Ind A vs ENG Lions: The Unofficial Match Draws And Debutants Shine

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The second unofficial Test between India A and England Lions (Ind A vs ENG Lions) concluded in a stalemate, but not before its list of highlights. All-rounders Tanush Kotian and Anshul Kamboj dominated the highlight of the last day with a record stand and aggressive bowling.

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Unbroken 121-Run Partnership Between Kotian, Kamboj

India A’s lower-order resilience was triggered when Tanush Kotian and Anshul Kamboj shared an unbeaten 121-run eighth-wicket partnership. Their attacking play ensured India A batted at more than a five-run-over rate in their 29.4-over association.

Kotian made his intentions known early with a six against Josh Tongue and went on to target England’s young off-spinner Farhan Ahmed, who remained wicketless and leaked 108 runs.

Kamboj displayed excellent temperament, getting rid of anything loose from the seamers and scoring his debut first-class fifty with a powerful six off Tom Haines.

Their association charged ahead India’s innings, taking the declaration to the tea interval, even though the possibility existed of going for the kill before that.

Kotian Misses Century: India A Declares

Though Kotian was on his way to a century, the declaration short-changed him 10 runs off a fourth first-class ton. However, his free-flowing 50+ score played a key role in laying the foundation for India A to counterattack the Lions.

Earlier, Shardul Thakur had appeared with a brisk cameo (34 off 47) before being bowled by George Hill. Thakur and Nitish Kumar Reddy had also tackled Farhan Ahmed, maintaining the team’s attacking trend.

Kamboj Strikes Twice as Lions Start Their Reply

Following India A declaring, the Lions’ reply started with Tushar Deshpande sending back Tom Haines, caught terrifically by Reddy behind the wickets. Kamboj then took over with the ball:

Wicket 1: Dismissed Emilio Gay, behind.

Wicket 2: Bowled Jordan Cox with a ball that beat the outside edge.

These blows temporarily swayed the balance before both teams decided to call it quits.

Early Day Highlights: Missed Opportunities and Counter-Attack

The last day started cautiously enough, with Reddy and Dhruv Jurel appearing to be in a good spot. Josh Tongue, though, got Reddy dropped at slip early on. Reddy replied with forceful hitting before getting bowled out by Hill for 42.

Eddie Jack, meanwhile, impressed with seam movement, getting rid of Jurel with a typical outswinger. Thakur, before his dismissal, treated the crowd to boundaries and sixes, particularly against Farhan Ahmed.

Fitness Concerns and Bowling Summary

Among England bowlers, Chris Woakes bowled only three overs on the last day, while Josh Tongue, who had limped off during the match earlier, came out to bowl five overs and was in good rhythm, an encouraging omen going into next week’s first Test.

A Promising Contest in the Ind A vs ENG Lions Series

Despite the match resulting in a draw, Tanush Kotian and Anshul Kamboj’s performances helped offer India A more than enough positives. Ind A vs ENG Lions match remains a useful platform for young talent to impress, with each team displaying depth and resilience.

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