During the first session of the second unofficial Test between India A and England Lions in Northampton, Yashasvi Jaiswal found himself at the centre of a controversial moment. Facing Chris Woakes in the seventh over, Jaiswal was adjudged LBW after a sharp inswinger struck him on the pads.
The ball seemed to be missing a leg stump, but the umpire raised his finger, leaving Jaiswal visibly displeased. Since there is no DRS in unofficial Tests, he couldn’t challenge the decision. Unhappy, Jaiswal stared at the umpire in disbelief for a few seconds before reluctantly walking off.
Chris Woakes Makes Immediate Impact on Return
Making his return after an injury, Chris Woakes made an immediate impact in conditions that heavily favoured seamers. He struck early by removing both Indian openers in the first session. After sending Yashasvi Jaiswal back with a sharp inswinger, Woakes almost dismissed Abhimanyu Easwaran on the very first ball he faced.
Still, a drop at second slip gave Easwaran a brief lifeline. However, the relief was short-lived as Woakes soon trapped him LBW with a delivery that straightened after pitching. His twin strikes under overcast skies gave the England Lions a strong upper hand early in the match.
India A Steady After Rain Disruption
Despite the early setbacks, India A managed to reach 75 for 2 at lunch on a rain-affected Day 1. KL Rahul and Karun Nair were unbeaten on 26 and 16, respectively, when play was halted. After the rain break, the duo batted cautiously, rotating the strike and ensuring the scoreboard ticked over without taking undue risks. Nair had only just arrived at the crease when bad weather forced a pause in proceedings.
The match resumed with both batsmen settling in steadily against disciplined English bowling. Earlier in the day, England Lions’ skipper James Rew had won the toss and chose to field first, taking advantage of the favourable bowling conditions. This unofficial series serves as vital preparation for the upcoming five-match Test series between India and England, set to begin on June 20.
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