Sriram slams century
as England toil

Opener Sridharan Sriram struck 120 not out as the Indian Board President's XI exposed England's stingless bowling attack on the second day of the three-day tour game at Hyderabad.

The 25-year-old left-hander lifted his side to 256 for two at stumps, piling on the agony for the visiting bowlers by amassing a 190-run unbroken third wicket stand with skipper Jacob Martin.

Martin was unbeaten on 83, as the Board XI finished the day on top after dismissing England for 320 early in the day.

England's raw bowling attack raised early hopes on a docile track by reducing the Board XI to 66 for two.

The tourists play their second three-day game against an India A side before the three-Test series starts on December 3.

Both Sriram and Martin, who have scored heavily in domestic tournaments and played one-day cricket for their country, went after uncapped off-spinners Martyn Ball and Richard Dawson.

Sriram struck 14 fours in his 237-ball innings which began when England, 297 for nine overnight, were all out about half-an-hour into the day.

England picked two early wickets when seamer Matthew Hoggard bowled opener Wasim Jaffer for a first-ball duck with the third ball of the innings. Ball then had left-hander Dinesh Mongia (44) caught at deep midwicket attempting a pull.

In the morning, England added 23 runs to their overnight total as Dawson (24) and Matthew Hoggard (five not out) came up with a 28-run last wicket partnership.

Medium-pacer Sanjay Bangar removed Dawson to finish with two for 34 while off-spinner Sharandeep Singh returned five for 98.

Mail Cricket Editor