Opening duo look to impress

Joe Root and Nick Compton still had the chance to impress as England's prospective next Test opener after coming through four overs unscathed before lunch at the Dr DY Patil Stadium.

The two batsmen hoping to fill the retired Andrew Strauss' shoes as new Test captain Alastair Cook's opening partner in Ahmedabad on November 15 failed to convince in the first innings against Mumbai A.

But after England had bowled their hosts out for 286 in reply to 345 for nine declared, Root and Compton had a second opportunity - starting with an awkward and doubtless nervous first 20 minutes before a lunchtime breather. They reached 13 together without significant alarm on the final day of three in a match surely destined for a draw.

Root, who managed 28 first time round, was responsible for all England's runs - and Compton, who has so far made nought and one in two attempts on tour, was still to score after receiving nine balls.

Stuart Broad was able to lead England in the field, after a scan revealed just bruising in his sore left heel. But he was not fit enough to bowl.

Graham Onions earlier had Hiken Shah (92) caught behind, trying to leave a ball that ran over the face of the bat, to end his four-hour stay in the first full over of the morning.

It took England almost another 90 minutes to take the remaining five wickets, but at the relatively low cost of 46 runs.

Nikhil Patil picked out mid-off when he tried to hit Monty Panesar (three for 64) over the top, and the frontline left-arm spinner had his third wicket when Shardul Thakur mistimed a slog-sweep for an easy catch in the leg-side ring.

In between, Samit Patel (three for 44) struck with his first delivery of the day when Safiul Shaikh was caught low down at cover by Compton.

The all-rounder then took the last two wickets in two balls, Kshemal Waingankar snapped up one-handed at second slip by a diving Jonathan Trott and number 11 Javed Khan bowled slogging.