National cricket trials…
Chattergoon and Arjune signal selectors with tons
By Faizool Deo
Guyana Chronicle
November 21, 2003
SEWNARINE Chattergoon and Krishna Arjune sent glaring signals to the National selectors, yesterday, blasting brilliant undefeated centuries against Neil McGarrell’s side in the second day of the National Trials at the GCC ground, Bourda.
Both batsmen retired after scoring their centuries, Chattergoon on an even 100 and Arjune on 103.
National selectors Joe Solomon, Lennox Hunte and Alfred Maycock will pick Guyana’s side as the country prepares to host the 2004 Carib Beer four-day competition in mid-January.
The trials officially started yesterday, since on Wednesday rain had the final say.
When bails were lifted on the end of the day’s play, Mahendra Nagamootoo’s side were on 282 for one in 111 overs with Travis Dowlin on 50 not out and Hemnauth Pooran on four.
The only wicket to fall was that of 2003 Under-19 captain Assad Fudadin, who went to young right-arm off-spinner, Leon Johnson, for 24 with the score on 265 runs in 99 overs.
Early dropped catches in the day could have given the match a different twist, since both centurions were dropped when the score was ten.
Arjune was dropped by Azeemul Haniff in first slip off the bowling of Rayon Griffith for eight, while Chattergoon was dropped by captain McGarrell at third slip off the bowling of Trevor Garraway for two.
After being spared, the duo capitalised on the perfect batting conditions. The 22-year-old Chattergoon was the more conservative of the two even though he made a faster 50, his half-century coming off 94 balls, decorated with six fours, while Arjune’s came off 109 balls, including two fours and two sixes.
The hundred-partnership was reached off 231 balls in 148 minutes and included eight fours and one six.
To give the other batsmen a chance at the crease, the opening batsman retired after making their century. Albion player Chattergoon retired first on 100 with 236 balls in 272 minutes with eight fours and 16 minutes. After that, Everest player Arjune retired on 103 which consisted of five fours and five sixes in 213 balls.
Chattergoon told Chronicle Sport that the main reason he and Arjune were able to manage the score was good communication between them.
“The running between the wickets was really good; the pitch was a batting wicket and after our chances we just put out heads down and batted,” Chattergoon said.
Chattergoon who made a century in last year’s trial related that his personal goal was to perform well.
“I am hoping to perform to the best of my ability, and would leave my fate to God,” Chattergoon said.
If Chattergoon is selected, it will be his fourth year and Arjune’s second.