Deshpande strikes as Lions collapse

Northampton

India A tightened their grip on the second Unofficial Test against England Lions as pacer Tushar Deshpande removed Max Holden for 7, leaving the hosts reeling at 266/8 by lunch on Day 3.

Resuming from an overnight score of 192/3, England Lions lost wickets at regular intervals in the morning session. Deshpande, who bowled a disciplined spell, claimed his second wicket of the innings. Tanush Kotian and Anshul Kamboj supported him well with tight lines that kept the pressure on.

Currently at the crease are tail-enders Josh Tongue (14*) and Farhan Ahmed (12*), holding off India A’s bowling attack. Despite a few resistance moments, including a four leg-byes off Kamboj and a three from Tongue, scoring has dried up significantly for the Lions.

Earlier, on Day 2, India A were bowled out for 348 in 89.3 overs after bad light brought an early end to the day’s play. Emilio Gay was the top scorer for England Lions with a gritty 71 off 117 balls, but the team now trails India A by 82 runs with only two wickets in hand.

India A had earlier won the toss and elected to bat. The match is being played at the County Ground in Northampton, as part of the two-match unofficial Test series. With India A maintaining strong control, a potential innings defeat looms for the Lions unless their lower order can produce a resilient stand. The visitors will be aiming to wrap up the innings quickly and enforce their advantage.