Lara's XI win first practice match

Brian Lara hit a bright 65 from 46 balls as he led his side to victory by five runs in the first practice match for West Indies's VB Series squad. Ramnaresh Sarwan led the other XI.

Lara had been dropped by Courtney Browne from his first delivery, off Ryan Hinds. He combined with Xavier Marshall, an 18-year old batsman who played his only first-class match when England toured earlier this year, to flay the bowling. Lara took a particular liking to Dwight Washington, hitting him for a six and three fours of successive deliveries while Marshall, a tall right-hander, reached 55 from 65 balls, with three fours and a six that landed in the top tier of a stand at long-off.

Earlier Chris Gayle, one of Lara's XI, retired on 70 to give other batsmen time at the crease. He put on 99 for the second wicket with the newcomer Sherwin Ganga, who made 38.

In reply, Sarwan's XI began well, as Wavell Hinds (92) and Daren Ganga put on 129 for the first wicket. Hopes were raised after Marlon Samuels continued the good work with Hinds to make the score 204 for 1 before the last eight wickets fell for 32 runs. Of those eight wickets, three were run outs.

Two players from the training squad missed the match. Ian Bradshaw is suffering from a bout of flu and Corey Collymore, who has a side strain, were not included in the game.