Hubli, Oct 9 (IANS): A battling knock of 81 (148b, 15x4) by Leon Johnson held the West Indies A innings together as the visitors were all out 268 in their first essay against India A who were 10 without loss in reply at stumps on the first day of their four-day game here Wednesday.

After new ball bowlers Zaheer Khan and Dhawal Kulkarni got rid of openers Kraigg Brathwaite (1) and Kieran Powell (21), it was left to Johnson to steady the ship. Along with Narsingh Deonarine (35), Johnson put on 70 runs for the third wicket and a further 40 for the fourth with Assad Fudadin (47).

Kulkarni came away with three for 60 and fellow-seamer Abhishek Nayar picked up four wickets, including those of Deonarine and Johnson to restrict the West Indies who lead the three-match series 1-0 after winning the first and drawing the second.

Brief scores:
West Indies A (1st innings): 268 all out in 77.4 overs (Kieran Powell 21, Leon Johnson 81, Narsingh Deonarine 35, Assad Fudadin 47, Dhawal Kulkarni 3 for 60, Abhishek Nayar 4 for 61) vs India A 10 for no loss in 5 overs.