By BV Swagath
India A pulled off an impressive show on Day 1 of their 3-day match against the visiting England team by piling up 369 for 9 in 90 overs.
Opener Abhinav Mukund led the way with a stroke filled 73 (from 83 balls with as many as 16 fours). England were on top though and despite Yuvraj Singh hitting an attacking 59 (from 80 balls with 7 fours and 4 sixes), India A were stuttering at 168 for 5.
The homeside bounced back through Manoj Tiwary, who made a lovely 93 (from 150 balls with a dozen fours). All-rounder Irfan Pathan chipped in with 46 (from 83 balls with 5 fours and 2 sixes) to help India A reach a respectable total by the end of Day 1.
For the visitors, fast bowler Tim Bresnan and off-spinner Graeme Swann claimed three wickets each.