Notts prosper against West Indies A

An unbeaten half-century from debutant Vikram Atri gave Nottinghamshire the upper hand on the first day of their tour match with West Indies A at Trent Bridge. Atri made a patient 57 as the home side reached 149-3 before the weather closed in.

The 19-year-old is a good example of Nottinghamshire's excellent record in recruiting British Asians. England batsman Usmaan Afzaal plays for the club, while pacer Nadeem Malik and talented batsman Bilal Shafayat are making their way in the game. Notts also gave debuts to teenagers Samit Patel, and Will Smith in an experimental line-up.

Whilst Notts cannot be blamed for fielding the majority of their second team, West Indies A deserve some sympathy. The public reaction to their tour has been non-existent, and playing (and frequently losing) against average teams is not the ideal preparation for the international cricket that must surely be the ultimate aim of the squad. Perhaps a system of England A, Under-19 and Under-21 teams would provide a more stimulating opposition though this would, understandably, be challenged by counties not wanting to lose their stars mid-season.

After winning the toss on a cloudy morning, acting captain Wayne Noon opted to bat. Atri, along with Guy Welton (43) - who oozes potential - looked confident against the visiting openers. Marlon Black and Tino Best looked lacklustre, though Best extracted a little pace from a bland strip.

Welton cruised into the forties with a succession of front-foot boundaries. His fluency was countered by a more dogged effort from Atri. Welton eventually fell, bowled by a quick one from Best, but Atri and Shafayat saw the Midlands county through to lunch without further alarms.

Shafayat (27) and Kevin Pieterson (1) fell soon after lunch. Jermaine Lawson picked up both wickets, trapping Shafayat lbw before bowling Pieterson, who faced only two balls in nearly three quarters of an hour at the crease.

Atri opened up a little after he was joined by Patel (11*), stroking nine graceful boundaries. The West Indian bowlers again looked weary, clearly missing the steadying influence of giant left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn. Reon King had been left out, with Ryan Hinds making his first appearance on tour.

With the weather forecast for tomorrow a little more promising, Notts will probably be content with more batting practice. Trent Bridge was soulless today, with rippled applause echoing through empty stands. It was hardly the stuff of dreams, though it is a day that Atri should remember for the rest of his life.