MUMBAI: Jonny Bairstow hit a century to spare England’s blushes yesterday, after a dramatic collapse on the opening day of the three-day tour match against Mumbai ‘A’.
The tourists slipped to 66-4 in the first session after electing to bat, before Bairstow’s rescue act steered them to 338 for six by stumps at the DY Patil stadium on the outskirts of Mumbai.
The 23-year-old made 118 with the aid of 14 boundaries to put himself in contention for the first Test against India starting in Ahmedabad on November 15.
Bairstow put on 156 for the fifth wicket with Eoin Morgan (76) and 107 for the sixth with Samit Patel, who followed his century in the tour opener against India ‘A’ with an unbeaten 59.
England’s search for an opening partner for skipper Alastair Cook after the retirement of Andrew Strauss did not make any headway as both Nick Compton and Joe Root fell cheaply.
Meanwhile, Surrey paceman Stuart Meaker has been called up into England’s squad for the tour of India as cover for injured fast bowler Steven Finn, the England and Wales Cricket Board said.
Finn suffered a thigh injury while bowling in England’s tour opener against India A and is now doubtful for the first of a four-Test series starting at Ahmedabad on November 15. However, England appear to be optimistic about the Middlesex quick’s prospects as yesterday’s statement said Meaker would return to the second-string England Performance Programme “once Finn is available for selection”.
Brief scores: England 338-6 (Jonny Bairstow 118, Eoin Morgan 76, Samit Patel 59 not out) vs Mumbai ‘A’. AGENCIES
