India draw tour game

Half centuries from Wasim Jaffer and Gautam Gambhir saw India draw their game against Sri Lanka A at Leicester following a century from Michael Vandort for the Sri Lankans.

Jaffer, Gambhir and Yuvaj Singh aside, the Indian batsmen all failed – an ominous sign with the third Test against England around the corner. The likes of Laxman, Dhoni and Karthik were shown how to do it earlier in the day by Vandort (117), who helped set India 294 to win by converting his overnight score of 61 into his fourteenth First Class century.

He was short of a meaningful contribution from a partner, though. The Sri Lankans’ overnight lead of 140 was only stretched by 3 before Dilruwan Perera was ran out for 49. Malinda Warnapura was removed very first ball, tentatively edging Ranadeb Bose to the keeper, Karthik. Thilan Samaraweera scored a steady 24 before Lokuarachchi, Silva, Prasad and Rangana Herath provided aggressive cameos, allowing Sri Lanka A to declare. Prasad in particular pushed the rate along, sriking two sixes in his 21 off 17.

India came out aggressively in reply, seeking a victory to take into this week’s Test. However, Dinesh Karthik was bowled by Welegedara for 9. Jaffer (55) and Yuvraj (33) pushed on, however. They were each removed by one of Sri Lanka A’s spinners, though. Slow left armer Herath caught and bowled Jaffer, whilst Perera’s off breaks accounted for Yuvraj. Dhoni (1), Laxman (3) and Dravid (15) made no impact as India slumped to 152-6, too close to a defeat for their liking. Gambhir’s defiant 53 saved the game for the Indians, however, who go remain unbeaten on this tour of England and go to the Oval on Thursday leading the Test series against England 1-0.

Sri Lanka A 266
Thilan Samaraweera 75, Michael Vandort 52
Ranadep Bose 5-52, Ramesh Powar 4-85

India 238-5 declared
Gautam Gambhir 67, Rahul Dravid 67*
Rangana Herath 2-62, Dammika Prasad 2-71

Sri Lanka A 248-7 declared
Michael Vandort 117, Dilruwan Perera 49
Ramesh Powar 2-37, VVS Laxman 1-16

India 187-6
Wasim Jaffer 55, Gautam Gambhir 53*
Dammika Prasad 2-34, Rangana Herath 2-44

Match drawn