With the first Test against South Africa just days away, Jermaine Blackwood and Joshua Da Silva capitalised on time at the crease on the final day of the warm-up match against Cricket South Africa’s Invitational XI. Blackwood scored nine in the first innings but made a solid 40 in the second innings, which helped the West Indies to 208-8. Wicketkeeper Da Silva, who made a stroke-filled 54 not out in the first innings and held five catches behind the stumps, returned with a top score of 44. Left-hander Kyle Mayers struck 38, Jason Holder, 32, and Kemar Roach added 29 not out before the close.

Captain Kraigg Brathwaite said: “It was a very good warm-up for the Test series. The pitch was a little slow … probably slightly different from how the first Test will play, but it was still good to get out there as a team and play a practice game here. The guys are really looking forward to this series. After a shaky start to the second innings, Blackwood arrived to consolidate. First he posted a partnership of 53 for the fourth wicket with Mayers before adding a further 62 for the fifth wicket with Da Silva who counted five fours in a 62-ball knock.

Blackwood faced 83 balls and struck seven fours while Mayers cracked eight fours in a counter-attacking 25-ball innings before edging to first slip. Near the close, Holder and Kemar Roach combined in a breezy 32-run, eighth wicket stand before the teams decided to call time on the contest.

The Test Series between West Indies and South Africa will start on Tuesday, 28 February at Super Sport Park in Centurion. First ball daily is 10am (4am Eastern Caribbean Time/3am Jamaica Time). The second Test will be played at the famous Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, starting on Wednesday 8 March.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-INP