LEICESTER, England (CMC)

Peeved by John Dyson's criticism of their Grace Road pitch, Leicestershire's officials turned down a request by the West Indies to use the surface for training yesterday.

Dyson, the West Indies coach, had condemned the pitch on Monday, when 14 wickets fell on the opening day, and spoke disapprovingly of what he considered "variable bounce". The tourists made a request to use the wicket to prepare for a weekend tour match against Essex but Leicestershire turned them down.

"I don't think it's appropriate after his comments," said Leicestershire chief executive David Smith, referring to Dyson's remarks.

battled to a draw

After trailing by 138 runs on first innings, Leicestershire battled well on Wednesday's last day to earn a draw at 238 for six, and Smith believes their batting effort proved Dyson's comments were off the mark.

"For me it's been an excellent game of cricket over three days and an excellent cricket wicket, and the very fact a young side were able to battle it out on the final day shows that it's been a good batting wicket throughout," added Smith.

West Indies were set to use the venue yesterday for training without the use of the pitch.

"They will be practising in the nets and they are very welcome, but I didn't take too kindly to the comments," Smith said.

Dyson responded to the rejection by saying there was "no problem", adding: "There's a nice big field out here so I'm sure we'll find something to do."

The Caribbean side's second warm-up match against Essex is at Chelmsford starting tomorrow, and they are expected to be joined for that game by batting ace Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who missed the Leicestershire match.

West Indies will also face the England Lions at Derby from April 30 to May 3 in another warm-up fixture before the first Test at Lord's that starts on May 6.