5 Takeaways from India A's 1st warm-up match against England

#3 The good old days are back!

The sight of Dhoni and Yuvraj batting together in the death overs was quite regular in the 2000s

One of the major reasons for India developing into a powerhouse ODI team during the early part of the 2000s was the combination of Yuvraj and Dhoni in the lower middle-order. The wicket-keeper batsmen’s bludgeoning approach complemented the southpaw’s flamboyance. There was a time (around the 2006 season) when the duo played an instrumental role in propelling India to a slew of successful chases.

Extra Cover: Fan falls at MS Dhoni's feet during India A-England warm-up match

This was a different setting – the platform had been laid for setting a formidable target for England and the crowd geared up to witness fireworks towards the business stage of the innings.

Although Dhoni and Yuvraj only added 23 runs in their fourth-wicket partnership, they had provided an exhibition of individual brilliance. While the latter departed for a 48-ball 56, the skipper remained not-out for a 40-ball 68. When the first ODI begins, all eyes will be on the experienced pair.