Braithwaite, Edwards fall in the 90s

MYSORE, India, CMC- Powerful half centuries from Kirk Edwards and Kraigg Braithwaite that were steering West Indies A into a position of strength were undermined as India A hit back with quick late strikes on day one of their first unofficial four-day test match here yesterday.

Both batsmen missed their century as West Indies A reached 264 for five at the Gangothri Glades Cricket Groundin Mysore yesterday.

Edwards and Braithwaite kept India A’s bowlers at bay for almost two sessions with a 172-run second-wicket partnership.

The two came together in the third over at the loss of opener Kieran Powell, who was dismissed by Mohammad Shami, after West Indies were asked to bat.

Edwards was the dominant partner in the stand, hitting 11 fours and a six in his innings but his dismissal for 91, to Ishwar Pandey, in the 58th over allowed India A a chance to claw their way back into the game.

Brathwaite, who had played more than 200 deliveries in his innings, was dismissed for 91 by Parvez Rasool 11 overs later after hitting 12  fours.

West Indies A slipped from 175 for 1 to 237 for 5, but Assad Fudadin and Chadwick Walton prevented any further damage, ending the day at 264.

Rasool took 2 for 60 to be the leading wicket taker for India A.