West Indies Test captain Kraigg Brathwaite and Jonathan Drakes stamped their authority on day one of Barbados Pride’s day/night West Indies Championship clash against West Indies Academy, as both registered brilliant centuries to put their team in a commanding position at Kensington Oval on Wednesday.

At stumps, Pride were firmly in control at 354-3, with Brathwaite unbeaten on 143 and Demetrius Richards keeping him company on six. The duo will resume on Thursday, looking to build on what already appears to be a daunting first-innings total.

Brathwaite, known for his patience and resilience, anchored the innings after Pride opted to bat first, as he formed a solid 96-run opening stand with Zachary McCaskie. The latter, more aggressive in his approach, struck five boundaries and a six in his 66-ball knock before falling for 49, trapped leg-before by left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop.

That dismissal, however, did little to slow Pride’s momentum as Brathwaite found an able partner in Drakes. Together, they tormented the Academy bowlers in a mammoth 228-run second-wicket stand, with both batters reaching their centuries in assured fashion.

Drakes, in particular, played fluently, striking 14 boundaries and four sixes in a well-crafted 117 off 176 balls. Just as he seemed set for an even bigger score, he offered a return catch to seamer Johann Layne to end his stay at the crease.

Kevin Wickham’s time in the middle was short-lived, as he fell for nine, bowled by McKenny Clarke, but Brathwaite remained unshaken and continued to bat with his characteristic focus to accumulate runs with ease. His innings so far feature 14 boundaries, and with Richards at the other end, Pride are well-placed to push on for a massive first-innings total.