England Lions must bat out a large chunk of the fourth day at the Moti Bagh Stadium against West Zone to secure a place in the Duleep Trophy final.
Starting the day on 187-1, Western Zone were all out for 494 but could have reached a much greater total had the final six wickets, claimed by spin duo Monty Panesar (three for 106 from 32 overs) and Adil Rashid (three for 88 from 18.5 overs), not tumbled for only 44 runs in a dozen overs, a similar demise to that of the Lions’ innings yesterday.
West Zone’s first innings lead was limited to 139 runs despite a 342-run stand for the second wicket between Indian test opener Wasim Jaffer, who hit 151 in his first match since he returned from the Test tour of Australia, and impressive 19-year-old debutant Ajinkya Rahane, who compiled 172.
With 45 minutes to see out England lost captain Michael Yardy for two to leave Hampshire’s Michael Carberry and Middlesex’s Ed Joyce at the crease on 14 for one, still 125 runs adrift.