Indian bowlers made to toil

Indian bowlers put up an unimpressive display as Antigua and Barbuda XI captain Sylvester Joseph cracked a splendid century on the first day of the two-day practice game at the Police Recreation Ground in Antigua on Tuesday.

Joseph batted for four and a quarter hours in smashing an unbeaten 128 from 179 balls, smashing 15 fours and two sixes to power Antigua to 300 in 72-odd overs.

The visitors were 33 for one at close.

Wasim Jaffer was batting on 25 while V V S Laxman was yet to open his account.

Electing to bat, Antigua had little trouble in handling a lacklustre Indian attack.

In a game in which "batters could bat and bowlers could bowl", India's new ball bowlers Irfan Pathan and Sreesanth hardly posed any problems to the locals.

Opener Daniel Thomas (30) combined with number three Josepsh to take Antgua XI to 74 for one by lunch break.

Munaf Patel reaped the lone success when he had the other opener Michael Challenger caught behind for 18.

Joseph, who was not out 44 at tea, opened his shoulders after the break and reached his century even as wickets kept falling from the other end.

The right hander, who was captain of West Indies one-day team in Sri Lanka a couple of seasons ago and also played in all four Tests, took on all comers from the Indian team and generally had the measure.

It was in the final session when the hosts were using the long handle that India picked up six wickets, with Sreesanth claiming 3 for 46.

Patel had a hand in two dismissals while VRV Singh, Anil Kumble, Harbhajan and Ramesh Powar all had a wicket each.

India ended their miserable day when Virender Sehwag cut a short delivery from Adam Sanford fiercely and was caught at cover point for six.

Antigua and Barbuda (Ist Innings):
Daniel Thomas lbw b Kumble 30
Michael Challenger c Dhoni b Patel 18
Sylveser Joseph not out 128
Devon Thomas c Kaif b Pathan 21
Greg Skepple c Kaif b Harbhajan 35
Gavin Williams b Munaf 9
Rolston Philip c Sehwag b Powar 12
Kerry Mentore b Sreesanth 0
Brtil Baltimore b Sreesanth 13
Justin Athanaze lbw b Sreesanth 0
Kerry Skipple b VRV Singh 14
Extras (lb5, nb9, b6 ) 20
Total (all out in 72.2 overs) 300

Fall of wickes: 1-39, 2-74, 3-109, 4-146, 5-186, 6-227, 7-237, 8-258, 9-258.

Bowling: Irfan Pathan 12-0-70-1, Sreesanth 15-5-46-3, Munaf Patel 11-1-39-2, VRV Singh 9.2-2-25-1, Anil Kumble 9-3-22-1, Harbhajan 10-3-37-1, Ramesh Powar 6-0-50-1.

India (Ist Innings):
Wasim Jaffer not out 25
Virender Sehwag c Martin b Sanford 6
VVS Laxman not out 0
Exrtras (b1, lb1) 2
Total (for one wkt, 10 overs) 33

Fall of wicket: 1-29.

Bowling: Adam Sanford 5-1-17-1, Matthew 4-1-14-0, Chad Hampson 1-1-0-0.