India U19 vs England U19 World Cup warm-up, LIVE Score: Mhatre scores brisk 49 after Vaibhav Suryavanshi's wicket

India's strength is undoubtedly the top order batting, with Suryavanshi in sweltering form and looking unstoppable whenever he gets going at the top of the order. There is a little bit more concern for his captain and opening partner Ayush Mhatre, who has inexplicably never quite clicked at this level: while he looks at home against senior opposition, he has routinely struggled in U19 cricket.

Whatever mental block in stopping Mhatre from realising his potential, he has very little time to figure it out before the World Cup – but such tournaments are all about inculcating these younger stars of tomorrow with the ability to problem-solve and figure out how to bring the best out of themselves under less-than-ideal circumstances.

The good thing for India is that they have discovered plenty of other gems with the bat who have delivered on their promise. Prime amongst them has been Aaron George, who has looked classical and effective, a treat to watch on song. With Vihaan Malhotra and Abhigyan Kundu also present in the team, the batting is well-rounded, while the bowling has proven to be a regular threat with the new ball over recent months.

India might want to face some adversity in a match just to have that preparation in order: a big chase, or a tricky defence. Winning isn't the be-all of this kind of match, but seeing the team as a whole perform at a good level is what this is for.

Click here to read article