Afzaal hundred frustrates India A
Showers and Usman Afzaal combined to frustrate India A who endured a relatively unproductive day in the field at Trent Bridge
Wisden Cricinfo staff
02-Jul-2003
Day 1 Close Nottinghamshire 265 for 3 (Afzaal 114, Bicknell 52) v India A
Showers and Usman Afzaal combined to frustrate India A who endured a relatively unproductive day in the field at Trent Bridge. Nottinghamshire closed on 265 for 3, thanks largely to a commanding hundred from Afzaal.
In front of a smattering of spectators, medium pacer Lakshmipathy Balaji struck early for India A, bowling Guy Welton for 25 (53 for 1) but that was their only success until shortly before tea. Afzaal and Darren Bicknell (52) added 89 for the second wicket before Bicknell became Balaji's second wicket (140 for 2). When Murali Kartik dismissed Bilal Shafayat for 6 shortly after, Nottinghamshire's progress was briefly checked (159 for 3).
But Afzaal continued untroubled, reaching his hundred off 162 balls in three and three-quarter hours, and putting on an unbeaten 113 with Gareth Clough (39*) for the fourth wicket.
With more showers forecast for Thursday it will take some imaginative captaincy - or penetrative bowling - to get a result.