Rain keeps Windies indoors

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka:

The West Indies players were kept indoors yesterday as the second day of their three-day match against the Sri Lanka Cricket President's XI was washed out. Heavy rain overnight left the SSC ground flooded and the rain continued into early morning. Today's play is also in doubt in the side's only warm-up match ahead of the three-match ERI Test Series.

Speaking yesterday, head coach Ottis Gibson said the players made wise use of the time as they get ready for the first Test match, which bowls off on Monday at the International Stadium in the southern city of Galle.

"There is nothing we can do about the rain. We understand that we have no control over the weather so we have to make the best use of the time we have," Gibson said. He was speaking shortly after the team had a full session in the gym.

"We did not bat very well yesterday (Wednesday) but at least we got some batting in. It does not look as if we will get anymore play in this match so yesterday now becomes the only preparation we will have before the Test Series, so what that means is that the week-long camp we had in Barbados worked out very well for us ... we got a lot of work done," Gibson added.

On the opening day, the Windies made 176. Vice-captain Brendan Nash top-scored with a patient 62, off 107 balls.

Late in the evening, the West Indies bowlers were fired up and collected three quick wickets as the President's XI closed on 59-3. The wickets went to the new ball pair of Kemar Roach and Nelon Pascal; while skipper Darren Sammy grabbed the other in his first over.