Lara XI beats Sarwan XI

In first of two practice matches at the West Indies training camp, Brian Lara's men defeated Ramnaresh Sarwan's by 5 runs. Chasing 259 for victory, Sarwan's team crashed to 253 all out from a position of 221/2.

Wavel Hinds, dropped twice, and Daren Ganga added 129 runs for the first wicket in 20.4 overs. Ganga was dismissed for 58 off 63 balls with 9 boundaries. Marlon Samuels then joined Hinds and a further 75 runs were added in 14.4 overs.

Hinds was dropped at slip off left-armer Deighton Butler when on 22 and later by Runako Morton off Deonarine, again at slip when on 53. Ultimately he batted for 92 runs, facing 120 deliveries and striking 9 fours and 2 sixes.

When Samuels was dismissed for 41, the last 8 wickets tumbled for a mere 32 runs and the eventual score read 253 all out.

Batting earlier, Lara's men managed 258/9 in their 49 overs. Devon Smith was caught at slip off Pedro Collins early in the piece, and Sherwin Ganga (38) batted alongside Gayle for 99 runs for the second wicket. Starting shakily, Ganga found his rhythm and stride eventually.

Gayle's innings featured a six off Collins and then one out of the ground off Mervyn Dillon. He scored 70 off 98 balls at the top of the innings, then was asked by Bennett King to retire out so as to allow Brian Lara to get some time in the middle.

Lara was promptly dropped first ball by Courtney Browne, as he attempted to guide Ryan Hinds to third man. The West Indies captain gleefully accepted the life and scored 65, featuring some 6 fours and 3 sixes. Lara took especially to pacer Dwight Washington, and scored 18 runs off the final 4 deliveries of his spell.

Batting alongside Lara was Xavier Marshall and he knocked 55 off 65 balls with 3 fours and a six. Allrounder Ryan Hinds claimed two wickets and a run out in the field.

The second and final match will be played on Friday to round out week 2 of the 3-week camp.

Posted by Liam