Knocking on door

Narsingh Deonarine hitting a six in his knock of 106 yesterday. (Picture courtesy Johnny JnoBaptiste/www.windiescricket.com)

Sun, July 22, 2012 - 12:05 AM

Narsingh Deonarine gave the West Indies selectors 106 reasons why he should be in the 11 for the first Digicel cricket Test against New Zealand starting at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in Antigua on Wednesday.

With the injured Darren Bravo doubtful for the Test, the left-handed Deonarine boosted his bid with an authoritative century in the West Indies Cricket Board’s President’s XI’s first innings total 299 for seven, replying to New Zealand’s meagre total of 149.

The Black Caps were undermined by pacer Kemar Roach, who made a successful return from injury with four wickets for 34 runs in 17 overs.

“I was happy with the way I bowled,” Roach said. “I was away from the game for a little while so I wanted to get back into the groove and prove that I’m ready for the upcoming Test matches.

“While I was away, I had therapy and fitness sessions and my body is feeling fit and ready for the challenges ahead.

“To get those early wickets, and especially the leading batsmen in their team, was a good return. It put them under pressure from the start and we maintained that grip.

“I got the ball to move both ways and that’s something I have been working hard to perfect. With these two games coming up . . . I want to make it count big time,” added Roach. (EZS)