Kirk McKenzie Jr delivered another statement innings on the opening day of the West Indies Championship second-round match at Sabina Park, stroking a sublime century to guide the Jamaica Scorpions to a commanding 358 for four against the Barbados Pride.
But the day was not without drama, as captain John Campbell fell agonisingly short of a deserved hundred, dismissed for 96 in a moment of uncharacteristic recklessness.
After winning the toss and opting to bat on a pitch described as having “a tinge of grass but no real venom”, the Scorpions laid a platform of rare authority.
Campbell and McKenzie were untroubled through the morning session, reaching the first drinks break at 54 without loss before accelerating to a 100-run partnership in just 20.3 overs.
Campbell raced to his 50 off 54 balls, while McKenzie followed with his from 70 deliveries.
At lunch, the Scorpions were cruising at 128 without loss, with Campbell on 61 and McKenzie on 56.
The openin partnership swelled to 202 in the 36th over. The pair was following up on their 200-plus run partnership from the second innings of the opening game at Chedwin Park.
Campbell, who had looked in complete control, hoisted Johann Layne for a six to move to 96.
Seeking another maximum to bring up his century in style, the left-hander miscued and was brilliantly caught by a diving Shamar Springer at deep cover or 114. He faced 111 balls, striking 12 fours and two sixes.
The dismissal triggered a brief wobble. Carlos Brown entered, hit a glorious four, but then drove loosely outside off stump and was snapped up at slip by Kyle Mayers off Layne for just six. At 242 for two, rain arrived, forcing an hour-long delay.
When play resumed, McKenzie remained unflappable. He brought up his century off 131 balls, decorated with 14 fours and a six. McKenzie’s 114 was his second consecutive hundred on home soil.
“I think it was a very good innings,” McKenzie reflected.
“I started slowly again, like the last innings. It allows me to continue my form and continue my processes. It is really good to score back-to-back centuries, scoring them at home as well. So I really enjoyed that.”
He eventually became the third wicket to fall, caught in the deep by Jomel Warrican off pacer Jair McAllister.
But the Scorpions refused to retreat. Javelle Glenn and Brad Barnes added a brisk 73 for the fourth wicket.
Glenn was particularly severe on the spinners Roston Chase and Warrican, caressing six fours and three sixes in a fluent 65 before falling to Warrican at 331.
Barnes remained unbeaten on 34, with Romaine Morris on nine, as the Scorpions saw out the closing stages at 358 for four.
Layne has so far bagged two wickets for 67 runs.
