India-Essex four-day match ends in draw

The four-day match between the touring Indians and Essex ended in a draw in Chelmsford, England, on Saturday.

Essex, set a achieve 565 runs in 60 possible overs, were 186 for 3 when stumps were drawn on the final day with six overs still to be bowled.

The match was devoid of any interest, as the Indians made use of the opportunity to get some batting practice before the Headingly Test, which begins next Thursday.

The Indians resumed on Saturday morning at their overnight score of 231 for two. They batted till lunch before declaring at 327 for six in their second innings.

India had a lead of 237 on the first innings after making 516 and restricting the hosts to 279.

In Essex's second innings, opener Richard Clinton hit 53 runs off 104 balls. He was caught off part-time spinner Virender Sehwag.

Harbhajan Singh, who had picked up seven wickets in the first innings, added one more scalp when he had James Middlebrook (24) caught at forward short leg.

Andy Flower, the Zimbabwean star, was unbeaten on 23 at tea. He didn't come out to bat after tea, choosing to retire hurt instead.

Young Parthiv Patel induced a sense of interest when two chances off his off-spin bowling were dropped by wicketkeeper Ajay Ratra and first slip Ajit Agarkar.

Regular umpire David Constant didn't come out on the field because he was unwell and in his place third umpire George Flower took the field, though it was the other umpire Paul Adams who had to supervise at both ends.

Virender Sehwag was at the forefront of Indians' second innings, hitting 142 off 156 balls, as he put on 209-run for the second wicket with Sanjay Bangar (74).

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