Panchal, Bharat tame England Lions on Day 3

Wayanad (Kerala), February 9

A brilliant double-century by Priyank Panchal (206) and a quickfire ton by wicketkeeper KS Bharat (142) helped India A take control against England Lions on the third day of the first unofficial Test.

India A declared their first innings at 540/6 in reply to England Lions’ 340 to gain a massive 200-run lead. Panchal’s marathon knock came off 313 balls while Bharat’s blistering innings was studded with 11 fours and eight sixes.

Out-of-favour opener KL Rahul, who was unbeaten on 88, could add only one run to his overnight score before spooning a catch to substitute Jamie Overton to give left-arm spinner Danny Briggs his first wicket. Though skipper Ankit Bawne and Ricky Bhui (16) did not last long, Panchal was at his best. 

He found an able partner in Bharat and the two added 196 runs in quick time in a little over 37 overs. Bharat belted 11 fours to underline his talent as the England Lions bowlers wilted under the assault. Panchal fell shortly after completing his double-century, edging a delivery from medium-pacer Zak Chappell to Sam Billings behind the stumps. Bharat reached his ton off 105 balls.

England were 20/0 in their second innings when rain intervened and ended the day’s proceedings.

Brief scores: England Lions: 340 all out in 104.3 overs (Ben Duckett 80, Will Jacks 63, Sam Hain 61; Navdeep Saini 5/79) and 20/0; India A: 540/6 decl (Priyank Panchal 206, KS Bharat 142, KL Rahul 89; Zak Chappell 3/105) — PTI