Zimbabwe enjoy restorative day against Board XI

After the sulphorous fireworks and live bands at the LG Abans one-day final on Wednesday night, the first day of Zimbabwe's only practice game seemed tranquil and sleepy, which appeared to help the tourists, as they restored some confidence with a decent batting display against a youthful Sri Lankan Board XI at the P.Saravanamuttu Oval on Friday.

Watched by a handful of ground staff and three old ponies munching contentedly on adjacent grassy bank, Zimbabwe weathered a clammy first hour, which had the makings of disaster as the ball darted around markedly, to score 319 for six. It wasn't a we-are-coming-to-get-you-Sri Lanka display, but they showed they are capable of making life difficult for the hosts when the Test series starts next week.

The last thing Zimbabwe needed before the first Test was another batting collapse and, when Hamilton Masakadza prodded at a leg-cutter from the impressive Dinusha Fernando to be caught behind for 10, one did wonder whether another meek display was on the cards.

But opener Trevor Gripper and number three Stuart Carlisle, who has been removed from the captaincy after the return of Brian Murphy, batted staunchly throughout the rest of the morning. By the afternoon session the sun had burnt off the early morning menace in the wicket and the pair added 186 for the second wicket.

Gripper - somewhat unfortunately referred to as T.G. Ritter in the official tour programme - was hardly stylish but was organised and efficient, going onto score a chanceless 101, his third first class century, before retiring hurt at tea with a sore knee.

His partner, Carlisle, also deserved a century for an adhesive four-hour effort, but he fell narrowly short, as he cracked a short ball from a bustling Ravi Pushpakumara straight to point having scored 98.

After the retirement of Gripper, the middle order wobbled, with only Andy Flower showing any prolonged resistance. The prolific left-hander studiously batted himself back into good form after a disappointing one-day series and finished the day unbeaten on 51.

With three top order batsmen spending valuable time in the middle, the management would have been satisfied even though they had failed to capitalise fully on a solid foundation, as five wickets fell in an extended evening session.

Grant Flower had waited patiently in the dressing room for three and a half hours for his turn to bat, only to edge a catch into the slips for two. Gavin Rennie, the latest player to be drafted into the squad, scored 19 before he was caught at short leg trying to sweep, before Craig Wishart (6) was stumped whilst trying to two-step down the wicket and Douglas Marillier (6) played onto his stumps when the second new ball was taken.

Earlier in the day, the Zimbabwe had decided to rest opening bowlers Travis Friend and Heath Streak, both of who are anyway in good form with the ball, as they packed their side with batsmen.