Jonny Bairstow has praised the decision to field some of the England players for the St Kitts and Nevis XI in the latest warm-up match.
Bairstow was one of four England batsmen to switch sides today, and hit an excellent 98 as he helped the hosts posted 303 for nine in their innings.
The Yorkshire wicketkeeper-batsman was joined by Jonathan Trott, Gary Ballance and Joe Root at the crease as England warmed up for the three-Test series by giving their bowlers an extended run out in the field.
Although Trott and Balance did not make the most of the opportunity, Bairstow and Root, who finished unbeaten on 87, enjoyed good days to press their claims for a place in the side for the first Test with West Indies which starts on Monday.
Bairstow said: “It was a great day's cricket to be honest.
“A full 90 overs in the field for our bowlers and to get some overs in their legs with the new ball to experience how we can get the ball swinging conventionally and reversing as well.
“And also to get a good spell in (for) the spinners so I think it was a very solid exercise for us and tomorrow I’m sure will be just as tough a test.”
One the rare opportunity to bat against his team-mates in a match situation, Bairstow said: “It was quite strange, but it was great practice.
Drinks in St. Kitts. Bairstow (60*) in good touch. 124-4. #EngvSKNXIpic.twitter.com/5wCLmymQLh
— England Cricket (@ECB_cricket) April 8, 2015
“To be able to go out and play against the quality bowlers we have got is always going to be a challenge and it was certainly that.
“The time I got to spend in the middle was very beneficial and will hopefully stand me in good stead going forward.”
He added: “Facing your own bowlers is always ideal preparation; they're world class bowlers and any practice us guys can get facing them is only beneficial."