In response to India A's massive score of 557 runs, England Lions made a b start, reaching 237 runs for the loss of two wickets by the close of play on day two. Tom Haines scored a magnificent century for England Lions. However, England Lions still trail India A by 320 runs.
Sports News: The second day of the unofficial Test match between India A and England Lions was filled with excitement. While India A posted a massive 557 runs in their first innings thanks to a b batting performance, the England Lions team displayed composure and precision in their reply. At the end of day's play, England Lions had reached 237 runs for the loss of two wickets, still trailing India A by 320 runs.
Karun Nair's Impressive Return, Double Century Creates a Buzz
Karun Nair emphatically marked his return to the cricket field after a long absence. He scored a brilliant 204 runs off 281 balls, studded with 26 fours and a six. Playing for India A after seven years, Karun proved his mettle and class remain intact. His confident batting display signals his ambition to reclaim a place in the senior team.
He received excellent support from Dhruv Jurel. The duo shared a crucial 195-run partnership for the fourth wicket. However, Jurel missed out on a century, scoring 94 runs. He faced 120 balls, hitting 11 fours and a six.
Sarfaraz Khan Shows His Old Flair
Sarfaraz Khan also proved his worth, playing a fine innings of 92 runs. Although dismissed on the first day, his innings included 10 fours and a six. Sarfaraz's innings was crucial in bolstering the team's score. Resuming from 409 for 3 on day one, India A declared their innings at 557 runs before lunch on day two.
After Karun's dismissal, the lower order didn't last long. Shardul Thakur scored 27 runs, while Harsh Dubey contributed 32, Anshul Kamboj 23, and Harshit Rana 16. Mukesh Kumar remained unbeaten without facing a ball. For England Lions, Josh Hull and Zaman Akhtar took three wickets each, while Eddie Jack took two and Ajit Dale and Rehan Ahmed took one wicket each.
Haines' Century in England Lions' Innings
In response to the mammoth target of 557 runs, England Lions started cautiously. However, opening batsman Ben Mcnee fell for 16 runs, becoming Anshul Kamboj's victim. Then, Tom Haines and Emilio Gay put on a 109-run partnership for the second wicket. Harsh Dubey dismissed Gay for 46 runs.
Tom Haines remained steadfast and completed his century. He batted with composure and precise strokeplay. At the close of play, he was unbeaten on 103 runs. Max Holden was also at the crease on 64 runs. The duo had added 106 runs for the third wicket, a partnership crucial for England Lions.
India A's bowlers managed only two breakthroughs on the second day. Anshul Kamboj and Harsh Dubey each took a wicket. Despite efforts from both pace and spin bowlers, the partnership between Haines and Holden left India A empty-handed for the remainder of the day.
