India take lead on Singh century

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).