Chelmsford, July 21(HS): On the first day of the second Under-19 Youth Test against India on Sunday, the England team made a strong comeback thanks to half-centuries from captain Thomas Rew and Ekansh Singh that helped England to recover from a precarious 46 for four on a rain-affected first day.

Inserted to bat in bowler-friendly conditions at Chelmsford, England collapsed to 46 for four, losing openers Ben Dawkins and Adam Thomas for ducks. However, they recovered during a lengthy evening session to close at 229 for seven. Ben Mayes provided the initial boost before Rew, playing as captain in a restructured team, scored 59. He formed a vital sixth-wicket partnership of 90 runs with Singh, who finished unbeaten on 66.

India's bowlers, Aditya Rawat and RS Ambrish, each secured two wickets, while spinner Naman Pushpak claimed two in the final session. The match was initially delayed due to morning rain, which saw India choose to bowl under floodlights. Rawat quickly removed Dawkins and Thomas, with Flintoff and Sawant also falling cheaply. Mayes showcased a powerful innings, scoring 31 before falling to Ambrish. Rew stabilized the innings, flourishing after Mayes' dismissal and targeting Pushpak effectively. Although Rew was dismissed later, Singh's aggressive batting kept England's hopes alive for a competitive total, aided by contributions from Ralphie Albert(16) and James Minto(18*).

Scorecard:

England Under-19: 229/7 (Ekansh Singh 66* not out, Thomas Rew 59)

India Under-19: Aditya Rawat 2 wickets, R.S. Ambrish 2 wickets, Naman Pushpak 2 wickets.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar