England U-19 consolidate after good start

Buoyed by a brilliant 212-run second wicket partnership between B M Shafayat and Kadeer Ali, England under-19 scored 331 for seven in their first innings at close on the opening day of the third Test against India at Northampton last evening.

India U-19 won the toss in the 4-day tie and put England to bat but the move seemed to have backfired as opener Shafayat and second wicket partner Kadeer Ali overwhelmed the Indian attack scoring at ease.

Shafayat notched up 118 with the help of 11 fours and a six while Kadeer Ali scored 97 slamming 13 fours and a six.

At tea, the home side was 223 for two in 69 overs and threatened to put up an imposing total.

But the credit should go to right arm off-spinner Udit Patel and right arm leg spinner Timil Patel for putting the break on England who finished at 331 for seven at close. They notched up two wickets each.

Besides Shafayat and Kadeer Ali, G J Muchall consolidated England's innings scoring 67 including ten fours.

India made two changes bringing in Vivek Yadav in place of Chandrasekhar Atram and Udit Patel replacing A T Rayudu.

Brief Scores:

England U-19 1st inngs: 331 for seven. (B M Shafayat 118, Kadeer Ali 97, G J Muchall 67, L E Plunkett 11; I K Pathan 2/82, U B Patel 2/98, T K Patel 2/31)