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KL Rahul, Easwaran Push IND A's Lead As Khaleel Ahmed's 4-fer Wraps ENG A Early On Day 3

Soumyajit Dutta

KL Rahul struck a fifty on Day 3 [Source: @janhitasme_13/X.com]KL Rahul struck a fifty on Day 3 [Source: @janhitasme_13/X.com]

India A asserted firm control over the ongoing second unofficial Test against England Lions (England A) on Day 3 in Northampton, with Khaleel Ahmed’s four-wicket burst dismantling the hosts, before KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran ensured the visitors stayed ahead in the game with fluent half-centuries in the second innings.

Khaleel Leads The Charge With The Ball

Resuming the day at 192 for 3 in response to India A’s first-innings 348, England Lions lost their way in the morning session. Khaleel Ahmed led the attack superbly, returning figures of 4 for 70 in 19 overs, mixing pace and length to great effect. 

He triggered a collapse that saw England go from 192 for 3 to 327 all out in 89 overs. Emilio Gay top-scored with 71 (117), but England’s middle and lower order failed to capitalise as wickets kept falling at regular intervals.

Anshul Kamboj (2/56) and Tushar Deshpande (2/62) supported Khaleel with crucial breakthroughs. Meanwhile, all-rounders Tanush Kotian and Nitish Reddy chipped in with a wicket apiece. Among the tail, Josh Tongue made a fighting 36* off 61, but it wasn’t enough to bridge the deficit as India A took a 21-run first-innings lead.

India A Leads With Strong Attack

India A openers started their second innings positively, aiming to build a substantial lead. However, Yashasvi Jaiswal fell early for 5, edging one to the keeper off George Hill. KL Rahul and Easwaran then took charge with a fine 88-run stand for the second wicket. Rahul struck a fluent 51 off 64 balls, hitting nine boundaries before falling to Eddie Jack.

Easwaran continued confidently, displaying sharp footwork and composed strokeplay in his 80 off 92 deliveries. His knock included 10 boundaries and played a key role in extending India A’s lead. Karun Nair chipped in with 15, but Easwaran’s dismissal just before stumps slightly dented the momentum. 

At the close of play, India A stood at 163 for 4 in 33 overs, leading by 184 runs with Dhruv Jurel (6*) and Nitish Reddy (1*) at the crease. With a healthy lead and six wickets in hand, India A will look to bat England out of the contest on Day 4.