Mongia, Laxman strike form against Windies 'A'

Dinesh Mongia and stand-in skipper V V S Laxman struck form to hit fine half-centuries as the Indians reached 253 for seven at close on the opening day of the three-day match against West Indies 'A' at Arundel on Tuesday.

Mongia's 87 and Laxman's 85 at the picturesque Arundel castle ground will further lengthen India's batting options before the start of the four-match Test series against England.

Mongia was extremely impressive in compiling runs against a decent quality attack and now adds to the overflowing riches of India's middle-order.

V V S Laxman, a batting stalwart in his own right, was no less impressive in carting his 85 and putting on 86 runs for the third wicket with Mongia.

While the Indians middle-order presented a healthy look, the opening blues continued as the two specialist openers, Shib Sunder Das (29) and Wasim Jaffer (5), who flew in to play the Tests, failed to get into groove.

Jaffer departed inside the first hour when he snicked a catch to wicketkeeper Keith Hubbert off fast bowler Jermaine Lawson and Das had a typical departure after spending enough time for little return at the crease.

Das battled 155 minutes for his 29 in which he hit three fours from 112 deliveries. The Orissa player was never on top of the bowling on a sluggish pitch.

Indians lost the wicket of Parthiv Patel (12) of the last ball of the day leaving Mohd Kaif, hero of the NatWest tri-series final, not out on 7.

The best part of the day for the Indians was the third wicket stand and a stretch of 17 overs before tea when the left-right combination of Mongia and Laxman added 80 runs.

Mongia showed the way with some sparkling strokeplay on the offside and was able to beat the slowness of the pitch with some crisp straight drives.

Laxman took a leaf out of Mongia's book and blossomed, hitting fine shots all round the wicket as the Indians added 99 runs in the second session.

Indians lost five wickets in the final session including those of Laxman and Mongia who played poor shots to gift their wickets. Laxman departed first when he slogged a catch to midwicket off part-time spinner Chris Gayle ending his vigil that lasted just over three hours. His 132-ball knock included nine boundaries.

Mongia was well set for a hundred when he attempted a sweep without moving his feet and was bowled by left-arm spinner Ryan Hinds. Mongia faced 140 balls hitting seven fours in 192 minutes.

The southpaw got a life when on 51 as Reon King at long on dropped him off Ryan Hinds. Following the duo's exit, India lost the wickets of Sanjay Bangar (0) and Ajay Ratra (15) to slip from a position of strength.

While Bangar was caught at slip off Gayle, Ratra fell leg before to Reon King with the second new ball. However, promising young talent Parthiv Patel impressed in his brief stay at the crease.

(c) Copyright 2002 PTI. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of PTI content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent.