Carter takes charge

Barbados batsman Jonathan Carter playing through the leg-side during his unbeaten 96. (Picture courtesy Garfield Robinson/Jamaica Observer.)

Sun, April 15, 2012 - 12:05 AM

KINGSTON – Left-handed stroke-maker Jonathan Carter was on the verge of a maiden first-class century and Barbados were in sight of first innings honours but rain had the final say on the second day of the Regional Four-day final yesterday.

The 24-year-old Carter fashioned an accomplished, unbeaten 96 as Barbados overcame some early hiccups to cruise to 197 for three before rain swept across Sabina Park 18 minutes after the resumption from tea, ending play prematurely.

Barbados dominated the day, needing just 19 balls to bowl Jamaica out for 273 after the hosts continued from their overnight 266 for eight, before setting about making inroads into their target with an impressive batting display.

Carter has faced 172 balls and struck ten fours. He was accompanied by Dwayne Smith on 16.

Left-handed Carter was the mastermind behind a third-wicket partnership of 144 with Rashidi Boucher which pulled Barbados out of danger and put them in a strong position.

Carter and opener Boucher, who struck 52, dominated the post-lunch session as Barbados took control with purposeful batting.

Boucher, playing in his first match of the season, faced 133 balls and struck seven fours.

He raised his maiden first-class half-century off 127 balls in 195 minutes with seven fours but fell moments later at 174 for two, caught behind off left-arm spinner Nikita Miller.

Carter reached his half-century off 97 balls in 110 minutes with five fours and hardly put a foot wrong afterward as he easily negotiated Jamaica’s varied attack.

Carter and Boucher ensured Barbados added 107 in a session that was extended by 40 minutes to compensate for a protracted rain break.

The partnership also pulled Barbados around from 30 for two before lunch after fast bowler Andrew Richardson, who finished with two for 45, had made the early breakthough.

The tall pacer trapped left-hander Omar Phillips lbw off the first ball of the innings and then had Kyle Hope caught at cover by David Bernard Jr for 13, after the right-hander had put on 30 for the second wicket with Boucher. (CMC)