Northampton, June 9: Tanush Kotian (90 not out) and Anshul Kamboj (51 not out) scored half-centuries as India A’s second unofficial four-day Test against England Lions ended in a tame draw here on Monday.
India A declared their second innings at 417/7 to set the England Lions a winning target of 439 in the post-tea session on the final day.
England Lions scored 32/3 in 11 overs in the second essay.The first unofficial Test in Canterbury too had ended in a draw.Kotian struck 10 fours to reach 90 not out off 108 balls.In a wicket-less post-lunch session, the Mumbai all-rounder put on a 149-run unbeaten stand for the eighth wicket to frustrate England Lions’ bowlers.Kamboj also made the most of his time out in the middle against a tiring bowling attack with a solid knock as England Lions were forced to turn to their part-time bowlers to push for wickets.
India A’s dominant batting display on the final day ensured that the second unofficial Test ended in a draw, but not without a strong statement from the visitors. The unbroken 149-run partnership between Tanush Kotian and Anshul Kamboj not only flattened any hopes England Lions had of forcing a result but also showcased the depth and composure within India A’s lower order. Kotian’s gritty 90 not out and Kamboj’s unbeaten 51 were crafted with patience, confidence, and technical assurance, particularly as they ground down a visibly fatigued Lions attack that eventually resorted to part-time options. Declaring at 417/7 and setting a mammoth target of 439 in the final session may have been symbolic more than strategic, but the decision still gave India A’s bowlers a brief crack at the hosts, reducing them to 32/3 in just 11 overs. While both matches in the series have ended in stalemates, India A will return home with several positives—resilient batting performances, improved lower-order contributions, and valuable overseas exposure for a new generation of players knocking on the doors of the senior team.
Brief scores: India A 348 & 417/7 decl in 92 overs (KL Rahul 51, Abhimanyu Easwaran 80, Nitish Kumar Reddy 42, Tanush Kotian 90 not out, Anshul Kamboj 51 not out; George Hill 3/64) drew with England Lions 327 & 32/3 in 11 overs (Anshul Kamboj 2/6). (PTI)
