Cricholic
🏏 Kamboj headlines India A’s strong end on Day 4 at Northampton
Kamboj starred for India A, finishing with an unbeaten 51 and grabbing two crucial wickets, as the visitors dominated the final day of the second unofficial Test against England Lions. His all-round heroics, alongside Tanush Kotian’s 90 and their 149-run stand*, ensured India A closed out the game in style.
From steady partnerships to explosive knocks, India A’s performance ticked all the boxes as they posted 417/7 declared and reduced the hosts to 32/3 before stumps.
🔎 Jurel, Nitish offer a steady start
The morning began with Dhruv Jurel and Nitish Reddy at the crease. Initially, both players looked cautious, adapting to conditions. However, Jurel showed intent by striking two boundaries off Chris Woakes 💥. While Nitish took time to settle, he found his rhythm with a stylish four to third man.
Eventually, the duo looked set for a decent stand. Yet, Eddie Jack broke the rhythm by dismissing Jurel for 28. This wicket brought some relief to the hosts, but Nitish continued confidently for a while.
⚡ Shardul and Nitish shift momentum
After Jurel’s dismissal, Shardul Thakur walked in and instantly changed the tempo. He smashed two early boundaries and then took on young leg-spinner Farhan Ahmed with back-to-back sixes 💣💣. As a result, England’s bowlers were pushed onto the defensive.
On the other hand, Nitish began to free his arms as well. But just as the partnership gained steam, George Hill dismissed both batters, bowling Nitish for 42 and Thakur for 34. These strikes came just before lunch, shifting momentum slightly in England’s favour.
🧱 Kamboj-Kotian rebuild and dominate
After the break, Kamboj joined Kotian, and the innings took a decisive turn. Kotian got off the mark in style with a six, and Kamboj played with calm assurance. As the partnership grew, boundaries flowed regularly.
Furthermore, Kamboj brought up his fifty with a six off Tom Haines, showcasing maturity beyond his years. At the other end, Kotian remained fluent, eventually reaching 90*. Notably, the pair added 149 runs for the eighth wicket — a partnership that not only steadied the innings but also tilted the match decisively in India’s favour.
Thanks to their stand, India A declared at 417/7, leaving the England Lions with a huge task ahead.
🎯 Kamboj shines with the ball too
England Lions came out to bat in the final hour. Though it was a short session, it turned out to be eventful. Tushar Deshpande removed Tom Haines, caught behind by Nitish Reddy.
Soon after, Kamboj took charge. In a single over, he dismissed Emilio Gay (caught behind) and then bowled Jordan Cox for a duck, underlining his incredible day on the field. His spell of 2/6 in just four overs capped off a complete performance.
By stumps, England were struggling at 32/3, with Ben McKinney unbeaten on 16.
📊 Brief Scores:
India A – 348 & 417/7 declared
(Tanush Kotian 90, Abhimanyu Easwaran 80, KL Rahul 51; George Hill 3/64)*
England Lions – 327 & 32/3
(Ben McKinney 16, Anshul Kamboj 2/6, Tushar Deshpande 1/13)*
