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India vs England 1st Youth Test ends in a draw

The VCA Stadium at Jamtha virtually turned into a graveyard for batsmen of both teams as they struggled to remain afloat.

As many as 17 wickets fell on the fourth and final day of the Youth Test  © Getty Images (Representative Image)
As many as 17 wickets fell on the fourth and final day of the Youth Test © Getty Images (Representative Image)

Nagpur: A staggering 17 wickets fell on the fourth and final day of the first Youth Test match between U-19 cricket teams of India and England on Thursday, which saw wildly fluctuating fortunes before the game ended in a draw here. The VCA Stadium at Jamtha virtually turned into a graveyard for batsmen of both teams as they struggled to remain afloat. England, who resumed at overnight score of 32 for 1, were shot out for 167 off 53 overs in their second essay. George Bartlett, the centurion in the first innings, played another resolute knock of 68 (11×4). Olive Pope supported him with a crisp 26. India’s Sujumon Joseph (6 for 62) spun a web around Englishmen with a fine spell of bowling, raising hopes of a win.

India required 238 for an outright win, but their batsmen too struggled. The hosts survived some tense moments before finishing at 189 for 8, thus managing to draw the game. S Lokeshwar 92 (14 x 4) played a match-saving innings and Sujumon Joseph 37 showed his all-round ability to save the day for the hosts. Pacers Henrey brooks (3 for 54) and Aaron Beard 2 for 24 struck vital blows to dent India’s chances of a win.

India A and India U-19 coach Rahul Dravid talked about the challenges of coaching. Under his guidance, India Under-19 team were unbeaten until the final of ICC U-19 World Cup in 2016. The tournament saw many young Indian players display impressive performances. A few months later, Dravid-coached team continued their stellar show on Australia tour.

Brief scores:

England 501 for 5 decl. & 167 (George Bartlett 68; Sujumon Joseph 6 for 62) drew with India 431 for 8 decl. & 189 for 8 (S Lokeshwar 92*, Sujumon Joseph 37; Henrey brooks 3 for 56, Aaron beard 2 for 24).

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