India A wrap up easy win

India A, who have made their way up to sweaty Northern Australia for the upcoming Top End Series, easily disposed of the Northern Territory Chief Minister’s XI today.

India A, who had motored to 362/8 at stumps on day two, raced along to (eight wickets declared) 430 despite the best efforts of men, mice and the Northern Territory opening bowlers, Kelly and Lawrence.

Toiling away dutifully, they took 6/181 between them, however neither could stop the beautifully correct Tejinder Pal Singh, who racked up 100 not out. It was another Indian century to go with captain Venugopala Rao’s 106.

Unfortunentally the Northern Territory XI could only set the Indians 29 to win, as they struggled to 224 in their second innings. This was not to say they didn’t try, and Richards struck a fighting 58 before becoming one of Tejinder Singh’s four wickets.

A slow-left-arm bowling allrounder, Singh has impressed greatly in this match, and is in the Indian A team due to very consistent performances for Railways.

As for the Northern Territory, they can take heart from their more-than-decent performance against a much more experienced international team.

Northern Territory Chief Minister’s XI 234
S Lavers 54, D Truemer 38, K Lawrence 32
SK Trivedi 4-31, TP Singh 2-38

India A 430-8 dec
YV Rao 106, TP Singh 100*, S Dhawan 84
TP Kelly 3-88, K Lawrence 3-93

Northern Territory Chief Minister’s XI 224
DK Richards 58, S Lavers 33
SS Paul 4-60, TP Singh 4-75

India A 31-0
G Gambhir 23*, AR Uthappa 5*

India A won by 10 wickets