IND A vs ENG Lions 2nd unofficial Test live score: OUT!
Bowled! Early breakthrough for England Lions. Josh Tongue clean bowls Tanush Kotian for 15.
Kotian hit two fours, one of which today, in his 37-ball knock.
INDIA A 328/8
IND A vs ENG Lions Test live score: Day 2 action begins soon…
Tanush Kotian (5) and Anshul Kamboj (1) will start India A’s innings on the second day of the match.
India A vs England Lions Live score: No more musical chairs! For KL Rahul, England could finally be home
Whenever an Indian captain has been under pressure, they’ve often found stability in their ‘Rahuls’. Whether it was Sourav Ganguly, Virat Kohli, or the recently retired Rohit Sharma, their go-to man in a crisis has almost always been someone named Rahul.
Rahul Dravid, the original wall of Indian cricket, stood tall against world-class pace attacks, unflinching and immovable. KL Rahul, in his own versatile way, has carried forward that legacy — stepping up for MS Dhoni, then Kohli, and most recently, Rohit.
KL Rahul has been the quintessential team man — quietly adaptable, endlessly dependable, and always ready when the captain called.
IND A vs ENG Lions 2nd unofficial Test live score: Day 1 – KL Rahul roars back with ton ahead of England Tests
Despite England Lions making early inroads after winning the toss and opting to bowl first on Day 1 of the second unofficial Test in Northampton on Friday, India A ended the day at 319/7 in 83 overs, riding on strong contributions from KL Rahul, Karun Nair, and Dhruv Jurel after early setbacks.
The morning session belonged to England Lions pacer Chris Woakes, who struck twice to remove openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (17) and captain Abhimanyu Easwaran (11), leaving India A at 40/2.
KL Rahul, returning to longer-format cricket, played a composed knock.
Alongside Karun Nair, he added 86 runs for the third wicket before Nair was trapped lbw by Woakes for 40.
IND A vs ENG Lions Test live score: Jurel shines again as specialist option emerges
Young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel further solidified his claim to a long-term Test role with yet another impressive outing. Following scores of 94 and 53*, his latest fifty — a fluent 52 — was marked by elegant strokeplay and assured shot selection.
Batting at No. 6, Jurel’s 121-run partnership with Rahul came at a crucial juncture, rescuing the innings after early setbacks.
While Rishabh Pant remains the first-choice keeper once fully fit, Jurel’s consistency presents a viable alternative — either as a long-term understudy or even a pure batter at No. 6 should the team look to strengthen the lower-middle order.
George Hill eventually removed both Rahul and Jurel, but the damage was done — India A had seized control.
India A vs England Lions Live score: Easwaran’s struggles continue despite leadership role
While Rahul flourished, Abhimanyu Easwaran’s poor form extended further. The India A skipper was dismissed for 11 by Woakes after surviving a dropped chance off the first ball. He looked tentative throughout his brief stay, eventually falling leg-before to a delivery that straightened late.
Easwaran’s first innings returns in overseas conditions have been dismal — failing to cross 20 in any of his last five first-class innings for India A, including the recent games in Australia and England.
Questions around his technique and mental application at the top level are likely to persist, especially given the quality of opposition he continues to struggle against in helpful conditions.
IND A vs ENG Lions 2nd unofficial test live score: Rahul’s batting – A study in timing and temperament
Rahul’s return to red-ball cricket wasn’t just marked by runs — it was the manner of his batting that stood out.
Whether defending on the front foot or unleashing a full-blooded kneeling cover drive, his timing was exquisite. He looked at ease even against lateral movement, particularly during the post-tea session when he played as if in a relaxed net session. His ability to judge length early and play late allowed him to dominate a quality attack without taking undue risks.
For India, who are in the early stages of a Test transition, Rahul’s century was more than a milestone — it was a reassuring message that his experience and poise remain invaluable.
IND A vs ENG Lions Test live score: Woakes impresses on comeback as Rahul counters with class
Returning to the red-ball scene, seasoned pacer Chris Woakes showcased his prowess with figures of 3/50 in 17 probing overs. In seamer-friendly conditions under overcast skies, he removed Yashasvi Jaiswal and Abhimanyu Easwaran early, unsettling India A’s top order.
But Rahul, showcasing his refined technique and patience, expertly navigated Woakes’ spell, playing late and close to the body, and using soft hands. His footwork was assured, particularly when executing textbook cover drives and square cuts. A straight six off spinner Farhan Ahmed underscored his comfort at the crease.
Rahul’s presence at the top of the order, opening alongside Jaiswal, now seems a certainty for the first Test against England starting June 20 in Leeds.
India A vs England Lions Live score: Rahul’s commanding ton leads India A’s solid start
KL Rahul struck a sublime 116 off 168 balls to announce his return to long-format cricket with poise and purpose, guiding India A to a commanding 319 for 7 on a rain-marred first day against England Lions in Northampton.
Rahul’s innings, laced with 15 boundaries and a six, was a masterclass in composure against quality pace spearheaded by Chris Woakes.
Alongside him, Dhruv Jurel chipped in with a fluent 52 off 87 deliveries — his third consecutive fifty — to reinforce his growing stature as a dependable middle-order bat. The pair added a crucial 121 runs for the fourth wicket, anchoring India A through the middle phase of play.
At stumps, Tanush Kotian and Anshul Kamboj were at the crease, unbeaten on 5 and 1 respectively.
