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By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, Feb 24
ENGLAND U-19 did their batting practice on the fourth and last day as the Youth Test that ended in a draw at the VCA, Jamtha stadium. Starting the day at 43 for two, England posted 255 when both captain’s called truce before start of mandatory overs.
India U-19 spinner Harsh Tyagi was the stand-out bowler as he took four wickets in the second innings.
With India failing to take wickets early in the morning, England batsmen started picking easy runs and reached 148 for two at lunch. They started well despite overnight batsman Daniel Houghton retiring due to stomach bug.
But last match heroes George Bartlett (76) and Delray Rawlings (49) saw off the first hour easily. Bartlett slammed his second consecutive fifty as the two added 112 runs for the third wicket taking their team’s total near 150.
After lunch India managed to take two quick wickets. They first broke the strong 125 runs partnership between Bartlett and Rawlings. Siddharth Akre took an easy catch of Rawlings at deep mid-wicket off Tyagi. Two overs later Akre pounced Ollie Pope at forward short-leg off the same bowler.
Bartlett continued to play freely and hit three sixes before his innings was cut short at 76. The batsman stepped out to clear long on off Tyagi but missed the line and lost his stumps.
Tyagi and Anukul Roy bowled 27 overs in tandem after lunch. After tea Will Jacks and Aaron Beard took charge and the duo added 50 runs for the seventh wicket as the match headed towards draw. Apart from Tyagi, Daryl Ferrario, Anukul Roy and Saurabh Singh were the other wicket-takers for the hosts.
Brief scores: England U-19: 375 and 255 for 9 (All out) (G Bartlett 76, D Rawlings 49, H Tyagi 4/67) drew with India U-19: 388.
By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, Feb 23
SAURABH Singh (109) slammed a well-deserved century as India Under-19 declared at 388 for nine in reply of England’s 375 on the third day of their Youth Test at VCA, Jamtha. The right-handed batsman helped India cross England’s total with two fruitful partnerships with Daryl Ferrario (55) and Siddharth Akre (54) as India asked England to bat again with 13 runs ahead.
India took two crucial wickets to leave England reeling at 34 for 2 when the stumps were drawn. Daniel Houghton and George Bartlett were yet to open their accounts. Both the England wickets fell to spinners with Harsh Tyagi rattling skipper Max Holden’s (13) stumps and then taking a sharp catch of Harry Book (16) off Ferrario.
Indian batsmen finally rose to the occasion and played with responsibility which was lacking since last game. Earlier, they wasted opportunities which came their way but on Thursday, Saurabh Singh, Ferrario and Akre showed their intent. Saurabh Singh and Ferrario added 99 runs for the fifth wicket to take India past 250-run mark. Singh then joined hands with Akre to add 72 runs for sixth wicket. That stand helped India go past 300-run mark at tea.
Coach Rahul Dravid had a close look at the wicket during lunch and tea breaks. An early declaration might have popped up in his mind, like in first match. But with the strip still holding on, Dravid decided to let his batsmen continue which helped Singh complete his century.
Singh continued from where he left on the second evening and played sensibly. He first added 20 runs with night-watchman Kanishk Seth to see off first hour. He then paired up with Ferrario and they started scoring at a brisk rate with the latter taking chances. Singh kept cool and picked up occasional boundaries square of the wicket.
Ferrario hit seven boundaries in his 77-ball 55. Both the batsmen ran hard and at times took three runs as English fielders looked jaded. Singh scored his runs mostly through singles and doubles and rotated the strike well. The right-handed batsman hit a delicate cut towards third man off White to reach 99 and then swept the next ball to complete a well-deserved century. His 100 runs contained 11 boundaries from over five hours long innings. He finally got out to a tired looking shot. Playing away from his body Singh handed a simple catch to Henry Brookes at gully off Euan Woods.
After Singh’s departure Akre played some perfect straight drives to help India cross 300.
Brief scores:- England U-19: 375 and 34/2 (H Brook 16, M Holden 13, D Ferrario 8-1, H Tyagi 1-1). India U-19: 388-9 decl: (S Singh 109, A Goswami 58, D Ferrario 55, S Akre 54, A Beard 2/56, L White 2/75).
By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, Feb 22
THE India Under-19 team has developed a knack of losing initiative. On the first day they managed to put England on the backfoot with three wickets in the morning session with one run on the board but failed to put them under pressure. On second morning of the Youth Test they again managed to take early wickets but still failed to wipe off the tail which added 95 runs as England managed to take the score to 375.
At stumps India were 153 for 3, still 222 runs behind England.
The hosts got a good start by the openers—Abhishek Goswami (58) and Utkarsh Singh (19) but this time too they failed to build on the partnership and lost wickets at regular intervals.
With the wicket getting slower, it was the duty of the openers to wipe out as much deficit as they could. But both returned in space of 10 overs to put the middle-order under pressure. Even captain Jonty Sidhu (17) perished three overs before the end of day’s play.
Indian colts negotiated 12 overs before tea to reach 40 runs. Goswami and Utkarsh Singh both lowered their guards and made sure they don’t lose any wicket in the second session. Goswami’s ball placement was beautiful. All his boundaries were placed in perfect gaps. If there was a first slip, Goswami opened the face of his bat to glide the ball to third man boundary. In one of the overs he spotted fine leg wide and cleverly swept the ball fine to the fence.
England would have tasted success immediately at the start of Indian innings had Delray Rawlings not dropped Utkarsh Singh in the second over at second slip. Utkarsh tried to build his innings and hit Liam-Patterson White for a straight six but failed to capitalise on the life and perished to the same bowler giving a catch at backward silly point to Harry Brook.
Goswami, meanwhile, continued his innings with poise and hit nine boundaries before he pulled an Arron Beard’s delivery onto his stumps to bring an abrupt end to his innings.
Later, captain Sidhu and Saurabh Singh (43) managed to add 42 runs before Sidhu gave an easy catch at slip to Max Holden.
Earlier, England added 132 runs to their overnight score of 243. Rawlings (140) and Will Jacks (77) took the team past 300 with steady innings. Rawlings played with the same cool temperament. They added 150 runs for the sixth wicket. The pair was finally separated when left-armer Anukul Roy trapped Rawlings in front. His seven-hour long innings contained 19 boundaries and two sixes.
Spinner Daryl Ferrario immediately put brakes on England innings with two wickets from as many deliveries. He first removed Jacks and on the very next delivery sent White back caught by wicketkeeper Lokeshwar.
However, the England tail wagged as Beard and Henry Brookes added 50 for the ninth wicket. The partnership was finally broken after lunch by Roy who trapped Beard in front. Brookes and Daniel Houghton took the total to 375 with the former remaining unbeaten on 60.
Brief scores: England 1st inn 375 (D Rawlings 140, O Pope 42, W Jacks 77, H Brookes 60, R Bhagat 58-3, D Ferrario 90-3). India U-19 1st inn: (A Goswami 58, S Singh, A Beard 20-1).
By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, Feb 21
ENGLAND Under-19 middle-order batsman Delray Rawlings (124*) made most of two lives he got to hit a fighting unbeaten century to take the visitors to 243 for 5 on the first day of the second Youth Test at VCA Jamtha.
Rawlings, dropped on 19 and on 93 by Indian captain Jonty Sidhu at slips, went on to score a responsible undefeated century from 194 deliveries which included 15 fours and two sixes. He completed his century with a cheeky single towards short covers. Rawlings and Will Jacks (66*) added 131 in 291 balls for the sixth wicket to strengthen their position after a shaky start.
Rawlings innings is praiseworthy as the Bermuda-born left-hander came in to bat when England had lost top three batsmen for just one run on the board.
India had put England under tremendous pressure in the morning with three quick wickets in first 15 minutes. Medium-pacer Rishabh Bhagat rattled England top order with two deadly deliveries to push the visitors at the backfoot.
Bhagat first sent Harry Brook (1) back on the very first delivery of his spell trapping him in front and then stunned George Bartlett with pace as the last match centurion’s stumps went cart-wheeling. In the third over of the day, Kanishk Seth sent England skipper Max Holden (0) back with regulation catch at backward silly point to Siddarth Akre.
But Rawlings and wicketkeeper-batsman Ollie Pope (42) steadied the rocking ship with a 77-run partnership for the fourth wicket as they took lunch at 80 without any further dent.
India would have been in much better position had captain Sidhu and Abhishek Goswami not dropped sitters at slip cordon. First Sidhu spilled a regulation catch of Rawlings at first slip off left-arm spinner Anukul Roy and then Goswami dropped Pope (42) at the same position off Seth with the English middle-order batsman on 32.
Rawlings completed his half-century after lunch with a square cut but Pope failed to convert his good start as he holed out at mid-on to Daryl Ferrario off left-arm spinner Harsh Tyagi. The duo added 98 for fifth wicket in 218 balls. Euan Woods followed suit as he perished to a Ferrario delivery edging to wicketkeeper Suresh Lokeshwar.
India succeed in taking two wickets post lunch but were unable to break the partnership between Rawlings and Jacks as they negotiated the seamers as well as spinners easily. Tyagi bowled lengthy spells but was unlucky to get wickets from the dry track as Rawlings, who had scored an unbeaten 70 in the first innings of the first ‘Test’, and Jacks lowered their guard to take the score past 200.
India took the new ball immediately but the England duo parked the bus to walk back to the pavilion unconquered at their personal scores of 124 and 66.
Brief scores: England U-19: 243-5 (D Rawlings 124*, W Jacks 66*, R Bhagat 2-39).
By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, Feb 20
AFTER surviving scare on the last day of the first Test, hosts India Under-19 won’t be taking the visiting England Under-19 team lightly when the meet for the second and the last four-day Youth Test here at VCA Stadium in Jamtha from Tuesday.
To bolster their attack, India have added an all-rounder in Anukul Roy in the squad. The 18-year-old Jharkhand all-rounder has played in the Under-19 one-dayers and has made a fine unbeaten half century (62) at Mumbai.
With the wicket expected to assist slow bowlers, left-handed Roy would be helpful with his orthodox bowling.
“The wicket looks like to help slow bowlers as the days will progress. There might be changes in the side looking at the nature of the wicket,” said fielding coach Abhay Sharma.
Indian middle order has done well in the first match. Wicketkeeper-batsman Suresh Lokeshwar, Daryl Ferrario and Sijomon Joseph batted their skins out in the match to help the host eke out a draw. But it is the top order which will have to score big if they want to put any pressure on England.
Openers Abhishek Goswami and Rogan Kunnummal will have to put a decent score at the start.
The bowling department will have to work hard if they want to win this Test
and series.
Seamers Kanishk Seth, Rishabh Bhagat and Vineet Panwar started well but were unable to buy wickets in the first innings which helped England post a total of 501.
Spinner Sijomon Joseph and Ferrario have bowled brilliantly in the second half and hope they continue the same way on a different wicket on the morrow.
England will be banking on the start they got from captain Max Golden and George Bartlett. The two put up a record second-wicket partnership to bury the hosts under the run mountain. They got a tremendous confidence boost with their innings and they would hope to carry it on in the second game, too.
Looking at the bowling strength they have in seamers Aaron Beard, Henry Brookes and spinner Liam Patterson White, India would look to putting up a spirited show in the coming days.
By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, Feb 16
SPINNER Sijomon Joesph skittled out England Under-19 for 167 in their second innings but India’s decision to declare 70 runs short of England’s 501 total almost came back to haunt them. The colts managed to draw the match from a precarious position on the last day of their Youth Test at VCA, Jamtha.
Chasing 238 to win, India managed to reach 189 for 8 thanks to Daryl Ferrario’s fighting 37 and wicketkeeper-batsman Suresh Lokeshwar’s (92*) rearguard effort. Lokeshwar fought in the middle for over two hours to save India from the jaws of defeat.
India bundled out the visitors at a challenging total of 167 but their batsmen fell like nine pins in the second innings. The top five failed to reach double figures. The hosts were looking down the barrel at tea with recognised batsmen Ferrario and Saurabh Singh (5) holding the fort. But their departure after tea exposed the fragile Indian tail.
S Lokeshwar and Joseph (12) fought hard for over half an hour adding 39 for the seventh wicket but the latter’s departure dealt another blow for the hosts. Lokeshwar then joined by Kanishk Seth (18) saw off the challenge with a 61-run partnership.
Abhishek Goswami (4) started India’s chase with a first ball boundary but three balls later nicked one to Harry Brook at first slip off Henry Brookes. Two overs later, Ravi Inder Thakur (8) was run out by keeper Ollie Pope who cleverly threw the ball on the stumps after watching the batsman doing shadow practice outside the crease.
More trouble was in store for India as opener Rohan Kullummal (4) was bowled by seamer Arron Beard five balls later.
If that was not enough, India lost captain Jonty Sidhu (1) in the sixth over. Trying to flick one, Sidhu ended up handing an easy catch to keeper Pope off Beard.
After tea break, Brookes rattled Saurabh Singh’s stumps to put India under pressure. England tasted more success with the wicket of Ferrario.
First innings hero Ferrario chased an away going delivery to give a simple catch to wicketkeeper Pope of Godsal. Lokeshwar and Joseph occupied the crease and tried to consume as many deliveries as they could. Runs dried up as India crawled slowly as the end of day’s play came closer. But Joseph succumbed to pressure and returned scoring only 12 runs.
Earlier, Joseph, bowling from city end, took six wickets to break England’s back as they folded up at 167.
The 19-year-old Kerala-born spinner spun enough to take the wickets of Henry Brookes (3), George Bartlett (68), Delray Rawlings (15), Ollie Pope (26) Aaron Beard (1) and Liam-Patterson White (3). India reduced England to 105 for four before lunch. Joseph impressed with his left-arm spin as as the English batsmen danced to his tunes.
Brief scores: England U-19 501 and 167 (G Bartlett 68, H Brook 29, O Pope 26, S Joseph 6/62, D Ferrario 2/17) drew with India U-19: 331-8 decl and 189-8 (D Ferrario 37, S Lokeshwar 92*; H Brookes 3/39, A Beard 2/24).
n By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, Feb 16
INDIA might have easily won three back to back Test series at home in last few months but former India captain Rahul Dravid expects a tough fight from the Australians.
India will play a four-Test series against Australia starting February 23 at Pune. India Jrs coach Dravid felt a tough series against the Australians with an Indian win would be the perfect way to finish the domestic season.
“It’s going to be a good series. It will be tightly fought. As always Australia will come here well prepared, there is no doubt about it. They are always very competitive. But I think India is well prepared at the moment,” Dravid told ‘The Hitavada’ at Jamtha Stadium on Thursday.
‘The Wall’ said the Indian contingent must be pretty confident with 19-match unbeaten streak.
“India should be pretty confident at the moment. They are playing at home for the last four of five months and everyone is used to play in these conditions. All our players have lot of match experience in these conditions so I definitely think that India would be confident. But I think it’s going to be a good series. It will be well fought out,” Dravid said.
“I think it’s the perfect way to finish what has been a fantastic domestic season in India with so many Test matches and the kind of interest it has generated. A tough series against Australia would be a perfect way to finish, hopefully we win it,” he added.
Dravid, who has played 33 Tests against Australia with 233 being his highest at Adelaide, said it would be important for the Indians to score big which would help the spinners to attack the opponents.
“It’s very simple... In India you have to score big runs... score runs when you get the opportunity. In a good condition you need to make the most of it. You need to bat well and post a good total and then give your spinners plenty of opportunity and the time to be able to take 20 wickets,” he explained.
Last time when Australia visited India in 2012, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja picked the bulk of wickets and Dravid said it would be the same this time too. However, he added that there should not be extra pressure on Ashwin.
“I think we should not put too much pressure on Ashwin. He is a terrific performer for India and has always been a great bowler. But I think it’s not only his responsibility, there are others also in the team and they are also bowling well. Jadeja has also performed superbly, the seamers have been superb with reverse swing. I think they are a very good balanced team. We should not rely too much on Ashwin although he is our main strike bowler. I think the attack is very balanced,” he said.
Dravid said the bowlers should stay calm instead of getting frustrated if they did not get early wickets.
“Wickets have been good in the last few months and in the last few series (in India) but it does takes time to take the opposition out. We have seen against Bangladesh, it took time to
bowl them out. So if you score big runs like in the first innings (against Bangladesh) then you give your bowlers time to set an attacking field. Score big runs and let the spinners do their job,” said the man with 36 Test hundreds.
“The team is playing beautifully at the moment. You can’t argue with the team scoring 600 runs in the last three Test matches. I think whatever they are doing they are doing really well and I hope they just keep continuing it,” he said and concluded with a late cut.
“I don’t make any predications. I am looking forward to a good exciting series and hope
India win.”
By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, Feb 15
ALL-ROUNDER Daryl Ferrario (117) hit a composed and responsible century while Sijomon Joseph’s (62*) batted well lower down the order as hosts India Under-19, in an attempt to force a result on the last day, declared their innings at 431 for eight, 70 runs short of England’s 501, one hour before stumps on the third day of the first Youth Test here at Jamtha.
At stumps, England were 23 for one in nine overs, with a total lead of 93 runs. First innings centurion England captain Max Holden was trapped by Kanishk Seth couple of deliveries before the end of day’s play.
Ferrario played a responsible innings and converted his good start into a big score which his other team-mates failed to do. He batted cautiously in his innings on a wicket which had no help for the bowlers. There was not a single lofted shot from Ferrario and he cleverly found gaps in his 221 minutes stay in the middle. He hit 14 carpet-driven fours from 173 balls. The lanky 18-year-old completed his century just before tea pulling spinner Delray Rawlings towards square leg boundary.
“Ferrario played very sensibly. We had partnership but the other guys couldn’t convert it. But Ferrario did it beautifully. It’s good to have someone like him in the team. This innings will be a confidence booster for him,” said bowling coach Paras Mhambrey after the day’s play.
India’s reply of 431 runs to England’s 501 was constructed on Ferrario’s fruitful partnerships with the middle and lower order. After adding 87 with Ravi Inder Thakur, Kerala born Ferrario added another 60 runs with wicketkeeper Suresh Lokeshwar (22) from 86 balls. He then joined hands with Sijomon Joseph to collect 52 runs from 91
balls. England finally saw the back of Ferrario post tea session
after Henry Brookes rattled his stumps.
Later, Joseph and Vineet Panwar frustrated England bowlers with their fast paced innings. Joseph completed his half century from 86 balls which had four balls to the fence.
Starting the day at 156 for two, India lost both their overnight batsmen Saurabh Singh (62) and captain Jonty Sidhu (33) quickly. But Ravi Inder Thakur (31) and Ferrario built the innings steadily to take the score past 250-run mark at lunch.
England’s Liam-Peterson White worked tirelessly under the sun but managed only one wicket from his 37 overs which included a lengthy spell of 18 overs on either side of lunch.
Mhambrey said the declaration was a positive sign for India.
“I think this is a very positive step (of declaring). The wicket is getting a bit slow and it is getting difficult for the bowlers to get wickets. We are trying to make a game out of it. Three sessions are left in this match and if we bundled them out then we have some target to go for,” said Mhambrey.
Brief scores: England U-19: 501 and 23 for 1 (H Brook 15, K Seth 1/8). India U-19: 431-8 decl (D Ferrario 117, A Goswami 66, S Joseph 62*; H Brookes 2/75, L White 2/104, E Woods 2/55).
By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, Feb 14
WHEN England Under-19 declared their innings at 501 for five an hour after lunch, it looked an imposing total. But the way Indians scored showed how strong they can be with the willow. After toiling for more than 11 hours, Indian openers showed no signs of fatigue as they knocked off 156 for 2, still 345 runs behind, at stumps on Day Two of the Youth Test at VCA, Jamtha.
Saurabh Singh (53) and Jonty Sidhu (23) were at the crease when play was called off. While the Indian bowlers failed to make much of an impact on a docile track, it was opener Abhishek Goswami (66; 96b, 13x4) and Singh who impressed with their assertive batting.
Goswami scored through boundaries and reached half century in just 72 deliveries with 11 fours. He took twelve runs from seamer Aaron Beard’s over, two consecutive boundaries off legs and then another through covers.
Singh, who came after the dismissal of opener Rohan Kunnummal (13), too, batted well and picked boundaries easily.
A back-foot punch from
Singh’s willow off Henry Brookes pierced through covers bisecting three fielders.
If that was not enough he played a late cut to the same bowler which raced to third man boundary even as England skipper Max Holden looked in disbelief from second slip.
Singh completed his half century with a cover drive. His 107 balls innings was laced with nine hits to the fence.
Opener Kunnummal was also going great but was unlucky to be caught at square leg by Euan Woods who grabbed the ball in second attempt.
Goswami’s over two-hour long stay was cut short by left-armer Liam Patterson White in the 31st over. The batsman tried to play over the short mid on player but mistimed it and the ball landed in George Bartlett’s hands.
Earlier, England declared their innings at 501 for five an hour after lunch. Both the overnight batsmen, captain Max Holden and George Bartlett, failed to complete their double hundreds but made it sure that their team puts up a commanding total. Both fell on either side of the lunch as they added 321 runs for the second wicket from 498 balls.
Starting the day at 311, the two English batsmen added 67 runs more to their teams total before Bartlett was stumped. Bartlett scored 179 runs from 249 deliveries which had 25 boundaries and three sixes. He continued his aggressive way and took 18 runs in Singh’s over. He was stumped by Indian keeper Suresh Lokeshwar off Sijomon Joseph’s when he tried to step out to hit a big one.
At the other end Holden continued to score freely. With Delray Rawlings he added 40 runs for the third wicket as they took lunch at 399-2.
The declaration looked near as after lunch Holden and Rawlings started taking chances with some big hits. Holden reverse-swept spinner Daryl Ferrario for a boundary and a delivery later again tried to sweep but failed to connect as the ball rattled his furniture.
Rawlings, who had scored in abundance in the ODI series threw his bat all over as he raced to fifty in 80 balls. The powerful hitter slammed four boundaries and as many sixes in his unbeaten 70 runs innings.
Brief scores:
England U-19 1st inn: 501/5 decl in 131.1 overs (M Holden 170, G Bartlett 179, D Rawlings 70*, K Seth 2/85). India U-19 1st inn: 156/2 (A Goswami 66, S Singh 53*, J Sidhu 23*, A Beard 1/44, Patterson 1/38).
n By Paritosh Pramanik
ON A pleasant Tuesday morning when England captain Max Holden and George Bartlett were piling up runs against India Under-19 at Jamtha Stadium, Tom Banton was busy turning pages of a thick book, and in between browsing internet on his lap top.
Banton was not seeking any cricketing tips. He just had to complete his two hours of studies. Had he been included in the playing XI Banton, too, would have got a four-day break from studies.
The visiting English team’s college students are doubling up as cricketers on this India tour. Around seven of them are school-going cricketers who are missing six or seven weeks of their studies. But the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has made it mandatory for age group teams to have studies on long tours.
Louis Shaw, Tom Banton, Henry Brookes, Euan Woods, to name a few, are cricketers who have to study for two hours daily when not playing matches. And they are being monitored by team manager Mo Bobat, a former PE teacher in England.
“The boys are in education there. Here are seven players and this tour is of four or five weeks and they miss that part of their school. So, it’s our responsibility to try and help them to continue working on their education.” Bobat told ‘The Hitavada’, after the second
day’s play.
“Normally on practice days, non-match days, they do two hours of study every day. But not on match days. Normally on match days, they don’t have to study because it’s a Test match of four days. But some of the guys who aren’t selected have to do their studies little bit. Today, those players did their studies just before lunch,” Bobat said.
ECB believes in developing cricketer as well developing people, Bobat said. “It’s the policy of ECB. For us, we believe in developing international cricketers but also we do believe in developing people, not just a cricketer.
“It’s important that they understand themselves and they understand that there is a world outside cricket and cricket can be a short career. So it’s not just the education, it’s their personal development. We try to develop a player in different aspects...it can be full-time education, it can be coaching qualification, it can be part time degrees. But it has to be under their interest,” Bobat explained.
The ECB has a personal development welfare coach who looks after the studies of these cricketers. But as he is not travelling with the team on this tour, Bobat has been handed the added responsibility looking at his teaching profession.
“I used to be a teacher but not any more. I was an A level teacher, mainly in Physical Education. I don’t try to teach these guys. I just try to support them. I am just helping them. We have a personal development welfare coach but he is
not on this tour so I am just helping them in his absence,” Bobat said.
The players are from different schools and are studying different subjects.
“Most of these guys are doing sports-related subjects, like A level course, a BTech sports which is bit more practical. Couple of guys are also doing engineering course, somebody is doing an A level geography... it’s a good mix of subjects.”
The manager said that Banton will have to appear for an examination in the coming days. “Banton has to do a practice exam in next few days as he is not playing in this Test. So we will try to facilitate that in next few days. Rest of them will give their exams when they return
to England.”
The ECB is very serious with the studies of the cricketers and it tries to organise tours in such a way that the students do not miss on their studies.
“These boys miss their schools so we try to organise these trips which coincide with their holidays. Like this week there is nobody in school there so we plan our tour in line with holidays. We plan their study time when there is no match. It would be too taxing on them if we ask them to study during match days,” Bobat furthers said.
The players, too, know the importance of studies. Some are more than eager to study
on tours but some need
motivation.
“Some of them are very self-motivated but some need a little bit more encouragement. I just try to remind that how important studies are for them. In travelling the world you see people. They have seen lot of people here in India and have learned something different. In subject like cricket they are good learners but mathematics...they find it a bit difficult,” Bobat chuckled.
n By Paritosh Pramanik
MAX Holden, the Under-19 England captain, belongs to a family with a cricketing history. His father was a good club level cricketer though he could not make it to professional level. His grandfather, too, played cricket at a decent level. It was obvious that Max picked the nuances of the game from his family members.
Starting his cricketing sojourn at eight in his backyard garden in Cambridge, Max developed his game with strict work ethics which took him to a level from where he can now fulfill his childhood dream— wearing the Three Lions on his chest.
Max, a left-handed batsman, has grown up watching former England skipper Alastair Cook and wants to be like him.
Watching him bat at VCA’s Jamtha stadium, reminded one of his childhood hero, Cook, who had slammed a century on debut at Nagpur way back in 2006, at the Civil Lines ground.
Like Cook, Max, too, hit a century on his maiden visit to Nagpur, though in an age group game. He was unconquered on 135 after the first day of their ‘Test’ against India.
Max has a typical batting stance. During the seven-hour batting on Day One, Max, standing inside the crease with his wide spread legs, batted with a calm mind. His backlift, too, resembled the former England captain’s.
“I emulate Cook. He is a great batsman. I watched him playing since my childhood. He is an inspiration and I like the way he presents himself. I want to play for England like Cook did,” Holden said.
“But my batting stance is natural. I don’t try to copy anyone,” he added.
The U-19 captain got attracted more towards Cook after he had met him during a Level Course back in England. “I have met him on quite a few occasions during our Level Course back home. We had interacted on a few occasions. He gave various batting tips which I am still following,” revealed Holden.
It was a relieving moment for Max as he had not scored in the ODIs with 15 being his highest. After scoring a well-deserved unbeaten century he said, “It’s great to be among runs. My dream is to play for England and this century might take my case further in realising my dream.”
India Under-19 take on England U-19 in first ‘Test’ today
n By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, Feb 12
JUST a fortnight ago, the Vidarbha Cricket Association’s Jamtha stadium was abuzz. Thousands thronged the venue to watch India play England in a T20 encounter at this venue on January 29, situated at the outskirts of the city. But this Sunday was totally different. There was an eerie silence in the stadium. However, a few meters away in the batting nets, young and fresh legs were slogging it out hard with full
seriousness.
The young lads from different parts of India were tuning their skills before they square up against England Under-19 in first of the two four-day ‘Test’ series beginning Monday.
The Indian camp is on a high after their 3-1 win over England Under-19 in the One-Dayers a few days ago. But that was a different bunch with none of the players from that ODI team part of this ‘Test’ series.
These guys, led by lanky Jonty Sidhu, will be looking to keep the momentum going. More than winning the match or series, the young lads would try to catch eyes of selectors with their performance in the two matches and signal their arrival in next level.
The youngsters were concentration personified during the nets. Coach Rahul Dravid, who had very little time to watch them in camp, kept a close vigil on the batsmen. He gave each batsman 15 minutes in the nets which might be enough for him to select playing XI tomorrow.
“The one-day team was selected looking at the preparation for the (Under-19) World Cup. Here, the selectors have picked those who didn’t get the opportunity. Whatever talent we can see here we can use them. Even Rahul (Dravid) has not seen these guys. So, it also gives him a chance to watch them and assess them. These are the games where they should perform and grab these opportunities to justify their talent. Some of them can play First Class cricket and the next level too,” said bowling coach Paras Mhambrey while talking to media.
In the morning, Mhambrey and Dravid had a good look at the centre wicket on which the first ‘Test’ is going to be played. They had a long chat with curator Pravin Hinganikar.
But the bowling coach doesn’t want to read too much into it. “The wicket looks good. There is a bit of grass on it and we hope that the ball will carry in the morning,” he added.
However, in the nets, left arm-spinners Harsh Tyagi and Sijomon Joseph bowled tirelessly with Mhambrey watching them closely hinting that both the spinners would find place in the
playing XI.
England, too, had lengthy nets sessions for two days and would be looking to leave their ODI series defeat behind and start afresh.
“We wanted to win the ODI series but fell short. The last game was a tie and we have taken lots of positives from the series. Now we have a fresh new Indian side. It’s positive sign for us as we are playing together for quite some time for now. We know each other well and that would help us in Test,” said England captain Max Holden.
Whatever the result, this series is a chance for the 19-year-olds from both sides to take step ahead in their career.
n By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, Feb 13
ENGLAND Under-19 Captain Max Holden follows Alastair Cook and wants to bat like his Three Lions former captain. The left-hander dreams of playing for the senior team one day. On Monday at VCA’s Jamtha Stadium, the 19-year-old opener made a statement with his composed and beautifully crafted innings. Having a stance like Cook, Holden (135*), along with George Bartlett (132*) , added 254 runs for the second wicket as they took their side to a commanding 311 for one against India on the first day of their four-day ‘Test’.
The Cambridge-born left-handed Holden held his fort against a relatively mediocre Indian attack.
“We (England U-19) are a well-knit unit and are better prepared as compared to the Indians. If we bat well here we can win the match and series,” Holden had told this paper on the eve of the first ‘Test’. And the Middlesex batsman did the same leading from the front.
Holden batted for 394 minutes and hit 17 boundaries while Bartlett has hit 18 boundaries and two six in his 289 minutes stay at the centre as the duo laid foundation for a huge total.
Holden impressed with his fine batting which included some copybook cover drives while Bartlett, who had scored a fifty in the One-Dayers, used aggression mixed with patience to race to his well-deserved century.
Holden was first to complete century with a gentle tap towards mid-wicket. He ecstatically jumped in the air to celebrate his first century of the tour. The celebration was obvious as he had only 28 runs under his belt on this tour before this knock.
Despite losing opening partner Brook (21) in the morning, Holden continued his Monk-like approach to the game without taking any risk. He, along with Bartlett, demoralised Indian bowlers picking up easy runs and hitting occasional boundaries. There were no rash shots in his day-long innings, barring a nick in the afternoon which was dropped by wicketkeeper Suresh Lokeshwar when he was on 58.
Bartlett was a bit more severe on Indian bowlers compared to his skipper as he raced to his 50 from 96 deliveries. He took calculated risks and all his shots were in gaps as Indian fielders watched the red cherry race to the boundary.
Bartlett targeted spinner Sijomon Joseph and, at times, stepped out to hit a boundary over mid-on or covers. On occasions, he used his paddle sweep to frustrate the left-handed Indian spinner. As shadows lengthened, the Surrey-born Bartlett, too, completed his century with a single. His knock came from 167 balls and included 14 boundaries.
Indian bowlers failed to take early morning initiative. Left-arm seamer Kanishk Seth and right handed fast bowler Rishabh Bhagat did not get any help from the track which had a tinge of green on it. Indian captain Jonty Sidhu used as many as seven bowlers without much success. The only time they celebrated in the entire day was the wicket of opener Brook who nudged one to Lokeshwar in off Seth.
Brief scores: England U-19 1st inn: 311/1 (M Holden 135*, G Bartlett 132*; K Seth 1/50).
n By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, Feb 14
WHEN England Under-19 declared their innings at 501 for five an hour after lunch, it looked an imposing total. But the way Indians scored showed how strong they can be with the willow. After toiling for more than 11 hours, Indian openers showed no signs of fatigue as they knocked off 156 for 2, still 345 runs behind, at stumps on Day Two of the Youth Test at VCA, Jamtha.
Saurabh Singh (53) and Jonty Sidhu (23) were at the crease when play was called off. While the Indian bowlers failed to make much of an impact on a docile track, it was opener Abhishek Goswami (66; 96b, 13x4) and Singh who impressed with their assertive batting.
Goswami scored through boundaries and reached half century in just 72 deliveries with 11 fours. He took twelve runs from seamer Aaron Beard’s over, two consecutive boundaries off legs and then another through covers.
Singh, who came after the dismissal of opener Rohan Kunnummal (13), too, batted well and picked boundaries easily.
A back-foot punch from
Singh’s willow off Henry Brookes pierced through covers bisecting three fielders.
If that was not enough he played a late cut to the same bowler which raced to third man boundary even as England skipper Max Holden looked in disbelief from second slip.
Singh completed his half century with a cover drive. His 107 balls innings was laced with nine hits to the fence.
Opener Kunnummal was also going great but was unlucky to be caught at square leg by Euan Woods who grabbed the ball in second attempt.
Goswami’s over two-hour long stay was cut short by left-armer Liam Patterson White in the 31st over. The batsman tried to play over the short mid on player but mistimed it and the ball landed in George Bartlett’s hands.
Earlier, England declared their innings at 501 for five an hour after lunch. Both the overnight batsmen, captain Max Holden and George Bartlett, failed to complete their double hundreds but made it sure that their team puts up a commanding total. Both fell on either side of the lunch as they added 321 runs for the second wicket from 498 balls.
Starting the day at 311, the two English batsmen added 67 runs more to their teams total before Bartlett was stumped. Bartlett scored 179 runs from 249 deliveries which had 25 boundaries and three sixes. He continued his aggressive way and took 18 runs in Singh’s over. He was stumped by Indian keeper Suresh Lokeshwar off Sijomon Joseph’s when he tried to step out to hit a big one.
At the other end Holden continued to score freely. With Delray Rawlings he added 40 runs for the third wicket as they took lunch at 399-2.
The declaration looked near as after lunch Holden and Rawlings started taking chances with some big hits. Holden reverse-swept spinner Daryl Ferrario for a boundary and a delivery later again tried to sweep but failed to connect as the ball rattled his furniture.
Rawlings, who had scored in abundance in the ODI series threw his bat all over as he raced to fifty in 80 balls. The powerful hitter slammed four boundaries and as many sixes in his unbeaten 70 runs innings.
Brief scores:
England U-19 1st inn: 501/5 decl in 131.1 overs (M Holden 170, G Bartlett 179, D Rawlings 70*, K Seth 2/85). India U-19 1st inn: 156/2 (A Goswami 66, S Singh 53*, J Sidhu 23*, A Beard 1/44, Patterson 1/38).
