LAHORE, Pakistan (CMC):

THE WEST Indies toiled with little success on the opening day of a two-day practice match against the Pakistan Cricket Board Patron's XI yesterday at the Bagh-e-Jinnah Stadium.

Salman Butt gave the Pakistani selectors 106 reasons why he should have been selected for the forthcoming Tests before retiring at tea, and Yasir Hameed celebrated his recall with 92 to lead the Patron's XI to 305 for four when stumps were drawn. "It was hard work for the fast bowlers because the pitch was conducive to batting," West Indies vice-captain Ramnaresh Sarwan said.

"But we have to make the best use of this match because it's the only practice game ahead of the first Test."

Pressure

Misbah-ul-Haq was not out on 38 and Patron's XI captain Asim Kamal was on 33 not out at the close, after piling on the pressure late in the day.

The Patron's XI had a 175-run stand between Butt and Hameed for the first wicket, after choosing to bat.

Hameed, who was recalled to Pakistan's 15-member squad for the first two Tests, hit 12 fours and a six in 3 1/4 hours before left-arm chinaman bowler Dave Mohammed made the breakthrough, when he had him caught behind edging a cut.

Butt, who last represented Pakistan in the Leeds Test earlier this year, continued to stroke the ball with crisp assurance and struck 19 boundaries before his retirement.

After the break, Fidel Edwards removed Shahid Yousuf for 12, and Dwayne Bravo collected the scalp of Bazid Khan for two to give West Indies a lift towards the end of the day.

Chris Gayle was one of the players who West Indies rested for the match. He was unable to take the field because of a stomach ailment, but he is expected to be fit for the first Test which begins on Saturday in Lahore.

Play ended early due to bad light.