- FILE
Brian Lara
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):
WEST INDIES batting superstar Brian Lara was ominously poised to dominate for Trinidad and Tobago, at the close of their Carib Beer Series match against Guyana at Guaracara Park in Pointe-à-Pierre yesterday.
The 34-year old Lara, playing his first match of the regional four-day competition, was unbeaten on 60 as T&T reached 126 for two, in reply to Guyana's 346 all out.
He was partnered by his skipper Darren Ganga who was unbeaten on 45.
Lara made the most of his luck after he was dropped on two by wicketkeeper Derwin Christian off pacer Esuan Crandon.
The two batsmen, who will both turn out for the West Indies in the upcoming tour of New Zealand, featured in an unbroken, third-wicket partnership of 111 in 148 minutes, as T&T closed the day 220 adrift of first innings lead.
SENSIBLE BATTING
Lara has so far batted 148 minutes and faced 114 deliveries, striking seven fours while Ganga's innings has come in 167 minutes and 116 balls, and has contained five boundaries.
They had came together with their team in a spot of bother at 15 for two, having lost the wickets of Tishan Maraj (2), bowled by Esau Crandon and Lendl Simmons, caught by wicketkeeper Derwin Christian off the same bowler.
The duo batted sensibly against the five-pronged attack employed by skipper Shivnarine Chanderpaul.
Lara and Ganga accepted an offer of light from umpires Norman Malcolm and Terrence Birbal with 13.3 overs in the day's play remaining.
There were two interruptions for rain, one lasting 40 minutes and the other 10.
Earlier, Guyana resumed on its overnight position of 257 for four, with Test batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan unbeaten on 113 and Travis Dowlin, 33.
