Lancashire play out hard fought draw against Karnataka
Lancashire and Karnataka played out a hard fought draw during their three-day tour match at the Alur Cricket Ground in Bengaluru.
Karnataka started the final day with a lead of 112 runs after the first innings following a full day of batting for both sides in the Indian heat.
Lancashire's seamers produced a fine opening hour as George Balderson (3/23), Josh Boyden (1/16) and Tom Aspinwall ripped through Karnataka's top order to leave them 48 for 5 in the 11th over.
As the Red Rose began to sense a final day victory with the home side's lead just 160 runs, Lochan Appana showed resistance with 36 before spin was introduced and Jack Morley (1/70) dismissed Hedge for 6 before Luke Wells (1/41) claimed the big wicket of Appana with the final ball before lunch.
Following lunch Smaran Ravi - dropped down the order after his first innings century - and Hardik Raj began to take the attack to Lancashire's spinners and increased Karnataka's lead beyond the 200-mark.
By the time Raj was bowled by Harry Singh (1/25) for 42, Karnataka had firmly wrestled back control. Ravi continued to attack with a declaration coming at 201 for 8 with Karnataka's skipper unbeaten on 75.
With Lancashire requiring 314 to win with half of the final day remaining, Wells and Josh Bohannon came out on the front foot and launched an attack on the home sides seam bowlers - racing beyond 50 in the 7th over.
Wells departed just before tea for 43 from 37 balls - including five fours and two sixes - as the Red Rose headed into the final interval of the match on 71 for 1 from 10 overs - with another 243 to win from 30 overs.
Bohannon continued his attack after tea before he was dismissed by Moshin Khan for 46 from 32 balls - containing four fours and three sixes. Bell followed shortly after for 3 with the score on 111-3 in the 19th.
When Lancashire then lost both Tom Aspinwall (2) and George Lavelle (16), it was left to Singh (18*) and Matty Hurst (24*) to see out the final hour with Hurst helping himself to a couple of maximums as the Red Rose closed on 189 for 6.
Lancashire Cricket will now return to the UK ahead of facing Loughborough UCCE on Tuesday at Loughborough University.
