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Rain Forces Early Stumps On Day 2 After England Lions' Fightback Against India A In Northampton

Soumyajit Dutta

England A wraps up India A early on Day 2 [Source: @x_user29/X.com]England A wraps up India A early on Day 2 [Source: @x_user29/X.com]

Persistent rain and poor light spoiled the final session of play on Day 2 of the second unofficial Test between India A and England Lions at the County Ground in Northampton, forcing an early stumps. England Lions finished the day at 192 for 3 in 46 overs, still trailing by 156 runs in response to India A’s first innings total of 348.

England Lions Wrap Up India A Early

Earlier in the morning session, India A were bowled out for 348 after resuming from their overnight score of 319/7. Chris Woakes stood out with the ball for England Lions, finishing with figures of 3 for 60. The visitors added just 29 runs to their total, with the last three wickets falling quickly under overcast skies.

In reply, England Lions began cautiously, with openers Tom Haines and Ben McKinney negotiating the new-ball spells of Khaleel Ahmed and Anshul Kamboj. There was significant swing early on, and McKinney, who had an early reprieve, was eventually dismissed by Kamboj for 12 in the eighth over.

Lions Go Steady After Early Loss

Despite the early loss, the hosts remained steady. Haines and Emilio Gay batted sensibly, adding 18 runs before lunch and keeping the scoreboard moving. At the break, England Lions were 58 for 1, showing resilience against the Indian pace attack comprising Khaleel, Kamboj, Shardul Thakur, and Tushar Deshpande.

The afternoon session saw Haines and Gay build a solid second-wicket stand. The duo rotated the strike well and punished loose deliveries. Haines brought up his fifty with a crisp boundary but fell soon after, edging Deshpande to wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel for 54. His 88-ball knock included nine boundaries and laid the foundation for England’s response.

Jordan Cox joined Emilio Gay, and the two added an unbeaten 23-run stand before Tea. With bad light setting in, the umpires took an early break. After resumption, the game continued briefly before Tanush Kotian struck a crucial blow, trapping Emilio Gay LBW for a well-compiled 71 off 117 balls.

Gay’s departure broke a promising partnership of 69 runs with Cox. The left-hander looked composed throughout his stay, stroking seven boundaries and showing excellent application.

Rain Calls Off Play Early

Jordan Cox (31*) and captain James Rew (0*) were at the crease when worsening light conditions again interrupted play. Soon after, a steady drizzle followed, and with the light not improving, the umpires officially called off play for the day at 5:08 PM local time.

India A’s bowlers tried different combinations, but Kotian, Deshpande, and Kamboj were the only wicket-takers. The conditions are expected to remain wet tomorrow, making time a key factor in this four-day contest.

At stumps, England Lions trailed by 156 runs with seven wickets in hand. A lot will depend on how the weather holds up on Day 3, with the match delicately poised heading into the second half of the fixture.