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IND A, ENG A Settle For Draw As Kotian-Kamboj Stand Headlines Day 4 Of 2nd Unofficial Test

Soumyajit Dutta

Tanush Kotian and Anshul Kamboj played heroic knocks [Source: @wersy_x29/X.com]Tanush Kotian and Anshul Kamboj played heroic knocks [Source: @wersy_x29/X.com]

The second unofficial Test between India A and England A ended in a draw after a spirited lower-order effort and late breakthroughs on Day 4. Both teams played out a gripping draw in the second unofficial Test at Northampton, as India A’s late declaration set up a thrilling finish that ultimately ended with both captains shaking hands at 32/3 in England’s second innings.

The Kotian-Kamboj Stand Troubles England A

The final day resumed with India A at 163 for 4 in 33 overs. The visitors added valuable runs through a composed middle-order performance from Karun Nair, Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Sarfaraz Khan, showing that India A’s depth extended beyond the top order of Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul.

India A declared during the tea break, setting England A a challenging target of 439 runs in 39 overs. The highlight of the innings was a record 149-run stand for the eighth wicket between Tanush Kotian and Anshul Kamboj. Kotian remained unbeaten on 90, while Kamboj scored a gritty 51* as India A ended their second innings on 417/7.

Earlier in the match, India A had posted 348 in the first innings, with KL Rahul crafting a patient 116 and support from Dhruv Jurel (52) and Karun Nair (40). England A responded with 327, led by half-centuries from Tom Haines (54), Emilio Gay (71), and Jordan Cox (45). Khaleel Ahmed starred with the ball, picking 4 for 70 to keep India A ahead.

Chris Woakes’ fine showing with the ball, including figures of 3 for 60 in the first innings and 2 for 43 in the second, further bolstered his case for a spot in England's squad for the first Test.

India A Declares As End Of Play Nears

After India A’s declaration on Day 4, their bowlers came out firing. Tushar Deshpande struck early to remove Tom Haines, and Anshul Kamboj picked up two wickets in two overs, reducing England A to 32/3. With just 28 overs left in the day, the captains agreed to end the contest in a draw.

Notably, with a solid all-round display from both sides and multiple individual performances catching the eye, the unofficial series has set the stage perfectly for the five-Test series between India and England, which begins on June 20 at Headingley.