PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten (CMC):

Captain Rayad Emrit and wicket-keeper/batsman Gibran Mohammed posted an unbroken partnership to revive Trinidad and Tobago against the Leeward Islands on a rain-hit opening day of the Carib Beer Series third round match yesterday.

Sent to bat when play started midway the post-lunch session, Trinidad and Tobago stumbled to 87 for four - with batting ace Brian Lara retired hurt - before Emrit and Mohammed dragged the score to 166 for four at the close of play, extended to near 6:00 p.m. to make up for lost time at the Carib Lumber Park.

Emrit, in his first season as captain, lashed an attacking 49 not out and Mohammed (38) was with him as they added 79 runs in just 84 minutes in a fifth-wicket partnership.

Double world record holder Lara was forced to retire hurt on nine. X-rays showed a fracture in his arm and it is likely he will take no further part in the game.

Lara had smashed Baker to the cover boundary but he was struck on the arm a few balls later by the Montserratian pacer.

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO 1st Innings

L. Simmons lbw Martin 47 A. Barath c Martin b Baker 2 B.. Lara retired hurt 9 D. Bravo hit wicket b Sanford 0 K. Pollard b C Hodge 7 +G. Mohammed not out 38 *R. Emrit not out 49 Extras: (b2, lb5, w1, nb6) 14 TOTAL: (4 wkts - 49 overs) 166 Fall of wickets: 1-14, 2-29, 3-47, 4-87.

To bat: S. Badree, R. Kelly, D. Mohammed, A. Jaggernauth.

Bowling: Sanford 6-1-18-1; Baker 10-2-34-1 (5nb); C Hodge 11-2-42-1; Willett 6-0-23-0 (1nb); Martin 6-0-21-1; Banks 10-1-21-0.

Toss: Leeward Islands.

Umpires: Luther Kelly, Goaland Greaves.

LEEWARD ISLANDS - Omari Banks (captain), Moncin Hodge, Javia Liburd, Steve Liburd, Tonito Willett, Chaka Hodge, Anthony Martin, Lionel Baker, Brent Defreitas, Adam Sanford, Devon Thomas.