Kona Bharat made a powerful case for his choice for the primary Check towards England with an attacking hundred as India A made sizzling pursuit of an unbelievable profitable goal of 490 earlier than the opening first-class recreation towards England Lions led to a draw, right here Saturday.
When umpires referred to as off proceedings on the fourth and last day, India had been 426 for five in 125 overs, finally ending 64 runs in need of the goal.
Bharat, who’s but to seal a spot in Check matches, made 116 not out off 165 balls with 15 boundaries.
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With India trying to give reduction to KL Rahul from retaining wickets, Bharat’s century would maintain him in good stead earlier than the upcoming England Check collection.
Manav Suthar, who got here in as night-watchman on the third night, remained unbeaten on a dogged 89 off 254 balls with 16 boundaries — 10 of which got here off left-arm spinner Callum Parkinson (3/182).
Whereas B Sai Sudharsan (97 off 208 balls) missed out on 100, the Bharat-Suthar duo took full benefit of the flat deck including 207 runs for the unbroken sixth wicket stand in 54.5 overs. The one wicket to fall on the day was southpaw Sudharsan.
On the ultimate day, England Lions skipper Josh Bohanon primarily bowled along with his spinners — Parkinson and off-break bowler Jack Carson (0/74 in 21 overs).
Bharat was stable on each flanks as 9 off his 15 fours got here off the 2 spinners and had been largely hit on the on-side. He acquired an ready ally in Suthar, who utilized himself properly and by tea time, even England Lions knew that they’ve misplaced a possibility to win a first-class recreation on an Indian observe.
Temporary Scores:
England Lions 553 and 163/6 decl.
India 227 and 425/6 in 125 overs (Kona Bharat 116 not out, Manav Suthar 89 not out).