The touring India 'A' side was literally sent on a leather hunt as Nottinghamshire notched up 265 for three at close thanks to a brilliant unbeaten century by Usman Afzaal.

But showers reduced the day's play to only 80 overs on the opening day of the three-day cricket match at Trent Bridge.

In front of a smattering of spectators, medium pacer Lakshmipathy Balaji struck early for the Indians clean bowling Guy Welton for 25, with the total on 53. But that was their only success until shortly before tea as Afzaal and Darren Bicknell (52) added 89 for the second wicket before the latter became Balaji's second victim.

When left-arm spinner Murali Kartik dismissed Bilal Shafayat for six shortly after, Nottinghamshire's progress was briefly checked at 159 for 3.

But Afzaal (114 batting) continued untroubled, reaching his hundred off 162 balls in three and three-quarter hours and putting on an 111 runs with Gareth Clough (39 batting) for the unfinished fourth wicket stand at draw of stumps last evening.

With more showers forecast for Thursday it will take some imaginative captaincy from Shiv Sunder Das or penetrative bowling by the Indians to force a result.