India A vs England Lions 2019: 1st Unofficial Test, Kerala – Day 3 Review

The first unofficial Test between India A and England Lions in Kerala has swung in the hosts’ favour as of now. At stumps on day three, India A is sitting at a comfortable position, scoring 540 for six dec.; 200 runs more than what England Lions had hit in the first innings. Meanwhile, two batsmen, Priyank Panchal and the keeper-batsman, Srikar Bharat completed a double ton (216 off 313) and a hundred (142 off 139), respectively.

KL misses ton; Priyank completes a double hundred

India opener, KL Rahul was the first wicket to fall on day three. The batsman, who had been out on the sidelines due to off-field issues, scored 89 runs. It was a matter of time before England Lions bowler, Zak Chappell removed the captain, Ankit Bawne on zero. Ricky Bhui then didn’t take long before joining his teammates in the dressing room. At one stage, India A scorecard read 262 for four before the carnage began in Kerala.

Priyank Panchal, the Gujarat opener, started building a partnership with the wicketkeeper-batsman, Srikar Bharat. Though Priyank did take his time to pile up runs, Bharat was in a different mood; as he smashed the England Lions bowlers at will. As the sessions progressed, both the batsmen completed their respective milestones. The opener, Priyank scored a double hundred while Srikar hit a quick century to put India A on the front foot.

Meanwhile, the 196-run partnership was broken when Priyank gave a catch to Billings off Zak Chappell. Bharat then added runs with Jalaj Saxena to help the scoreboard cross 500. Eventually, he fell on 142, as India A, at the stroke of stumps, declared on 540 for six.

England Lions then scored just 20 runs but more importantly didn’t lose any wicket.

Brief Score –

England Lions – 340, 20/0

India A – 540/6 dec