POINTE-A-PIERRE, Trinidad (CMC):

Left-handed opening batsman Devon Smith fashioned an unbeaten century to put the West Indies 'A' team in command of the first unofficial Test against Sri Lanka A at Guaracara Park yesterday.

At the end of a rain-interrupted third day's play, the Windies reserves - in their second innings - closed on 178 for three, an overall lead of 193 with seven wickets remaining.

Grenadian Smith, eyeing a return to the West Indies team, having played 16 Test matches, is not out on 104.

Part-time left-arm spinner Sajeeva Weerakoon is the top bowler for Sri Lanka A so far with two for 40 off 9.5 overs.

Smith featured in two important partnerships that gave the home team the ascendancy in the contest, which has been plagued by bad weather.

After the early loss of fellow opening batsman Sewnarine Chattergoon (6), caught by wicketkeeper Kaushal Siva off the bowling of left-arm pacer Ruchira Perera with the total on 19, Smith added 72 in 73 minutes with Test batsman Wavell Hinds (29) for the second wicket, and 87 with skipper Sylvester Joseph (29) for the third wicket.

Hind out on 91

Hinds was bowled by Weerakoon with the score on 91, and Joseph was dismissed in the penultimate ball off the day caught by opposing captain Tilan Samararaweera at slip off the same bowler.

Smith had brought up his hundred with a single through square-leg from the bowling off Kaushal Lokuarchchi. His milestone came in 211 minutes off 157 deliveries and was garnished with nine fours and one six.

Earlier, the Sri Lankans resumed on 184 for four in reply to the home team's 267 - with skipper Tilan Samaraweera on 33 and Gayan Wijekoon 24 - and added only 68 runs before their innings folded.

Sammy was the leading bowler for the West Indies reserves with five for 50 off 17 overs and was well supported by left-arm spinner Ryan Hinds with two for 55 and Jamaican speedster Andrew Richardson two for 58.

Test fast bowler Ravi Rampaul, returning from a shin injury, bowled well in parts and ended with one for 50 from 14.2 overs. Play today's final day starts at 9.30.