Cotterrell

Jamaica wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh Jr said talking to fast bowler Sheldon Cotterrell while batting was one of the main reasons they were able to post a century stand on yesterday's opening day of their West Indies Cricket Board semi-final clash at Sabina Park.

Baugh Jr and Cotterrell, who made 88 not out and 44, respectively, put on 103 for the last wicket to help propel Jamaica to 246 in their first innings after the home team were tottering at 147 for nine at one stage.

Trinidad, in response, closed on 17 for one.

"At 140-odd for nine, there were doubts as to whether or not we could post a good score," said Baugh.

"But when Cotterrell came in I pretty much tried to talk to him and help him to settle and get himself in and it worked."

The partnership, which was the second highest for a Jamaica 10th wicket pair, took Jamaica to their total after some now familiar poor batting by the top order batsmen.

This was as a result, however, of some good seam bowling from young fast bowler Marlon Richards, who is playing in his fourth first-class match.

Richards claimed the wickets of opener Brenton Parchment, Nkrumah Bonner and Andre McCarthy for five, three and one, respectively, to have Jamaica reeling at 17 for three at one stage.

Jamaica, however, were able to post recoveries thanks primarily to Baugh, who in addition to the last wicket, put on 47 with Nikita Miller for sixth wicket.

Baugh, in the meanwhile, said the recovery was good for the team, and he hopes they will build on it.

"It can only get better from here once we remain disciplined and put in the work that is needed.

"The aim is to try and get out Trinidad for as low a total as possible, and see if we can get a first innings lead that we can build on," he said.