ARTICLE: Comment on early stages of tour (G.Howat) - 2 Aug 1994

By Gerald Howat in Aug. 2nd Issue of Daily  Telegraph:

"With two victories at the weekend, the Indian Under-19 team have
set out their stall for the six-week tour. They showed their com-
mitment by being in the nets within four hours of arriving,   and
they  are  experienced  -  all  but  four have played first-class
cricket.

"In Amol Muzumdar, for instance, they have a batsman  who  set  a
world  record  with  260 on his first-class debut for Bombay this
year. They dominated the match against the English Schools Crick-
et  Association,  with an opening partnership of 211 between Arun
Kumar and Tarun Kumar (not related).

"Undaunted by facing 290 for 2 in 55 overs,  ESCA  made  a  brave
response.  Anurag  Singh  hit  a century out of 143 runs, but the
Schools XI, losing by 62 runs, were not  disgraced.  Balaji  Rao,
16, bowling leg-breaks, took five for 52.

"The National Association of Young Cricketers, a side of talented
individuals,  gave  India  some  anxious moments before losing by
five wickets. Again it was Rao  who  caused  most problems   with
three for 27."

Comment from me: it appears  that  even  the  home  sides  relied
heavily one players of Indian extraction.

 Contributed by John.Hall (John@jhall.demon.co.uk)