England U-19 take firm grip against India

Aided by a sparkling unbeaten knock of 193 by opener Bilal Shafayat and his 256-run second wicket partnership with Kadeer Ali (111), England Under-19 have taken a firm grip over the second Test against India scoring 389 for five at close on the penultimate day at Northampton.

With a first innings lead of 31 runs, England have an overall lead of 420 runs with five wickets in hand and India could at best hope for a draw but chances of defeat is looming large.

Bilal, who made a century in the first innings also, was in total control yesterday notching up 22 fours during his innings of 193. His second wicket partner Kadeer Ali scored 13 fours to reach 111.

At lunch England were 111 for one and at tea 227 for one. The home-side scored 162 runs in 34 overs after tea with Bilal at full flow. Bilal had scored two half centuries in the previous Test.

India's medium pacer Pathan captured three wickets for 66 runs while run outs exited to the remaining two.

Brief Scores:

England U-19: 1st inngs 341, 2nd inngs 389 for five
(Bilal Shafayat 193 not out, Kadeer Ali 111, G J Muchall 19 and T T Bresnan 18; Pathan 3/66).

India U-19: 1st inngs 310.