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In a warm-up match ahead of the unofficial Test series between India-A and England Lions, both teams clashed in a two-day encounter that ended in a draw. England Lions won the toss and elected to bat, posting a total of 233 runs in their first innings. India-A responded with a commanding 462/8 declared, setting the stage for an intriguing series.
For India, Rajat Patidar played a splendid century innings, while Sarfaraz Khan fell just short of reaching the milestone with a score of 96. KS Bharat and Dhruv Jurel also made significant contributions, scoring half-centuries. Both Bharat and Jurel have been included in the Indian team for the first two matches of the upcoming five-match Test series against England Lions.
England Lions, after winning the toss, witnessed contributions from various batsmen. However, their innings concluded at 233 runs. Notable performances came from Ollie Robinson (45) and Lyndon James (52), forming partnerships that helped their team reach a respectable total.
In response, India-A began their innings impressively with captain Abhimanyu Easwaran and Rajat Patidar establishing a solid opening partnership of 73 runs. While Easwaran was dismissed for 32, Pradosh Ranjan Paul also contributed 21 runs. The highlight of India's innings was Rajat Patidar's splendid century, scoring 111 runs off 141 balls with 18 fours and a six.
Sarfaraz Khan's innings, though cut short at 96, showcased his form, yet he and Rajat Patidar will not feature in the Test series. KS Bharat's 64 runs and Dhruv Jurel's quick 50 added valuable runs to India's total, displaying the team's depth in batting.
India-A declared their innings at 462/8, and the match ended with no further play. The bowlers also had their moments, with India-A spinner Manav Suthar claiming three wickets.
The upcoming unofficial Test series between India-A and England Lions is set to commence on January 17, promising an exciting contest between the talented young players from both sides. The performances in the warm-up match indicate a competitive series ahead, with both teams gearing up for a keenly contested battle in the longer format of the game.
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