The England Lions reached 237/2 at the close of Day 2 of the inaugural unofficial Test against India A at Canterbury’s St. Lawrence Ground.

India A continued to dominate with the bat, operating from a position of strength. Dhruv Jurel, who appeared to be on track for a century, dropped early in the day for 94. His important 195-run combination with Karun Nair laid a strong platform for India A.

Karun Nair maintained his strong form, scoring a double century in the opening hour of play.

He eventually left after hitting a magnificent 204 and losing to Zaman Akhter. The bottom order chipped in with valuable contributions, with Shardul Thakur (27), Harsh Dubey (32), and Anshul Kamboj (23) helping India A achieve 500 runs. Shortly after lunch, they were bowled out for 557.

Zaman Akhter and Josh Hull of the England Lions each took three wickets.

In response, the England Lions opened their first innings with Tom Haines and Ben McKinney. Kamboj made an early breakthrough, destroying McKinney’s stumps for 16. Haines then formed a steady partnership of 109 runs with Emilio Gay, who was finally removed for 46 by Harsh Dubey.

Haines remained unbeaten on 103 at Stumps, having completed a well-constructed century near the end of play. He was joined by Max Holden, who had reached 64* at the conclusion of the day. They have both formed an undefeated 106-run third-wicket partnership for the England Lions.

For India A, Kamboj (9-2-24-1) and Dubey (14-2-58-1) finished the day with one wicket each. On Day 2, Shardul Thakur bowled a 10-over session for 37 runs without picking up a wicket.