India U-19 managed to earn a hard-fought draw against England U-19 even as a whopping 17 wickets fell on the fourth and final day of the first Youth Test in Nagpur on Thursday.
Resuming on 23/1, England were bundled out for 167 in their second innings, setting India a target of 238.
The hosts lost wickets at regular intervals with England pacers Henry Brookes and Aaron Beard ran through the Indian top order, reducing the hosts to 48/5 at one stage.
Suresh Lokeshwar (92*) held fort and led India out of the precarious position. He was well supported by Daryl Ferrario (31), but failed to build on his start. Lokeshwar’s 39-run seventh wicket stand with Joseph (37), and a crucial 61-run stand with Kanishk Seth for the eight wicket saved the day as India finished on 189/8.
England had earlier struggled to replicate their strong batting effort from the first innings, with India off-spinner Sijomon Joseph doing much of the damage with figures of 6/62.
Brief scores
England 501/5d & 167 (George Bartlett 68; Sijomon Joseph 6/62) drew with India 431/8d & 189/8 (Suresh Lokeshwar 92*, Sijomon Joseph 37; Henry Brookes 3/56, Aaron Beard 2/24).
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