A five-wicket haul from off-spinner Bevon Brown highlighted the first day of the practice match at Chedwin Park to select Jamaica’s 13-man squad for the West Indies Cricket Board regional four-day tournament which starts January 8.

Defending champions Jamaica will host the first round of the tournament which will see them facing Windward Islands also at Chedwin Park, while Trinidad and Tobago play the Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) at Jarrett Park and Barbados oppose the Leewards Islands at Kensington Park.

Bowling for David Bernard Jr’s XI, Brown finished with figures of five for 50 off 21 overs and three balls to dismantle the Tamar Lambert’s XI for 153. He was well supported by orthodox left-arm spinner Nikita Miller, who snared three for 25 off 24 overs. Pacer Jason Dawes took one for 13, while Daren Powell finished wicketless.

Only Donavan Pagon (43), Lambert (35) and Brentan Parchment (27) made it into double figures on a surface which offered ample turn for the spinners.

In reply Bernard Jr’s XI lost Xavier Marshall for nought, after he attempted to cut fast bowler Andre Russell and instead edged into the hands of wicketkeeper Horace Miller. Danza Hyatt (17 not out) and Shawn Findlay (21 not out) then ensured there were no further casualties to bring the close of play score to 47 for the loss of one wicket.

Despite being happy with his strong showing with the ball, Brown remained modest about his chances of breaking into the team for the first round game. “It wasn’t a bad performance. The wicket was taking a lot of spin so I just tried to get the ball in the right areas. I have to just come out and play my part and leave the rest to the selectors,” he said.