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Tanush Kotian and Anshul Kamboj etched their names into the record books with a sensational, unbeaten eighth-wicket partnership, rescuing India A and propelling them to a dominant position against England Lions in the second Unofficial Test at Northampton. The match, which concluded in a draw on Monday, June 9, 2025, will be remembered for the duo’s remarkable resilience and attacking flair that rewrote the record for the highest eighth-wicket stand in India A’s history against the England Lions.
India A’s middle-order wobble
India A resumed their second innings on Day 4 at 163/4, already holding a significant lead. However, a flurry of wickets in the morning session saw them slip to 268/7, with promising starts from Nitish Kumar Reddy (42) and Shardul Thakur (34) cut short by George Hill’s incisive bowling. Dhruv Jurel, who had looked solid, fell for 28, leaving the visitors in a precarious position.
The record-breaking partnership between Tanush Kotian and Anshul Kamboj
Enter Tanush Kotian and Anshul Kamboj. The pair not only steadied the ship but launched a stunning counterattack. Displaying a mix of classical strokes and innovative shot-making, Kotian signaled his intent early with a six off Josh Tongue, while Kamboj provided sturdy support at the other end. The duo brought up their 50-run stand in just 56 balls, setting the tone for what would become a marathon partnership.
Kotian was the aggressor, racing to his half-century off just 60 balls and eventually finishing unbeaten on 90 off 108 deliveries, decorated with 10 fours and a six. Kamboj, meanwhile, showcased composure beyond his years, notching up his maiden first-class fifty and remaining unbeaten on 51 from 86 balls. Their partnership, worth 149 runs, came at a brisk rate of over five runs per over and completely shifted the momentum in India A’s favour.
The 149-run stand between Kotian and Kamboj is now the highest for the eighth wicket by an India A pair against England Lions, surpassing previous records and underlining the depth and fighting spirit in the India A ranks. Their efforts not only rescued the team from a tricky situation but also provided selectors with further evidence of their all-round abilities.
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Declaration and England Lions’ response
Thanks to the Kotian-Kamboj stand, India A declared at 417/7 in their second innings, setting England Lions a daunting target and leaving themselves with enough time to push for victory. The declaration left Kotian tantalizingly close to a century, but the team’s interests took precedence.
In the final session, India A’s bowlers struck early, with Tushar Deshpande and Kamboj himself picking up wickets to leave England Lions reeling at 32/3 before both captains agreed to shake hands, sealing the draw.
Brief scores
India A: 348 & 417/7 declared (Tanush Kotian 90 not out, Anshul Kamboj 51 not out, Abhimanyu Easwaran 80, KL Rahul 51)
England Lions: 327 & 32/3
The match may have ended in a draw, but for Kotian and Kamboj, it was a game that will be remembered for years to come—a testament to grit, talent, and partnership under pressure.
