2nd unofficial Test, Day 3: Easwaran, Khaleel give strong auditions before England series-OxBig News Network

Abhimanyu Easwaran’s disciplined 80-run knock helped India A to a lead of 184 runs at the end of Day 3 in the 2nd unofficial Test match against England Lions. Easwaran was aided by a superb half-century from KL Rahul as well, who made the perfect start to the England tour, bagging a century and a fifty at Northampton.

The day started with India failing to get past the 350-run mark. However, after getting bowled out for 348 runs on Sunday, June 8, India A hit back with some fiery fast bowling, skittling England Lions for 327 runs. The Lions were put in mega trouble after Khaleel Ahmed ripped into the side with a fiery spell between the 51st and 57th overs of England’s innings.

England Lions vs India A, 2nd unofficial Test: Highlights

Khaleel found the length and the line to make the red Dukes talk. And talk it did in the massively overcast conditions. Khaleel’s burst would have made a much bigger impact for India if not for the hosts’ last-wicket stand of 48 runs, which pushed the Lions’ total to 327, within touching distance of India’s first-innings score of 348.

After a frustrating last 15 overs, India A knew that they needed to hit back with intent. After the early dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has now failed in both innings, senior batter KL Rahul and India A captain Abhimanyu Easwaran took matters into their own hands.

While Rahul’s spot is assured in the line-up, Abhimanyu Easwaran needs to prove his credentials to get himself into contention for the playing XI of the Indian team, which has a spot open in the top 4.

Unlike his first innings, where he edged an outswinger on the very first ball of his innings, Easwaran gave a sensational account of himself alongside the senior batter.

Easwaran was punishing against anything overpitched and also played some sensational pull shots against the England pacers. The India A captain batted for 91 balls and returned with 80 runs, which included 10 boundaries.

The batter was trapped by a Chris Woakes delivery which just moved away enough from the off stump to catch his edge and go back to the slip cordon.

By this time, the light had dipped at Northampton and the umpires were forced to call it a day. At stumps, India were leading by 184 runs with 4 wickets in hand.