Simmons, Barath make England suffer

Lendl Simmons and Adrian Barath scored centuries as a youthful West Indies A team dominated the touring England side Thursday, posting 343 for two on the first day of their three-day tour game.

Trinidad and Tobago batsman Simmons struck an unbeaten 171 with 19 fours and five sixes as England's bowlers failed to impress ahead of next week's first Test in Jamaica.

Simmons, the 24-year-old nephew of former Test player Phil Simmons, was ably supported by 18-year-old compatriot Barath, who made 132 before being caught by Paul Collingwood off the bowling of former England skipper Kevin Pietersen.

James Anderson was the only other bowler to get any joy during the game at Warner Park, Basseterre, St. Kitts as he claimed opener Kieron Pollard for 14.

England captain Andrew Strauss had been hoping to get some help in the selection choices for his bowling attack for the opening test Wednesday at Sabina Park but none of his contenders stood out.

Steve Harmison was 0-60 off 14 overs and off-spinner Graeme Swann went for 96 off his fruitless 23 overs but Ryan Sidebottom, returning after a six-month injury lay-off, was tight in his spell of 0-40 off 13 overs on a flat track.

England were without all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, who is fighting to be fit for the Kingston Test after suffering a side strain last week.