Never in the history of the game had a warm up match gained so much attention. The first warm match between India A and England was played in front of the cheering crowds at Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai.  The match might may not have significance on the cricket statisticians but for a cricket lover it was all about MS Dhoni who was playing the last match as a captain on Tuesday.

Mahendra Singh did not have a winning farewell as captain of an Indian side as India A lost to England in Mumbai.

He did not finish the game on a winning spree and as a captain of his caliber did not get the fitting farewell as a skipper.  However on the personal front MS Dhoni proved himself in terms of batting.  Dhoni masterly knock overshadowed everything in the game. Indian batsmen made merry on the day. Despite losing Mandeep Singh early Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Yuvraj Singh and Dhoni proved respectively with their knocks.

Also Read: Champion in Focus: Virat Kohli

Dhawan ended up with a score of 63 – a sign to return to the form.  The Star performer was Ambati Rayudu who scored 100 for 97 balls and ended up as the top scorer for India A.  The highlight of the match was Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni who played after a decade and both notched fifties and played amazing. Yuvraj’s scored 56 with just off 48 balls with 6 fours and 2 sixes. Dhoni was far better as he was unbeaten for 68 with just off 40 balls with 8 fours and 2 sixes.

The best came in the last over when Dhoni smashed 2 fours and 2 sixes to finish off in style. India A posted 304/5 on the board.  England had a brilliant start in terms of batting with Jason Roy’s 62 and Billing’s 93 off 85 balls which set the tone for run chase and put India in a difficult situation. Wicketkeeper Jos Butler scored 46 off 38 balls and Liam Dawson scored timely 41.

The bowlers failed in terms of bowling though India created a big score. Kuldeep Yadav was the star bowler who took five wickets for 60 Runs. Hardik Pandya and Chahal were the bowlers who took single wickets but ended up in giving more runs which resulted in India losing the match.

Brief Scores:

India A 304 for 4 in 50 overs (Shikhar Dhawan 63, Ambati Rayudu 100*, Yuvraj Singh 56, MS Dhoni 68*; David Willey 2 for 55, Jake Ball 2 for 61) lost to England 307 for 7 in 48.5 overs (Jason Roy 62, Sam Billings 93; Hardik Pandya 1 for 48, Kuldeep Yadav 5 for 60) by 3 wickets.

Tags: Ambati Rayudu, Brabourne Stadium, England, India A, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, MS Dhoni, Shikhar Dhawan, Yuvraj Singh