Did Batters Dominate Amid Bowlers' Struggles in 1st Unofficial Test Draw in Canterbury?

Canterbury, June 2 (NationPress) The 1st unofficial Test between India A and England Lions concluded not with a dramatic finish but rather a handshake. After four days of laborious yet unremarkable cricket on a lifeless pitch at The Spitfire Ground, the match drifted towards a predictable draw on Monday afternoon.

This encounter provided more insights for statisticians and selectors than for spectators, as batters thrived while bowlers struggled to make an impact.

After the England Lions secured a 30-run first-innings lead—being bowled out just before lunch—the final day turned into an extended practice session for India A’s top order. Four Indian batters—Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Dhruv Jurel, and Nitish Kumar Reddy—took advantage of the opportunity, crafting fluent half-centuries before both teams exchanged handshakes an hour after tea.

For many, this was merely another India A fixture. However, for Abhimanyu Easwaran, this tour feels like an unending audition. The 28-year-old has lingered on the outskirts of Indian Test cricket for years—called up, then sidelined repeatedly. Despite having played over 100 first-class matches, his debut for India remains elusive.

His first-innings dismissal, lbw for just 8 before the morning mist had fully lifted on Day 1, only added to the pressure he bears. Yet, Easwaran, always the diligent worker, approached the final day with determination. A flick through square leg marked the start of his scoring, perhaps easing some of the tension.

He soon showcased his driving skills, particularly against Zaman Akhter, whom he struck for consecutive boundaries through cover. The half-century was completed with a cleverly guided single, but his ambition to push further led to a miscalculation. Attempting to reverse-sweep leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed, he exposed his stumps and was bowled for 68. A commendable innings, but not the kind of performance that screams selection.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, on the other hand, embodied the fearless aggressor India desires at the top. He reached his second half-century of the match, peppering the offside with powerful cuts and drives. However, once again, he succumbed to a moment of recklessness. The disappointment was evident but fleeting—a mere shrug and a walk, knowing larger challenges await, starting June 20 at Headingley.

The middle order also saw spirited competition. Dhruv Jurel, who narrowly missed a century by just six runs in the first innings, appeared unfazed by that near miss. Coming in at No. 3, he maintained his smooth strokeplay, effortlessly finding boundaries and strengthening his case for a potential Test debut.

With K.S. Bharat out of contention and Ishan Kishan still absent from the Test setup, Jurel may find himself in a close contest with Karun Nair for a specialist batter's position in Leeds.

Nitish Kumar Reddy, meanwhile, offered selectors a glimpse of his all-round capabilities. The Andhra player, cleared by the BCCI medical panel in March after a side strain, had only recently resumed bowling. At Canterbury, he appeared to be settling into a rhythm, bowling 14.5 overs throughout the Lions’ innings and claiming the lone wicket of tailender Eddie Jack.

However, it was his 50-plus score on the final day that might linger in selectors' minds. Composed, unpretentious, and effective—Reddy looked every bit the utility player India could rely upon during a transitional period.

The second unofficial Test is set to begin on June 6 in Northampton.

Brief scores:

India A 557 & 241/2 in 41 overs (Abhimanyu Easwaran 68, Yashasvi Jaiswal 64; Rehan Ahmed 2-41) draw with England 587 all out in 145.5 overs (Tom Haines 171, Dan Mousley 113; Mukesh Kumar 3-92, Shardul Thakur 2-105)