India U19 vs England U19 2nd Youth Test: Rain Disrupts, India Holds Edge
Chelmsford, July 21, 2025 – The second U19 Youth Test between India and England U19 at the County Ground is unfolding slowly—both on and off the field. Day 2 was significantly delayed by rain, but when play did begin, India’s U19 side continued to dominate. From stalwart bowling to record-breaking all-round prowess, India has edged into a strong position.
Rain-Loss and Overs Cut
Day 2 was meant to start at 10:30 BST, but persistent rain pushed the start to 14:41 IST, delaying play by over an hour—and ultimately cutting available overs from 104 to 88 in the day’s play.
Afternoon light showers further interrupted, yet play eventually resumed, marking England at 229/7 after resuming from Day 1’s close.
England’s Resilient Response
England clawed back after early setbacks on Day 1:
- They were 80/5 early on, but a prolific 90-run partnership brought relief.
- Ekansh Singh – batting at number 7 – showcased finesse and resilience, bringing up a steady 66 off 98 balls, eventually steering England to 229/7 by stumps.
This recovery, while impressive, leaves England trailing in the Test.
India’s Bowling Dominance
India’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure:
- RS Ambrish struck early, dismissing England’s top order and ending Day 1 with figures of 2/44 off 15 overs.
- Aditya Rawat and Naman Pushpak chipped in with wickets, keeping England in check.
Their consistent line and movement troubled the English middle-order, giving India upper hand.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s Continued Brilliance
A standout performer from the first Test, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi continued to dazzle:
- Became the youngest Indian ever to score a fifty and take a wicket in the same Youth Test—scoring 56 in one innings and bagging wickets in another.
- On Day 2 he welcomed the second over with a classy cover drive and followed up with lofted six—showcasing batting maturity.
His two-wicket haul—including one that ended a 154-run partnership—added to his star credentials
Strategic Insights: India’s Grip
- Bowling supremacy: Tight spells have made it hard for England to recover.
- Middle-order control: India has managed England’s tail with precision.
- Suryavanshi’s rise: His all-round excellence speaks volumes about India’s bench strength.
Series Context & Next Steps
- India dominated the 5-match ODI series 4–1 before drawing the first Test.
- Now, India leads in the unofficial Test, and success on Day 2 could potentially secure the series.
- With overs limited, England must dig deep, aiming to bring India back into bat under lights.
Despite rain interruptions, India U19 remains firmly in command at Chelmsford, thanks to disciplined bowling and emerging talent like Vaibhav Suryavanshi. England’s lower order, led by Ekansh Singh, saved pride, but India looks primed to press ahead.
If weather stays dry, India could push for a declaration and pressure England into a defensive stance—with talent, discipline, and depth on their side, they appear on track to seal the series.
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