Steven Mullaney has hailed his England Lions experience as a learning curve after a day of attrition in the field against India A.
The Nottinghamshire captain was the most economical bowler on show with figures of 0-20 from 12 overs as the home side compiled 282-3 from 84.5 overs on day one in Mysore.
“It has been a great learning experience for everybody,” he said.
“It’s a lot different to the conditions we’re used to in England, so we’ve had to come up with some plans.
“Having to adapt to different conditions and learning new things can only be positive for us lads going forward playing international cricket or on flat wickets in England.
“We’re doing that now and it’s a great learning curve.”
Nottinghamshire’s Zak Chappell (14-4-32-1) led a spirited fightback for the Lions following an Indian opening stand of 178.
The 22-year-old fast bowler produced searing delivery that took the edge of KL Rahul’s bat on 81 and fired through to Ollie Pope behind the stumps.
Abhimanyu Easwaran scored 117 for the hosts before falling victim to Somerset off-spinner Dom Bess, making the score 252-2.
Lancashire paceman Tom Bailey uprooted Priyank Panchal’s off-stump for 50 with the final ball of the day.
“I think the positive thing is that we’ve not let India get away,” added Mullaney.
“They’re [scoring] at just over three an over. We’d have liked a few more wickets but sometimes you’ve got to give credit to the batsmen.
“I thought the two opening batsmen showed how to bat on the pitch, playing really late on a wicket that does have a little bit in it.
“We know they’re a very good side and that we’ll have to play well to compete, but we’ve got three wickets so if we can chip away in the morning you never know what can happen."
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