England Lions produced a sensational batting display, posting the fifth-highest total in List A cricket history before securing a massive 266-run victory over West Indies A in the second match of their five-game one-day series at Warner Park on Monday.
The Lions piled up an imposing 487 for 5 in 50 overs, powered by a stunning 145 off just 65 balls from Durham batter Ben McKinney and an unbeaten century from Somerset's James Rew. In reply, West Indies A were bowled out for 211, handing England Lions a 2-0 lead in the series.
McKinney stole the spotlight with a breathtaking innings, reaching his century in just 43 deliveries. The 22-year-old left-hander smashed 145 runs, including five sixes off left-arm wristspinner Vitel Lawes, and registered what is believed to be the second-fastest List A century by an English batter. Only Graham Rose's 36-ball hundred for Somerset against Devon in 1990 is faster.
McKinney reached his half-century in just 27 balls before accelerating further to complete his second List A century. His explosive performance underlined his growing reputation as one of England's most promising batting prospects. He recently signed an England development contract after an outstanding County Championship season, scoring 1,044 runs at an average of 52.20 for Durham.
James Rew provided an equally impressive finish, smashing an unbeaten 107 off 55 balls to record his second century in three days. Dan Lawrence contributed a quickfire 76 from 56 deliveries, while Ben Mayes remained unbeaten on 58.
Rew and Mayes added an unbeaten 166-run partnership for the sixth wicket, ensuring England Lions crossed the 480-run mark. Rew finished in style by hitting sixes off the final two deliveries of the innings.
West Indies A began their chase positively, with Kirk McKenzie scoring 67 and Carty contributing 75. The hosts reached 143 for 1 after 19 overs and appeared to have a chance of mounting a competitive response.
However, the dismissal of McKenzie, taken by an excellent diving catch from McKinney, triggered a dramatic collapse.
Hampshire fast bowler Eddie Jack led the bowling attack with outstanding figures of 5 for 42 in just six overs, dismantling the West Indies middle order. Mason Crane provided excellent support, claiming three wickets for 26 runs as the hosts were dismissed for 211.
The comprehensive victory gives England Lions a commanding 2-0 advantage in the five-match one-day series, following their clean sweep in the preceding T20 series.
With McKinney's explosive century, Rew's consecutive hundreds and Jack's five-wicket haul, England Lions delivered a dominant all-round performance and continued to showcase the depth of their emerging cricketing talent.
