Northamptonshire openers, Mal Loye (100) and Niall O’Brien (117) scored impressive centuries as India’s two day tour game ahead of the third Test against England ended in a draw on Saturday.

Replying to India’s total of 352, Northants finished at 355/7 at the end of play.

A late burst by the Indian bowlers led to a flurry of wickets after Loye and O’Brien put on 201 runs for the first wicket.

The visitors claimed seven wickets in the dramatic final session with six of them coming in just 12.2 overs and at the expense of a mere 40 runs.

Leg-spinner Amit Mishra, and pacers Munaf Patel and S Sreesanth took two wickets each while part-timer Suresh Raina claimed one scalp.

Patel provided India with their first wicket when he had Loye caught behind by skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni for exactly hundred.

The Indians were sent on a leather hunt by Loye and O’Brien who took their side to 198/0 at tea.

Loye was unbeaten on 97 with 13 fours and two sixes, while O’Brien was giving him company on 85.

Earlier, leg spinner Mishra scored a valuable half century as India were bowled out for 352. Mishra struck eight boundaries in his innings of 61 before he was sent back by L Evans who finished with figures of 4/74.

Carrying on from their overnight score of 327/7, the Indians lost their remaining three wickets for the addition of 25 runs.

Abhinav Mukund struck a brilliant 113 and put on 132 runs with VVS Laxman for the third wicket which put the visitors in a healthy position on the opening day.