Canberra, Dec 21: The CA Chairman’s XI versus Indians warm-up game ahead of the Boxing Day Test has ended in a draw. This is the second successive game between the two sides which has finished with the same result.
After R Ashwin’s four-wicket haul had reduced them to 215 for seven at the end of Day 2, the CA Chariman’s XI declared their innings overnight.
With the hosts looking to force a result through the declaration, the Indians were pushed further on the back-foot after Peter George and Josh Lalor accounted for Virender Sehwag (8) and Ajinkya Rahane (0) early in the visitors’ innings. At 14 for two, the Indians faced an uphill task.
However, Gautam Gambhir (42*) and Rohit Sharma (38*), promoted up the order at No. 4, ensured no further loss of wickets. The two batsmen struck a 76-run stand as the Indians posted 90 for the loss of two wickets in 30 overs after which the innings was declared.
Chasing a fourth-innings target of 145, the CA Chairman’s XI openers Usman Khawaja and Phil Hughes put together a 100-run stand in 30 overs after which a draw was agreed upon by both sides. Khawaja remained unbeaten on 56 while Hughes batting on 42.
India take on Australia in the first Test of the four-match bilateral series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26.
Brief scores: Indians 1st innings 269 all out in 79.1 overs (Virat Kohli 132, Rohit Sharma 47, Jon Holland 6/70, Peter George 2/62) and Indians 2nd innings 90/2 in 30.0 overs (Gautam Gambhir 42*, Rohit Sharma 38*, Peter George 1/12) drew with CA Chairman’s XI 1st innings 215/7 in 59.0 overs (Ed Cowan 109, Tom Cooper 38, R Ashwin 4/52) and CA Chairman’s XI 2nd innings 100 for no loss in 30.0 overs (Usman Khawaja 56*, Phil Hughes 42*)
