Lendl Simmons and Adrian Barath plundered superb centuries for West Indies 'A' yesterday to snatch the attention of regional selectors while spoiling England's build up for next week's first Test.
Simmons, repeatedly overlooked by West Indies selectors in recent times, chalked up a brilliant, unbeaten 171 while the teenaged Barath cruised to 132, to propel the hosts to 343 for two at the close of the three-day tour match at Warner Park.
The pair, both seeking to force their way into the selection frame for the home series, shared a 262-run stand for the second wicket to snuff the life out of a jaded-looking England attack and put West Indies 'A' in control.
Boosting preparation
England, boasting their Test bowling line up in preparation for the opening Test in Jamaica starting next Wednesday, never really threatened and were put to the sword by the rampant Trinidadian duo.
The right-handed Simmons smashed 19 fours and five sixes, facing 240 balls in an innings that lasted a shade over 5-1/2 hours.
Barath, a precocious 18-year-old with two first-class centuries already under his belt, faced 231 balls in 346 minutes at the crease, stroking 16 fours and one six.
Asked to field first, England got the better of the early exchanges when they plucked out the aggressive teenaged opener Kieran Powell in the day's seventh over.
The left-hander had scored 14 from 16 balls with two fours, when he attempted to lift fast bowler James Anderson over the top but succeeded only in gifting a catch to Ian Bell at mid on.
Strong attack
It was to be England's only success over the next two sessions as Simmons and Barath tore into the tourists' attack with cheerful relish. Both were unbeaten on 44 at lunch as the Windies 'A' reached 103 for one, and they continued in similar vein after the interval, denying England's bowlers success while adding 100 runs in the session.
Simmons, not out on 98 at the tea break, reached his fifth first-class century with the first ball after the interval when he tickled off-spinner Graeme Swann to fine leg. He raised the landmark off 170 balls with 14 fours and a six.
Barath, unbeaten on 89 at tea, brought up his milestone in contrasting style soon afterwards when he lifted the slow medium of Paul Collingwood over long on for six.