Day 2 of the second unofficial Test between India U19 and England U19 at Chelmsford was marred by persistent rain, but the cricket that did unfold showcased a gripping contest between India’s sharp bowling attack and England’s middle-order resilience. At stumps, England stood at 229 for 7, with Ekansh Singh leading a spirited rearguard on 66 not out.
India began the day with momentum, having already claimed four wickets on the opening day. Seamers Aditya Rawat and RS Ambrish continued to bowl tight lines in overcast conditions that offered swing and seam movement. Rawat struck early to remove England’s overnight batter, and the visitors looked in control with the hosts reduced to 139 for 6.
But England found hope through a gritty stand between Ekansh Singh and captain Thomas Rew. The pair put together a crucial 90-run partnership that helped steady the innings and frustrate the Indian bowlers. Ekansh, showcasing composure beyond his years, played fluently on both sides of the wicket and absorbed pressure effectively. His half-century, crafted from 98 deliveries and laced with seven boundaries and a six, was a key highlight of the day.
Rew supported well with a solid 59, anchoring the lower-middle order through testing spells. Together, they not only halted India’s charge but also began shifting momentum before Rew eventually fell to a sharp catch at slip, giving Henil Patel his first wicket of the match.
Rain, however, had the final say. What could have been a full day of strategic play turned into frustration for both teams, as frequent downpours and soggy outfield conditions meant only 62 overs could be bowled in total. The umpires called for early stumps, with the covers coming on multiple times and drying efforts proving futile.
From India’s perspective, the performance of their fast bowlers remained the biggest positive. Rawat and Ambrish were the pick of the lot, both ending with two wickets apiece. Their consistent line-and-length, backed by good catching and sharp ground fielding, ensured England never ran away with the game. Patel’s spell also provided timely breakthroughs as India chipped away at the lower order.
The Indians will return on Day 3 with eyes on wrapping up the tail quickly and giving their batters enough time to build a strong reply. The Chelmsford surface has been helpful for seamers, especially under cloud cover, but with sun forecast for the next session, batting may become slightly easier.
England, meanwhile, will hope Ekansh can guide the side past 250 and build pressure with the ball. Their depth will be tested, and any runs from the tail could prove valuable in what has been a low-scoring series so far.
Heading into Day 3, the match remains delicately poised. India need just three wickets to take control, but they’ll have to work hard on a track offering variable bounce and lingering moisture. A fast start tomorrow morning could very well decide the direction of this unofficial youth Test.