Chris Gayle speaks to the media during an open session in New Delhi on Monday. Gayle struck an unbeaten century as the West Indies comfortably won a practice match yesterday before the ICC Trophy qualfying tournament which begins this weekend. - Reuters

AHMEDABAD, India (CMC):

CHRIS GAYLE warmed up for the ICC Champions Trophy, when he hit a typically cavalier hundred to lead West Indies to an easy 173-run win over a Gujarat President's XI in a limited-overs practice match yesterday.

Gayle struck 13 fours and three sixes in 101 from 76 balls before he retired not out, as West Indies, choosing to bat, posted 344 for five from their allocation of 50 overs in a match contested at the Sardar Patel Stadium, where they will play their first match.

The inexperienced Gujarat side was overpowered and restricted to 171 for six in their 50 overs, with Dwayne Smith, Dwayne Bravo and Corey Collymore all collecting two wickets.

Before he exited, Gayle added 177 for the second wicket with Runako Morton, who hit seven fours and four sixes in 91 from 97 balls, after Shivnarine Chanderpaul had been caught behind off Ashraf Makda for 15 in the sixth over.

Erased doubts

Left-hander Wavell Hinds came to the wicket, erased some doubts about his form with seven fours and one six in 65 off 58 balls, and put on 50 with Morton for the second wicket.

After Morton departed in the 38th over stumped off Hemal Watekar, it was left to Hinds, acting captain Ramnaresh Sarwan, and Marlon Samuels to beef up the visitors' total.

The home team never came to grips with the West Indies' attack, after losing their captain Nilesh Modi for two in the third over. He was the first of four batsmen that were caught behind by wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh Jr.

The Gujaratis slid to 115 for six and held on until the end - which may be a worry for the Windies - thanks to an unbroken stand of 56 between Hem Joshipura, who was not out 32, and Hemal Watekar, who was 23 not out.

West Indies innings

C. Gayle ret.