Ryan Hinds hits polished 83

KINGSTOWN: Sri Lanka and the West Indies President’s XI played to a draw yesterday in their three-day practice match despite a polished half century knock from Ryan Hinds.

The discarded West Indies middle-order batsman hit 83 as the President’s XI was dismissed for 296 replying to Sri Lanka’s score of 299. The 22-year-old had good support from captain Daren Ganga (54) and wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh (43). Hinds, who had sent down 25 overs in the Sri Lankans first innings and took 1-30, batted with assurance against the mixed spin and pace attack at Arnos Vale in St Vincent. He reached his 50 in 167 minutes off 154 balls and struck two fours. He shared in successive half-century partnerships with Ganga and Baugh. The West Indies play their first Test against Sri Lanka, starting on Friday in St Lucia.