United Kingdom : On the third day of the 2nd Youth Test between India Under-19 and England Under-19 at the County Ground, Chelmsford, India showcased significant resilience, largely due to Vihaan Malhotra’s unbeaten century, while Ayush Mhatre also played an important supporting innings as India fought back after trailing England’s first innings total of 309.
India resumed on Day 3 at 51/1 after rain delays hampered earlier sessions. The team steadily progressed, with Malhotra and Mhatre building a potent partnership. Malhotra reached his hundred off 105 balls, anchoring the innings with an unyielding display of technique and temperament. At lunch, India were 159/1, with Malhotra on 57* and Mhatre on 79* indicating a strong platform in pursuit of England’s total.
By the close of play, India stood at 252/6, still trailing by 57 runs, but importantly, the innings was bolstered by Malhotra’s century at the crease. Mhatre was dismissed after nearing his century, leaving India with some work to do but in a competitive position to either surpass or come close to England’s score in the second innings.
England had earlier posted 309, thanks to a resilient 117 by Ekansh Singh, who steadied the innings after early setbacks. Singh’s century included an attacking display with multiple boundaries and a six, pushing England to a defendable total. India’s bowler Naman Pushpak took four wickets to keep India in touch during England’s innings.
The Indian batting effort on Day 3 has set up an intriguing match scenario, with the momentum shifted somewhat in India’s favor after early trouble. The young Indian batsmen displayed temperament under pressure and will look to capitalize on Malhotra’s century and Mhatre’s valuable contributions when the game resumes.
This Test forms part of a two-match Youth Test series hosted by England, following a competitive five-match Youth ODI series that India won 3-2. The teams continue to showcase emerging talent that could soon graduate to senior international cricket.
Match Details:
Venue: County Ground, Chelmsford
England U19 1st innings: 309 all out (Ekansh Singh 117)
India U19 1st innings: 252/6 at stumps on Day 3 (Vihaan Malhotra 107*, Ayush Mhatre 79)
England bowling highlights: James Minto, Ralphie Albert
India bowling highlights in England’s innings: Naman Pushpak 4/76
The Test remains finely poised as both teams vie for ascendancy in this youth contest highlighting the future stars of cricket.
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