The bowlers were expected to call the shots but the batsmen shone in the first `Test’ between India A and England Lions at Wayanad a couple of days ago. But the second one, which begins at the SNR Wadeyar grounds in Mysuru on Wednesday, may be pretty balanced given the nature of the pitch.
The first hour will be about playing with patience as the pitch is expected to assist the faster bowlers, but the batsmen could take upper hand thereafter.
The India A stars had displayed their ability in building strong partnerships in the first 'Test'. K.L. Rahul, who will captain the side this time, came up with a fine 89 which set the ball rolling in favour of the team. Priyank Panchal hammered a double hundred and K.S. Bharat made an equally pleasing 142.
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Priyank is eagerly looking forward to this match. “I played against Australia A in Bengaluru and there I spoke to Rahul (Dravid) sir and gained in confidence,” he said.
“I am just trying to do my best. It’s all about playing as a team and that matters.” he added.
The England Lions are expected to roar as much. Ollie Pope, Sam Hain. Ben Duckett and William Jacks have played their part as much for the team. But the bowlers need to fire equally to make it an even contest.
Lions’ skipper Sam Billings said he has been out of the four-day format for a while. “Any tournament, I think you look at the opportunities around it and runs can translate into any format. For me, playing franchisee cricket has been a huge opportunity to improve my four-day cricket.”
“The best players are able to do that regularly and consistently. Four-day cricket teaches you base techniques which can be used in any format.”
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