Scorpions take charge at Sabina

Jamaica Scorpions captain, Nikita Miller, says batting points will be the order of proceedings when his team takes the field on the second day of their Cricket West Indies-Digicel Four-day Championship clash against Windwards Volcanoes at Sabina Park.

The Scorpions, hunting their second win of the campaign, are currently on 43 without loss, with openers John Campbell and Trevon Griffith not out on 37 and five, respectively.

This is in reply to a modest 200 scored by Windwards on a flat and dry opening-day pitch, which had little grass, and which offered plenty of bounce and turn for specialist and part-time spinners.

Experienced opener Devon Smith, with a solid unbeaten 116, led the way for the Volcanoes, while Miller, in claiming his third five-wicket haul in as many innings since his return from injury two weeks ago, picked up five for 60.

POSITIVE PLAY

"Credit to the batters so far as at the close of play, we did not lose any wickets,'' stated Miller. "The way we played was very positive as we were good defensively, and when we were attacking, we chose the right areas to do so, which is good.

"If we can continue and get to a 100-runs-or-more lead, that would be great for us as we are really looking to dig deep as it is not about looking to get their score. It's about points in the bigger context of things.

"If we can get to 200 runs, which is one batting point, and a point for every 50 runs scored thereafter, then we would be in good stead," he declared.

The Windwards, who won the toss and elected to bat, were spearheaded by the 36-year-old Smith, who slammed his 32 first-class hundred and 26th for the Windwards.

It was an innings that was decorated with four sixes and seven fours, many of which featured his trademark cover drives and back-foot cut and pull shots, particularly off the fast bowling of Reynard Leveridge and all-rounder Derval Green.

This was after he was dropped on one by part-time wicketkeeper Steven Taylor and after he eventually grew in confidence against spinners Miller, Damion Jacobs, and part-timer John Campbell.

Campbell, bowling part-time off-spin, supported Miller with three for 38 off 14 overs.