Tanush Kotian And Anshul Kamboj Create Record Partnership In Drawn England Lions Vs India A 2nd Unofficial Test

Northampton witnessed a spectacle of grit, flair, and history-making partnership as Tanush Kotian and Anshul Kamboj defied the odds and carved their names into India A’s cricketing folklore. Their unbeaten 149-run stand for the eighth wicket didn’t just rescue India A from a brewing collapse—it elevated a modest Test match into a moment that will be remembered for generations.

The match may have ended in a draw, but the way Kotian and Kamboj batted together turned the tide, defied cricketing conventions, and showcased the strength of India A’s bench. In a four-day game that looked destined to peter out, their audacious counterattack and unwavering belief breathed new life into the contest—and perhaps, even into their own cricketing destinies.

Setting the Stage: India A’s Middle-Order Wobble

When Day 4 began at Northampton, India A were sitting fairly comfortably at 163/4, carrying a healthy lead over England Lions. The previous day’s performances—anchored by Abhimanyu Easwaran’s 80 and KL Rahul’s fluent 51—had given India A the upper hand. But as any seasoned cricketer will tell you, no game is truly under control until the last ball is bowled.

The morning session quickly unravelled for the visitors. England Lions’ seamers—especially George Hill—found rhythm and bite. India A’s middle-order, which had shown promise, began to falter under disciplined bowling and mounting scoreboard pressure.

Nitish Kumar Reddy, who looked set after a fluent 42, was undone by bounce. Shardul Thakur tried to resist but perished for 34, while Dhruv Jurel, the young keeper-batsman known for his temperament, was dismissed for 28 after looking solid.

From 163/4, India A had slipped to 268/7—a collapse that threatened to derail the advantage they had built painstakingly over three days. The dressing room grew tense. The England Lions smelt blood.

But then, out walked Tanush Kotian and Anshul Kamboj—two relatively unheralded names who would soon steal the spotlight.

Enter Kotian and Kamboj: From Trouble to Triumph

In cricket, lower-order partnerships often symbolize survival. But Kotian and Kamboj had other plans. They didn’t just survive—they thrived, turning a crisis into an opportunity to launch one of the most extraordinary counterattacks seen in India A history.

From the outset, the intent was clear. Kotian, who has quietly built a reputation as a gritty all-rounder in the domestic circuit with Mumbai, began by lofting Josh Tongue into the stands—an audacious six that sent a message: this was no tailender nervously defending his stumps. This was a man ready to take the game to the opposition.

Kamboj, younger and less experienced, complemented Kotian perfectly. While the latter attacked, the former held his ground with admirable composure. It was the kind of partnership that made you forget the match situation—and just sit back and admire two cricketers in sync, feeding off each other’s energy.

Their 50-run stand came in just 56 balls, and what followed was a sustained display of intelligent batting. The pair rotated the strike beautifully, put away the bad balls with authority, and showed no signs of pressure despite the match scenario.

Milestones Amid Mayhem

Tanush Kotian reached his half-century off just 60 balls—a blend of aggression, technique, and flair. His knock was studded with 10 fours and a six, and his footwork against both pace and spin was a masterclass for aspiring lower-order batters.

Kamboj’s innings, while less flamboyant, was no less impressive. He brought up his maiden first-class fifty—a composed 51 off 86 deliveries that spoke volumes of his temperament. His celebration was muted, almost as if he knew this was just the beginning of something bigger.

Together, the duo added 149 runs, rewriting the record books in the process. It was now the highest eighth-wicket stand by an India A pair against England Lions, surpassing all previous benchmarks and turning the match on its head.

More importantly, they scored at a rate of over 5 runs per over, ensuring that not only did India A recover—but they did so in time to push for a potential win.

Declaration Drama and Closeout

By the time the partnership reached 149, the Indian dressing room had gone from anxious to jubilant. The scoreboard read 417/7, and captain KL Rahul made a bold decision: declare the innings and give the bowlers a crack at the English top order with just enough time to force a result.

The declaration, however, meant Kotian was stranded on 90 not out—just 10 shy of what would have been a deserving maiden first-class century. But he didn’t flinch. In true team-player style, he walked off with a smile, knowing that his job was done. Personal milestones could wait.

England Lions were set a target that would have required something miraculous, and India A’s bowlers—energized by the partnership they had just witnessed—came out roaring.

Tushar Deshpande and Kamboj himself struck early blows, reducing the hosts to 32/3. Just as the match was heating up, time ran out. With only a few overs left in the day and no real chance of forcing a result, both captains agreed to call it a draw.

But make no mistake—the match had already found its narrative.

Why This Partnership Matters

In the larger picture of international cricket, “A” matches often fly under the radar. But for selectors, coaches, and the players themselves, these games are battlegrounds where futures are shaped.

The Kotian-Kamboj partnership was more than just a statistical achievement. It was a statement—about India A’s bench strength, about the mental toughness of young players, and about the character that separates good players from great ones.

Let’s break it down:

For Tanush Kotian, this innings could be career-defining. Known more for his bowling, he has always been considered a handy bat. But this performance might change perceptions—he’s now a genuine all-rounder knocking on the national door.
For Anshul Kamboj, the 21-year-old from Haryana, this was a coming-of-age moment. To walk into a pressure situation, face a quality bowling attack, and come out with an unbeaten fifty shows maturity that goes beyond years.
For India A, this partnership serves as a shining example of depth. With top-order stars like Easwaran and KL Rahul already making runs, the lower order’s ability to contribute under pressure sends a strong message to the selectors.
For fans, it was a reminder of the beautiful unpredictability of cricket—how two young men can walk in at a time of crisis and walk out as record-setters.

Voices from the Ground

After the match, captain KL Rahul praised the duo:

“What Kotian and Kamboj did was incredible. At 268/7, most teams would have just looked to survive. But these two took the game away. That’s the kind of cricket we want to play.”

Former India cricketer and commentator VVS Laxman, who was watching from the NCA, tweeted:

“Outstanding maturity from Kotian and Kamboj. That’s the future of Indian cricket right there. #IndiaA #Resilience”

Brief Scores:

India A:

First Innings: 348
Second Innings: 417/7 declared
- Tanush Kotian 90 (108 balls)
- Anshul Kamboj 51 (86 balls)
- Abhimanyu Easwaran 80, KL Rahul 51

England Lions:

First Innings: 327
Second Innings: 32/3

Result: Match drawn
Highlight: Kotian-Kamboj’s record-breaking 149* run partnership for the eighth wicket

Looking Ahead: What Comes Next?

With the World Test Championship cycle heating up and the senior team looking for backup options in both pace and spin all-rounders, this innings couldn’t have come at a better time.

Tanush Kotian, with his off-spin and now proven batting abilities, becomes an exciting prospect in conditions that require all-rounders who can deliver in multiple departments.
Anshul Kamboj, with pace and calmness under pressure, has shown he’s much more than just a young quick with raw talent.

Will they make the leap to the senior team? Time will tell. But if this match was an audition, both passed with flying colors.

A Match That Will Be Remembered

Cricket is full of centuries, five-wicket hauls, and last-over thrillers. But every so often, a match is remembered not for its result, but for how it made you feel.

The second unofficial Test between India A and England Lions ended in a draw. No trophies were handed out. No one lifted a bat or ball in the air in celebration of victory.

But in that final scorecard, in those 149 runs stitched together under pressure, lie memories that will linger—not just for Kotian and Kamboj, but for anyone who loves this game.

Because sometimes, in cricket, the greatest stories are written not at the top—but at number eight.

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