Stumps Prime Minister’s XI 297 for 9 (Renshaw 81, Harris 73, Joseph 3-52, Chase 2-72) vs West Indies
West Indies finally have some hope ahead of their Frank Worrell Trophy series against Australia, fighting back from an early hole to take the challenge up to the Prime Minister’s XI.
They were staring down the barrel of another disastrous day with the ball when PM’s XI were 134 for 0, but showed spirit to take six wickets in the evening session and finish the day at 297 for 9 at the Manuka Oval.
“This is a game of patience,” he told reporters. “You could bowl well in this session but you have to stay patient and your reward might come at the end the game. You get your opportunity with a new ball, with the lights on it takes a bit more effect and does a bit more.
“The pink ball is pretty easy to bat [against] during the day, but when it gets down to maybe 7pm or 8pm, twilight starts to come in and the light starts taking effect, that’s when you know the bowlers have a better chance.”
Renshaw took over and thumped ten boundaries in his 81, but also fell short of a century when he edged Raymon Reifer to the slips.
“It was an enjoyable day, challenging yourself against a pretty good bowling attack…they kept coming and kept coming,” Renshaw said. “They bowled really well, obviously they’ve got a couple guys on the sidelines as well who could come in.
“We always know the night sessions where you can come out and something can start happening. They’re an exciting young group and they’ve got some pace and they’ve got some skills. It will be an interesting watch for the Test matches over the summer.”
Future Test hopeful Henry Hunt couldn’t show the form that made him last season’s Sheffield Shield player of the year, falling for 13.
Joseph (3 for 52) led the way, and Chase (2 for 72) was important, while frontline quick Kemar Roach took 1 for 40. It was an important fightback from West Indies, playing just days after conceding 426 for 4 against a combined ACT/NSW XI.