Lions, India ‘ A’ play out a draw

In the Indian team, you get one good batsman, another one comes along. — Colin Munro, New Zealand opener

Wayanad: Ollie Pope ( 63) and Sam Hain ( 57) stood out on the final day with fighting half centuries as England Lions drew the first unofficial Test against India ‘ A’ at the Krishnagiri stadium here on Sunday. Beginning day four at 20 for no loss, openers Ben Duckett ( 30) and Max Holden ( 29) looked positive and brought up the team’s 50 in the 12th over. India ‘ A’ captain Ankit Bawne rotated his bowlers around, in an attempt to break the partnership. However, Duckett and Holden made smooth progress, hitting some crisp shots in the process. Paceman Avesh Khan got the first breakthrough for the home side, when he had Duckett caught by K L Rahul after the openers had added 82. Holden went seven overs later, giving Jalaj Saxena, who plays for Kerala in domestic cricket, his first wicket in the second innings. Hain and 21- year old Pope, a highly rated batsmen who has played two Tests so far, joined forces and defied the India ‘ A’ bowlers for the next couple of hours. They were willing to play the waiting game and didn’t miss out on scoring opportunities. The 105- run partnership went a long way in ensuring that the visiting team, who were at the receiving end in the ODI series preceding the ‘ Tests’, stayed in the game. Brief scores: England Lions 340. & 214/ 5 in 83 overs ( Ollie Pope 63, Sam Hain 57, Saxena 2/ 41) drew with India ‘ A’ 540/ 6 decl.