West Indies A too strong for Yorkshire

Sean Beynon

July 7, 2002

West Indies A found some form with an accomplished victory over Yorkshire in a one-day match at Headingley. A sustained effort with the ball and in the field was complemented by assured batting which, for one of the first times all tour, did not look on the verge of collapse.

The visitors were boosted by Test players Chris Gayle and Darren Powell. Both made excellent contributions, Gayle hitting an entertaining 49 and Powell picking up two wickets.

Captain Daren Ganga hit his first half-century of the tour as the tourists chased down Yorkshire's 139 with more than 20 overs to spare.

Batting first after winning the toss, Yorkshire lost Gary Fellows for nought early on. The dangerous right-hander was well caught by Lendl Simmons as Powell proved why he is considered an international bowler.

Matthew Wood, Yorkshire captain for the day, seemed to revel in the role. While Richard Dawson was pushed up the order, it was Wood who was the aggressor. The Academy graduate hit eight fours in his 48, while Dawson laboured for the best part of an hour for just 11.

A mix-up which saw the departure of Anthony McGrath put the West Indians well on top, with Scott Richardson nicking behind to Jermaine Lawson soon after. Lawson's figures of 4 for 24 kept his standards high, and was well supported by Gayle's 2 for 11 as Yorkshire floundered. Lawson polished off the innings in two balls, inducing a mistake from Simon Guy before clean bowling David Wigley.

In reply, West Indies A never looked like struggling. Ganga with 57 not out batted with considerable freedom, confident in the ability of his opening partner. Gayle was typically classy, scoring his runs with a flourish, hitting perfectly through the covers.

An opening stand of 90 - by far the best of the tour - was ended by Dawson, who trapped Gayle with a straight one. He hit eight boundaries, six to the fence and two over it, in his 50-ball innings. Gayle is the sort of batsmen who thrives on confidence, and has the ability to dominate any attack.

Though Devon Smith went for only four, Yorkshire were patently second-best. Tim Bresnan and Chris Elstub are highly thought of young bowlers, but never managed to exert the sort of control which induces mistakes.

Runako Morton (22 not out) joined Ganga, quickly slashing four boundaries to wrap the match up. This was the most competent performance all tour, and will perhaps give the squad - whose body language has frequently suggested that they would rather be elsewhere - heart for the remaining games.

© Cricinfo

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Matches

West Indies A v Yorkshire

Series/Tournaments

West Indies A tour of England

Teams

West Indies