A magnificent double -century by Brian Lara was undoubtedly the highlight of the final days' play in the first Test against Sri Lanka in St. Lucia, but in many ways the mature batting under pressure of Anguilla's 20-year-old all rounder Omari Banks, who stroked his first Test fifty, was, in its context, equally commendable. With the irrepressible Lara going great guns at one end, the West Indies batsmen did not have it all their own way at the other as they chased the psychological advantage of gaining first innings lead. Off spinner Muralitheran, with his tail up, grabbed two quick wickets when he had Marlon Samuels stumped and Ridley Jacobs palpably trapped in front.

In came Banks, the hero of that epic final day against Australia in Antigua, when West Indies successfully chased a record 418 for victory. He survived a chance before he had scored, but then continued the composed start to his career with a patient, mature and very impressive fifty which included five fours and a hooked six. His seventh wicket stand with his captain was worth 136 before Lara was caught behind. Omari continued to bat as other wickets fell, looking like he had been doing it for years at this level, before the declaration came immediately following his fiftieth run. The half century was certainly a fine and admirable landmark for one so young against the likes of bowlers of the highest calibre in Vaas and Muralitheran, but it was the maturity of the implementation of this innings which left cricket followers throughout the region marvelling at the ability and application of this rapidly-emerging talent on to the international scene.

Once again, Omari has made all Anguillians proud.

Mr. David Kenworthy

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