Guyanese fast-bowler Nial Smith continued to impress the selectors after finishing as the pick of the bowlers for Jermaine Blackwood’s XI in the ongoing Best v Best 4-Day match in St Lucia. Shai Hope continued to push for a Test spot, ending the second day with a fluent unbeaten 104.

Smith bagged 3-35 in 12 overs, including two maidens as the men in Maroon continue preparation for the first Test against South Africa on June 10. Resuming the second day on 44-4, Jahmar Hamilton’s XI crept to 178 all out in 58.3 overs, replying to Blackwood’s XI first innings score of 264 all out.

Raymon Reifer top-scored with an unbeaten 60 while Roston Chase made 35 for Hamilton’s XI. In addition to Smith’s three wickets, which included two wickets in two balls, Shannon Gabriel had 2-16 and Keon Harding bagged 2-61.

In reply, Blackwood’s XI lost Darren Bravo (17) and Kaveem Hode (00), both wickets went to young pacer Jayden Seales. Kyle Mayers then threw his wicket away scoring an attacking 40. After scoring 79 in the first innings and playing as an opener, Hope’s classy century came from 124 balls, off part-timer Nkrumah Bonner with a boundary to extra-cover.

The day concluded with Blackwood’s XI on 197-3 in 39 overs with Hope on 104 and Blackwood on 23 in an unbroken 63-run stand. The third day will commence from 10:00h Eastern Caribbean time on Wednesday, June 2, with Blackwood’s XI leading by 283 runs.