COLOMBO (Reuters)
Skipper Carl Hooper hit 117 and Brian Lara 43 as West Indies launched their tour of Sri Lanka in positive fashion.

Hooper batted for just short of four hours, hammering four sixes and seven fours against a Sri Lanka A side led by experienced Test batsman Hashan Tillekeratne.

Brian Lara meanwhile, despite being dogged by long-term hamstring problems, played his part in a 129-run fourth-wicket stand with his captain.

Marlon Samuels chipped in with 54 as the touring side, put in to bat, closed the first day of the three-day encounter on 334 for 7. Daren Ganga (0) and Ramnaresh Sarwan (7) however, two young batsmen expected to make a mark on tour, both failed at the top of the order as West Indies recovered from 53 for 3.

Pace bowler Ravi Pushpakumara, another Sri Lankan Test player, took 4 for 85 at the Nondescripts Cricket Club.

West Indies play three Tests against Sri Lanka, the first starting on November 13, before taking part in a triangular one-day tournament also involving Zimbabwe.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd