Ganga, Smith give West Indies A strong start

Daren Ganga's half-century put West Indies A in control on a rain-affected first day of their tour match with Warwickshire. Ganga remained unbeaten on 51 as rain swept in after tea. Devon Smith chipped in with a brisk 46 to leave the visitors well placed on 123/1.

Rain wiped out the morning session, though Ganga was keen to bat after winning the toss. Smith immediately set about an average Warwickshire attack, the left-hander latching onto some wayward bowling. Smith's tour has turned around, and his confident, natural talent is evident. It is difficult to believe that he is the same player who struggled so badly early on in the trip.

With Smith crashing the ball around a virtually empty Edgbaston at one end, Ganga allowed himself the opportunity to settle. He is hardly in the form of his life, but the 23-year-old soon found the middle of the bat.

Dougie Brown, Warwickshire's most experienced bowler, was also the most wayward. Only Alan Richardson, an impressive seamer, exerted any control over the West Indians.

Smith looked set for a big score before he was trapped leg-before by Mohamed Sheikh. He hit eight fours and a six, facing only 58 balls.

The usually aggressive Dwayne Bravo joined Ganga, but was content to play the ball around. Ganga reached his half century with his ninth four, with Bravo not out on 14 when another heavy shower drove the players from the ground.

West Indies A will probably look for quick runs tomorrow, and have big-hitting Runako Morton in the side to bolster the run-rate. With only a week of the tour left, the last thing they need is more rain. The forecast points to a full day's cricket tomorrow, with the week ahead unsettled.