before finding an ally in Akeem Jordan, with whom he added a crucial 105 for the sixth wicket, the West Indies Test prospect lashing an enterprising 54 from 64 deliveries.
“I went in [when we were in] a spot of bother. We were struggling a bit [after] the Academy boys got off to a good start,” Captain Da Silva said.
“After winning the toss and choosing to bat, we didn’t live up to the expectations that we needed to do.
“It was just about batting time, and I’ve been in the situation before a few times on the senior team.
“So it wasn’t too different, and it wasn’t foreign waters, so I just wanted to go out there and bat, play for my team, and hopefully somebody would stick around with me, and Akeem did that just right.”
The hundred for Da Silva was the third in his 50th first-class match and required 201 balls in 3-½ hours and included 16 fours and three sixes.
His courage was needed after fast bowler Johann Layne snatched five for 39 on debut to wreck Team Headley’s top order, the 19-year-old claiming four wickets before lunch to put the inexperienced Academy side on top.
His scalps included West Indies left-handers Kieran Powell and Darren Bravo, who have played 100 Tests, along with Kavem Hodge, Tevyn Walcott, and Jordan, who toured South Africa recently with West Indies but did not play.
“I’m elated. It’s a dream come true. Obviously, to make the debut first and then to come and execute with a fiver is pleasing,” Layne said.
“I felt good coming into the game [from] preparations obviously from previous days. This morning I used the wicket to my advantage.
“The surface was a bit slow, so in our meetings, we talked about bowling the ball full, so I think putting the ball in the right areas for as long as possible and being patient worked for us today.”
WI Academy finished the day on 49 for two, with fast bowler Jordan grabbing both wickets in the first over to end with two for 15.
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