Johnson hits 66 on debut as Windies make slow start

Gros Islet (St. Lucia), Sep 14 (IANS/CMC) Leon Johnson celebrated his debut with a half-century and the in-form Kraigg Brathwaite cashed in again, but the timid West Indies made heavy weather of an ordinary Bangladesh attack on the opening day of the second Test here.

Inserted in their 500th Test, the hosts laboured to 246 for three at the close at the Beausejour Cricket Ground Saturday, with the left-handed Johnson top-scoring with 66 and his opener partner Brathwaite getting 63, reports CMC.

The pair put on 143 for the first wicket before both fell just prior to tea but Darren Bravo, unbeaten on 44 and veteran Shivnarine Chanderpaul, not out on 34, added 61 for the fourth wicket, to keep the Windies top.

However, Bravo and Chanderpaul were guilty of meandering in the last session, content to prod and poke without showing any positive intent.

The West Indies were greatly helped by ordinary fielding from Bangladesh who grassed three catches, including one off Chanderpaul.

Brief Scores:

West Indies: 246 for three (Leon Johnson 66, Kraigg Brathwaite 63, Darren Bravo 44 not out, Shiv Chanderpaul 34 not out; Mahmudullah 1-25)

--IANS/CMC

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