Indian XI 209 and 191 for 3 (Bangar 70, Sehwag 61, Tendulkar 52*) drew with Central Districts 295 for 9 decl.
Scorecard

The Indian batsmen warmed up nicely for the first Test against New Zealand, with Virender Sehwag, Sanjay Bangar and Sachin Tendulkar all making assured half-centuries. The match was drawn, with play called off early due to rain.

Bangar played a sedate knock of 70 at the top of the order, as two similar pint-sized geniuses displayed their wares in either half of the day. First, Sehwag smashed a blistering 61 in just 55 balls, with 11 fours. Then Tendulkar took over and pummelled a handsome 52, dominating an 87-run stand with Bangar. The only disappointment for India was the second failure in the match of Rahul Dravid, who was bowled by Andrew Schwass for 1. He had been out for 0 in the first innings.

John Wright, the Indian coach, wasn't worried however. "Though Dravid has missed out on a big score, he is a quality player," he said. "Technically, he is perhaps the best equipped to score runs in New Zealand.

"There were positives from the game," he continued. "Sehwag, Tendulkar and Bangar all scored runs. Bangar is a very committed cricketer who is also capable of playing attacking innings."

Bangar had hammered 18 off a Glen Sulzberger over in a sudden burst after tea before he was out, in startling contrast to his quiet play before that.

Wright said he was not worried over India's batting collapse against fast bowling in the first innings. "I won't be too concerned about the first innings," he said. "The batting failed to click only in one innings. They are all quality batsmen capable of doing well here."

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