Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Captain Kraigg Brathwaite and Anthony Alleyne both made superb centuries as West Indies Under-19s made 426-8 declared against Australia Under-19s on the second day of their three-day Test match on Monday.
The pair came together at 44-2 and added 183 for the third wicket as the Windies dominated the second day’s play, in reply to Australia’s first innings of 350 at the Global Cricket Academy. The Aussies will resume their second innings on 54-0 on Tuesday.
Brathwaite was 168 not out when the innings closed at the end of the 96th over. He faced 293 balls and hit 20 fours and a massive six over midwicket. Alleyne made 106 off 136 balls and cracked 18 fours. There were also good batting displays from allrounders Kavem Hodge (46 from 46 balls) and Justin Greaves (41 from 46 balls).
Speaking after the match, Alleyne said he was extremely pleased with his performance. For the strongly-built Barbadian, who is based in England, this tour was his first form of competitive cricket since last October.
"I am very happy to get a hundred for the West Indies. This tour has given me a very good opportunity and I enjoyed it," the 17-year-old Alleyne said.
"When I went in to bat we were in a spot of trouble so I decided just to bat around Kraigg and get accustomed to the conditions. I have played a lot with him from Under-13 in Barbados and we are used to batting together. He helped me to relax and we just took it from there."
Brathwaite batted through the innings and said he was pleased with his effort.
"Every time I get a chance to bat I see it as a golden opportunity. From the start I was looking to bat through the innings and I knew once I did that we would get a good score and get the lead," said the right-hander, who has made two first-class centuries.
"I have made over 50 centuries since I started playing cricket and this is a special one as it came in the West Indies shirt. My overall aim is just to keep working at my game, to keep improving and always try to do better."