England Lions closed out Day 3 with three batters scoring centuries, reducing the massive first-innings deficit to just 30 runs, ending the day at 527/7.
Holden-Haines Stand Dominates Morning Before Mukesh Turns the Tide
The day began with the Lions on 239/2, trailing by 320 runs, as Max Holden and Tom Haines resumed their innings in a bright sunny day. Anshul Kamboj opened the bowling for India A, but the solid partnership continued to frustrate the hosts. The duo reached a 150-run stand, with both batters looking completely in control.
Advertisement
Mukesh Kumar was India’s best bowler in the session, consistently hitting the right lengths to challenge the batters. However, Max Holden accelerated and brought up his century in just 100 balls. The Lions’ decision to shift gears worked, but only momentarily, as Mukesh Kumar broke the 182-run stand, dismissing Holden for 101 (101). That breakthrough slowed the scoring, and Mukesh struck again right before lunch, picking up two more wickets to leave England Lions at 333/5 at the break.
Also Read: Karun Nair Makes his Chance Count with Double Century for India A vs England Lions
England Lions End Day 3 Strong as Mousley Joins Century Club
After lunch, Dan Mousley joined Haines and steadied the innings again. Haines reached his 150 off 232 balls, and Mousley played fluently to bring up his fifty. Their 92-run stand was finally broken by Shardul Thakur, who removed the well-set Haines for 171 (279), giving India A their sixth breakthrough.
Just as India looked to wrap up the innings quickly, Mousley and Zaman Akther dug in. They batted with patience and smart shot selection, frustrating the Indian attack. Mousley led the way with boundaries and reached a stylish century off 147 balls a superb knock from the all-rounder.
Advertisement
At stumps, England Lions were 527/7, trailing by only 30 runs. It was a commanding fightback led by Tom Haines, Max Holden, and Dan Mousley all scoring centuries which has tilted the balance of the match. India A’s dominance from Day 1 has now been challenged, and Day 4 promises an intriguing finish.
As the day neared its end with just a few overs remaining, Karun Nair was handed the ball. To everyone’s surprise, the double centurion got a wicket in his very first over, dismissing Dan Mousley for 113 (157) an anti-climactic end to Day 3.
England Lions Trail by 30 Runs
England Lions finished the day at 527/7, trailing by just 30 runs. It was a fantastic fightback from the Lions batters, who gave the Indian bowlers a tough time. With centuries from Max Holden and Dan Mousley, and a 150 from Tom Haines, India A’s hopes of winning the 1st unofficial Test have taken a hit.
Stay tuned for Day 4 updates.
India A vs England Lions Live Scorecard
