Joe Clarke’s first innings half century was the only one of the game by an England Lions batsman as they went down by an innings and 17 runs to West Indies A in the second ‘Test’ at Sabina Park.
The Worcestershire batsman made six in the second innings as the Lions were bowled out for 260 to be beaten with more than a day to spare.
West Indies A now lead the three match series 2-0 and the Lions will be playing for pride in the third match – a day-night affair with pink balls in Antigua from next Monday (February 26).
Clarke was bowled by a delivery from the left-arm seamer Raymon Reifer which seemed to keep low.
Skipper Keaton Jennings called for honesty from his England Lions players as they reflect on the lessons of their setback.
The West Indies spinners again did most of the damage, with Rahkeem Cornwall claiming four for 88 and Jomel Warrican taking four for 69, giving the 25-year-old from St Vincent 12 for 103 in the match and 20 wickets for the series so far.
He was again named man of the match.
Jennings said: “We have to be harsh and honest with ourselves, and try and pull our games forward.
“We’re trying to make progress in international cricket, so we need to iron out those errors – have a hard look at ourselves as a batting unit and a bowling unit, and find solutions and methods to compete in these conditions.
“It’s great that we’re being given such a tough challenge by the West Indies players – that’s what you want on a Lions tour. Now we have to find some answers.
“We’ve had a lot of guys get in, but the West Indies guys have gone to hundreds and other 80s and 90s that have been game-changing contributions that have allowed them to put pressure on us.
“We haven’t done that – as a batting unit we have to make sure we stretch those periods of pressure.
“There’s no point having your head down, you’ve got to pick yourself up and go again, and find ways in order to compete.
“We go to Antigua now, and there’s a lot to play for – it’s much more than consolation. We’re competing for England Lions. It’s always an honour to wear this shirt and to play a first-class game of cricket for the Lions.
“Stick your hand up, make a hundred, make a game-changing opportunity for yourself.”
