West Indies got their tour of Australia off to a disappointing start today after losing by 23 runs in Canberra to the Prime Minister’s XI side.

Set a victory target of 334, West Indies playing without Jamaican destructive opener Chris Gaye were bowled out for 310 in 49 overs.

Gayle was a late withdrawal because of a slight back stiffness.

Opener Kieran Powell top scored for the West Indies with an undefeated 92 from 97 balls. However, he had to retire hurt with leg cramps.

Recalled batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan supported with 63 from 83 balls, while Jamaican all-rounder Andre Russell hammered 54 from 24 balls.

James Faulkner was the most successful bowler for the Prime Minister’s XI with four for 54, while Alister McDermott had two for 63.

Earlier, the Prime Minister’s XI piled up 333 for six off their allotted 50 overs.

Alex Dolan 84, Usman Khawaja 69 and Jono Dean 51 scored half centuries for the Prime Minister’s XI.

Captain Ricky Ponting was dismissed by off spinner Sunil Narine for 15.

Narine ended with two for 32 from his allotted 10 overs.

Kieron Pollard also picked up two wickets. He had two for 27 from seven overs, while Tino Best and Dwayne Bravo had a wicket each.

West Indies will now turn their attentions to the five-match One-Day International, ODI, Series and one-off Twenty20 match against Australia.

The first two ODI matches will be played in Perth on February 1 and 3.

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