India Seniors crash to 213 all out

Sourav Ganguly hit 65 but other batsmen squandered a fine opportunity to get back among runs in a four-day practice game against India A.

Skipper Sourav Ganguly hit 65 but other frontline batsmen squandered a fine opportunity to get back among runs on the second day of the four-day practice game between India Seniors and India A on Wednesday.

Replying to India A's 302 for nine, India Seniors were all out for 213, giving the rival team a first innings lead of 89. Ashish Nehra did not bat because of a swollen ankle.

Virender Sehwag's batting woes continued as he made only six. The other batsmen — Akash Chopra (18), Rahul Dravid (22), VVS Laxman (14) and Yuvraj Singh (14) — also failed to impress as Ganguly-led India Seniors put up an unimpressive show at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

The disappointing batting performance by senior batsmen ahead of the first Test against Australia commencing on October 6, did raise doubts about the preparations of the team ahead of the series against the formidable opponents.

At stumps, Dinesh Mongia-led India A were 47 for the loss of the wicket of Gautam Gambhir (nought), who was caught by Ganguly off Zaheer Khan. Dheeraj Jadhav was batting on 27 and Mongia on 19 at close.