Windies A hunt series clincher at Sabina Park

West Indies A captain Kieran Powell says focus and application will be key if they are to clinch their unofficial Test series against England Lions at Sabina Park, starting today at 10 a.m.

The regional standard-bearers enjoy a 1-0 lead in the three-match series following a close two-wickets win in the first Test at Trelawny Stadium last week.

"We did well to win the opening Test, however, this England Lions team is a very good one, and as such, we will have to intensify our efforts for the second Test," said Powell.

"We will have to bat better, and bowl better, as well as improve our fielding efforts. Once we are able to do so, I believe we will thrive, and, hopefully, we will be able to win the series.''

West Indies A, in pulling off their win on the fourth and final day, largely had a century knock of 119 from wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich and an unbeaten 71 from Jomel Warrican to thank for their triumph.

"Shane and Warrican showed the sort of application that our batters need to show," said Powell.

"They were selective in their shots, occupied the crease for long periods, and in the end, were rewarded. I have no doubt that our other batsmen are capable of this."

The out-of-form Powell scored zero and 30, with fellow West Indies Test team batsmen Jermaine Blackwood and Vishual Singh making 35 and four, and 10 and 18, respectively.

West Indies A were led in the field by man-of-the-match, left-arm spinner Warrican, who claimed seven for 33 in the second innings, for a match haul of eight for 87.

He got good support from off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall, who took five for 68 in the first innings and three for 55 in the second.

Coach of the England Lions, Andy Flower, said that his team failed to execute in the opening Test.

LACK OF CONCENTRATION

"A lack of concentration and penetration when it mattered affected us," he said. "This will have to change going forward, and I am expecting an improved showing in all areas come the second game."

The touring team includes Test players such as batsmen Keaton Jennings and Haseed Hameed, fast bowler Toby Roland-Jones, and leg-spinner Mason Crane.

The third match of the series is carded for the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. The twin-island republic will also host a three-match one-day between the teams.

West Indies A squad: Kieran Powell (c), Shamarh Brooks, Jermaine Blackwood, John Campbell, Rahkeem Cornwall, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Jahmar Hamilton, Keon Joseph, Jeremiah Louis, RaymonReifer, Vishaul Singh, Jomel Warrican