India A Batsmen Continue To Struggle Against West Indies A

The susceptibility of Indian batsmen against top quality fast bowling was once again highlighted as the West Indies A pacemen once again scythed through the top order to set their team on course for a series win. The last two wickets could add only sixteen runs to the overnight score as Shami Ahmed, Awana and Jalaj Saxena ended with three wickets a piece.

In what would have been their last chance to impress in the longer format, the Indian batsmen failed yet again. The hopelessly out of form Abhinav Mukund tried to hit his way back amongst the runs. He however got dismissed after a six and a couple of boundaries. Ajinkya Rahane, has been unable to repeat his heroics from the IPL, and failed yet again. Rohit Sharma too disappointed as he was sent back to the pavilion by Delorn Johnson, who picked up the openers too. Cheteshwar Pujara who was unlucky to be run out in the first innings, too could not contribute as he went to a diving catch at gully. At 35/4 at still 71 runs adrift of the West Indies lead, the India A side looked heading for a quick defeat. However, Manoj Tiwari and Wriddhiman Saha rectified things and got the innings back on track. Tiwary got dismissed for 62, while Saha is still there at the crease at the end of the day with 48. The top run scorer of the Ranji Trophy this year, Robin Bisht did not come into the bat due to an injury to his thumb.

With a lead of just 65 runs, and only three wickets in hand, the Indian team looks set to face defeat, unless Saha and Bisht can conjure a minor miracle.