Match follows the form book

Unfortunately for the 4th XI there was no upset in the Candour sponsored test match between the 3rd and 4th XI on Saturday.

Batting first on a belting looking track, Mahesh and Raja made an untroubled start to the innings reaching 45 before Mahesh holed out at mid off. Hopes were high that subsequent batsmen could build on this solid start but this was not to be with all later batsmen not settling for the long haul, falling time and again to poor short selection or application. The 3rd XI bowled straight and took their catches to leave the 4th XI with a very under par 115 all out. Pick of the 4th XI batting was provided by Raja with a patient 38 before unluckily playing on to Clark who had the best bowling analysis with 3 for 21 off 7.

The 3rd XI got off to a shaky start with both openers dismissed cheaply. Unfortunately this only paired up the debutant Hingorani and Coach. The latter was particularly ruthless on anything wide and proceeded to 37 in easy style before knicking off to the toiling Suman. On his dismissal the 4th team had hopes of further ingress but Hingorani picked up the cudgle to score an impressive 55 not out on debut. Pick of the bowling was from Surya with 1 for 13 off 5.

The 4th XI top order need to get their house in order quickly if further thrashing are to be avoided.

Author: Gary Fisher.