GRENVILLE, Grenada (CMC):

Out-of-favour West Indies batsman, Ryan Hinds, reminded regional selectors of his presence, but he fell short of a century on the opening day of Barbados' West Indies Cricket Board Regional Four-day, second round match against the Windward Islands yesterday.

The 27-year old left-hander, who has 10 Tests under his belt but has not played since March last year, scored 89 to push Barbados up to 305 for seven at the close after they were sent in at Progress Park in the east of the island.

Barbados innings status

Hinds steadied the Barbados innings after it wobbled before lunch, sharing a crucial, third-wicket stand of 115 with rookie batsman Jonathan Carter, who carved out an impressive 52.

A former Barbados captain, Hinds struck 13 fours and a six, facing 135 balls in three hours of batting before being prised out by leg-spinner Rawle Lewis (2-44) when seemingly set for three figures.

Dropped moments earlier by the same bowler, Hinds attempted to sweep and was caught at the wicket by Lyndon James to be third out with Barbados at 170.

The catch dropped was one of five floored on the day as the Windwards failed to capitalise on the chances offered by the Barbadian batsmen.

Carter, also dropped early in his innings by Devon Smith off Denis George, settled down to hit seven fours off 111 balls in 144 minutes.

Like Hinds, the 21-year old left-hander seemed poised to carry on when he edged Lewis to slip where Smith made amends, to leave Barbados on 191 for four.

After both batsmen left, Barbados struggled to string together productive partnerships, losing Kevin Stoute for 14, as the innings declined to 206 for five just before tea.

The usually aggressive Dwayne Smith made a controlled 36 and added 42 for the sixth wicket with Patrick Browne (30), as Barbados recovered slightly.