As IPL 2025 takes over the headlines, the unofficial 4-day England Lions vs India A Test match has become an enthralling affair. India A, having put up a record score, England’s reply was spearheaded by a blistering century by Max Holden, making waves right before the Test series. India A Post 557 on the Back of Karun Nair’s Double Ton
Batting first, India A produced a strong performance by scoring 557 runs in the first innings. The hero of the day was Karun Nair, who hit a stunning double hundred, reminding one of his red-ball abilities.
Max Holden’s Fast-Paced Century Evokes ODI Vibes
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The England Lions responded in force, particularly courtesy of Max Holden, who adopted an ODI-honed mentality for the red-ball game. Max Holden scored his eighth first-class ton, achieving it in only 99 deliveries, with aggressive strokeplay and daring intent. This ton provided England with the push they required and raised alarm bells within the Indian camp in the run-up to the Test series.
Holden-Haynes Partnership Anchors the Innings
Max Holden and Tom Haynes put the India A bowlers on the back foot with a strong 181-run third-wicket partnership. Trained by the erstwhile India coach Gary Kirsten, Haynes stayed unbeaten on 142 from 208 balls, going past the English total following Holden’s fall.
India A Stages a Comeback with Mukesh Kumar’s Triple Strike
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England’s good beginning notwithstanding, the return of Mukesh Kumar restored India A in the contest with a vital three-wicket return:
Max Holden – Behind by Dhruv Jurel for 101
James Rew (Captain) – LBW for 8
Rehan Ahmed – Caught by Sarfaraz Khan, second slip
These collapses brought England Lions down from 286/2 to 300/5, leaving an opportunity window for India A.
Current Match Status
At stumps on Day 3, the England Lions were 333/5, still behind by 224 runs. Dan Mousley is in at the crease with only 2 runs, while Tom Haynes maintains one end firm.
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