Hetmyer, Dowrich shine for Windies

LEICESTER, England (CMC):

Rookie Shimron Hetmyer produced a stunning unbeaten century, while wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich also chipped in with three figures, as West Indies dominated the opening day of their two-day match against Leicestershire yesterday.

The 20-year-old left-hander struck 128 not out at better than a run-a-ball as the Windies registered 377 for seven declared off 88 overs, after winning the toss and electing to bat at Grace Road.

Dowrich also made the most of his opportunity, scoring 108 not out off 176 balls with 16 fours as he regained touch in the lead-up to the decisive third Test at Lord's next week.

He added an unbroken stand of 186 with Hetmyer for the eighth wicket after West Indies' innings seemed to be petering out tamely at 191 for seven in the final session.

Earlier in the day, left-handed opener Kieran Powell also tuned up with a stroke-filled 82. He faced 154 balls and hit 12 fours and a huge six over midwicket.

However, the day belonged to the exciting Hetmyer, who made his Test debut against Pakistan earlier this year, but is yet to feature in the ongoing Test series against England.

Breathtaking strokes

Coming at number nine in just his third innings on tour, Hetmyer hit 17 fours and five sixes in just over two hours off 120 balls. He treated spectators to an array of breathtaking strokes on both sides of the wicket, reaching his half century off 49 balls with nine fours and two sixes.

He then accelerated to raise his century off 100 balls, counting 12 fours and five sixes - two of which came in the same over from off-spinner Robert Sayer.

After reaching the landmark, Hetmyer continued to dominate and the declaration came in fading light as he cracked three boundaries in the final over of the day from left-arm pacer Dieter Klein.