Youth Test between India and England drawn after run-fest on the final day with the rain once again cutting short the game.
India, England draw second Youth Test after final-day run-fest.
In the second Youth Test in Chelmsford, England Under-19 drew with India Under-19, with Ben Dawkins scoring a century and Ralphie Albert taking 10 wickets. Before England declared themselves on 324 for 5 courtesy to some middle-order firepower, Kent opener Dawkins struck an outstanding 136 and shared an opening stand of 188 runs with Adam Thomas as they attempted an unexpected victory. Even though Surrey spinner Albert finished the match with match stats of 10 for 129, those aspirations were dashed by Ayush Mhatre’s century. As a result, the two-match series ended on an even score.
The Ambassador Cruise Line Ground’s pitch provided little help, so England’s openers continued where they left off. In the day’s fourth over, Dawkins reached his half-century with a flick off his pads for two.
As the Indian attack struggled, England swiftly increased their lead to 200 in the first hour thanks to Thomas’s strong support, which saw him reach 91.
As both openers reached the anxious nineties, India had a half-chance for an opening wicket, but Dawkins barely escaped a run-out after taking a rash single to cover.
Dawkins, who had almost been caught on 99 playing the same shot on the previous ball, reached a well-earned hundred on the eve of lunch with a penetrating cover drive for four.
A leading edge went straight down Henil Patel’s throat at deep third, dismissing Ben Mayes for a quickfire 11 as he attempted to counterattack.
Thomas Rew and Dawkins increased their attack as England’s lead surpassed 250. The captain smashed a series of boundaries before being bowled for 19 by Rawat.
Dawkins and Rocky Flintoff continued their boundary attack until they were both caught in the deep, and as the runs came in, so did the wickets.
The expectations of triumph were bolstered when 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi chopped on Alex Green’s opening delivery, giving England a fantastic start.
However, India quickly dashed these hopes. As India stabilised the ship, Mhatre attacked, scoring 50 in just 25 balls while Vihaan Malhotra dug in.
As the clouds darkened and the floodlights came on, Albert’s drop at long on, when Mhatre was on 54, appeared to be a potentially crucial moment.
As tea beckoned, Albert wasted no time in dismissing Malhotra in his opening over, leaving India at 100 for 2.
As Abhigyan Kundu joined Mhatre and blasted two sixes in the first two overs following the break to stay ahead of the needed run rate, India also harboured dwindling chances of winning.
When Albert had his retribution, Mhatre finally fell for 126 and was caught by Mayes on the long-on boundary, causing India to experience a mini-collapse.
After 15 minutes, Rahul Kumar chipped the ball back to Mayes after Kundu had edged to slip, reversing the momentum in England’s favour.
The match was declared a draw by the umpires after India’s bottom order rallied and the players were forced off due to the drizzle.