Ahmedabad: The practice match between England XI and Haryana ended in a predictable draw as Haryana chasing an improbable 442 could manage only 133-6 in the final day when stumps were drawn.
England who came out to bat at the overnight score of 118-0 continued their domination over the Haryana bowlers and piled up a huge partnership before Nick Compton became the first casualty of the day. Compton who started the day on 54 was out for 79. He played 153 deliveries and hit 10 boundaries in his innings.
His wicket brought Ian Bell to the crease and along with Jonathan Trott stitched a 51 runs partnership for the second wicket. Trott in the meanwhile reached his 30th first class century and retired soon after reaching his century. He scored 101 off 183 deliveries including 13 boundaries and a six.
After Trott left the field, England lost few wickets at a flurry and the declared soon at 254-6. Sanjay Budhwar was the pick of the bowlers for Haryana with his spell of 3-51.
In reply, Haryana batters never looked comfortable against the fiery English attack and they kept losing wickets at regular interval. It was only opener Nitin Saini who defied the bowlers and scored a half century. He scored 50 off 84 deliveries including nine fours.
With just four wickets needed for their first win on the tour, they could have forced for a win but then both the captains decided to draw curtains with just 10 overs remaining in the match.
Tim Bresnan was their best bowlers and he returned with a spell of 2-13.
Haryana 334 (Dewan 143) and 133 for 6 (Saini 50, Bresnan 2-13) drew with England XI 521 (Pietersen 110) and 254 for 6 dec (Trott 101, Compton 79, Budhwar 3-51).
By Indian Sports News Network