England Lions in driver8217;s seat

There is more to their similarities. They took time to settle down but began to open up once set. Carberry was the more attacking of the two, as the Hampshire player took left-arm spinner Praveen Gupta for special treatment soon after reaching his 50.

He first reverse-swept the bowler for a boundary, and then on the next delivery, stepped out and deposited the bowler into the crowd over long-off. The next two balls also found the ropes as Gupta8217;s first over of his third spell conceded 19 runs of which only 1 was scored by Yardy.

Carberry also reached his half-century with a boundary. When on 49, he opened the face of his bat against Pankaj Singh to bring his 21st first-class fifty. He hit 12 fours and a six for his unbeaten 71.

Lions skipper Yardy found the fence on seven occasions.

Earlier, resuming at 23/2, Central Zone8217;s innings ended at 180, thereby stretching the overall lead to 295. Skipper Mohammed Kaif 42 was once again the pick of their batsmen, being the top scorer of the innings.

Brief scores: Central Zone 270 038; 180 Kaif 42, S Sanyal 37; Onions 3/40, Rashid 2/3, Kirby 2/38 vs England Lions 155 038; 146/1 Michael Carberry batting 71, Michael Yardy batting 57; Praveen Gupta 1/41