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Emilio Gay and Tom Haines Anchor England Lions’ Strong Response Against India A in Second Unofficial Test
England Lions Gain Momentum with a Solid Top-Order Performance
Emilio Gay and Tom Haines were the standout performers on Day 2 of the second unofficial Test between England Lions and India A in Northampton. Following India A’s first-innings total of 348, the Lions responded with a resilient batting performance, reaching 192/3 before bad light brought an early end to the day’s play.
Gay struck a fluent 71, while Haines followed up his massive 171 from the first Test with a composed half-century. Their efforts narrowed the deficit to 156 runs, setting up an intriguing contest as the match heads into its third day.
India A Wrap Up Innings Quickly After Strong Start
Joshua Tongue’s Early Strikes Shift Momentum
Resuming at 319/7, India A could only add 29 runs to their overnight total. Joshua Tongue was instrumental in cleaning up the tail, dismissing Tanush Kotian and Anshul Kamboj within 10 deliveries. A sharp direct hit from Tongue also sent Tushar Deshpande back to the pavilion, ending India A’s innings at 348.
This collapse prevented India A from capitalizing on the platform laid by KL Rahul’s century (116) and Dhruv Jurel’s 52 on Day 1. It also gave England Lions early momentum heading into their first innings.
England Lions’ Top-Order Steadies the Ship
Gay and Haines Build a Defiant Stand
In response, Tom Haines and Ben McKinney got off to a measured start. Although Anshul Kamboj removed McKinney in the eighth over, Haines was joined by Emilio Gay for a crucial 94-run partnership.
Despite some hostile bowling from Khaleel Ahmed, which included a bouncer that struck Gay on the helmet, both batters displayed grit and discipline. They picked up the scoring rate post-lunch, with Haines reaching his fifty before edging one behind off Deshpande.
Gay continued to lead the effort, remaining composed despite overcast conditions. He added another 69 runs in partnership with Jordan Cox, who also played fluently with a few boundaries of his own.
📌 Related: India A vs England Lions 1st Unofficial Test – Match Report
Drizzle and Poor Light Halt England Lions’ Progress
With England Lions looking increasingly comfortable, weather interruptions returned to play a role. A light drizzle forced an early Tea break, and despite brief resumption, bad light soon forced the umpires to call off play for the day.
Emilio Gay’s 71 and Jordan Cox’s fluent knock ensured that the hosts finished Day 2 in a strong position at 192/3, trailing by 156 runs with seven wickets in hand.
Score Summary: England Lions vs India A – Day 2
India A: 348 all out (KL Rahul 116, Dhruv Jurel 52; Chris Woakes 3-50)
England Lions: 192/3 (Emilio Gay 71, Tom Haines 54; Anshul Kamboj 1-38)
Key Talking Points
➤ Emilio Gay’s Resilience
Despite taking a hit to the helmet, Gay showed character and poise, turning in one of his most assured innings in Lions colours.
➤ Tom Haines’ Continued Consistency
After a mammoth 171 in the previous Test, Haines looked solid once again, reinforcing his credentials as a future top-order contender for England.
➤ India A’s Bowling Falters Under Pressure
Although the pitch still offered some assistance, India A’s bowlers couldn’t maintain control, especially in the post-lunch session where both Gay and Cox capitalized.
What to Expect on Day 3
With weather conditions remaining unpredictable, the third day promises to be crucial. The England Lions will aim to wipe out the deficit and potentially take a lead, while India A will be desperate to trigger a collapse and regain the upper hand.
🌐 More insights: India A Tour of England Fixtures & Squad on ESPNcricinfo
