London, June 29: Hemang Badani followed in the footsteps of his captain Shiv Sunder Das, hitting a brilliant century as India 'A' amassed a huge score of 482 for nine declared in their first innings on the second day of the four-day cricket match against Durham at Chester-le-Street yesterday. The left-handed Badani, also the vice-captain, scored 133 runs to help India 'A', who were 275 for three overnight, consolidate their position. In reply, Durham were 94 for one in 36 overs at close of play with Gordon Muchall batting on 41 and Michael Gough on 25. Resuming at 43, Badani came up with an authoritative display of strokeplay, smashing 15 fours and two sixes in his nearly five-hour knock. Left-arm spinner Murali Kartik made a valuable 50-run contribution while A T Rayudu made 25 runs.

India 'A' had a disastrous start to the day with test wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel being dismissed even before a run could be scored.

But Badani, who is seeking to make a comeback to the national squad, added 71 runs for the fifth wicket with Rayudu and 56 for the sixth wicket with Kartik to keep the team going. Badani was finally out at the score of 402 when he was stumped by wicketkeeper Philip Mustard against off-spinner Michael Gough.

Nicholas Phillips claimed four lower order batsman to emerge as the most successful home bowler with figures of 4-126.

Bureau Report