Pacer Tushar Deshpande removed half-centurion Tom Haines (54) as England Lions reached 146-2 in reply to India A’s 348 at tea on the second day of their second unofficial Test, here Saturday.

England Lions were trailing by 202 runs in the first essay when rains interrupted the proceedings to force an early tea. Emilio Gay, who had a scratchy start, recovered to reach 46 not out off 79 balls with five fours. He was accompanied by Jordan Cox, who was batting on 10.

The change of ball after the 27th over seemed to have worked for India as Deshpande broke a stubborn partnership which had kept the visitors at bay for a long time. Haines had put on 94 runs for the second wicket with Gay.