England Lions beaten by India A despite Sam Billings hundred

Billings, captaining the side, made an unbeaten 108 from 104 deliveries to provide the backbone to his team's total of 285 for seven in their 50 overs

Sam Billings' run-a-ball century was in vain as England Lions were beaten by three wickets in their opening one-day game against India A in Trivandrum.

Billings, captaining the side, made an unbeaten 108 from 104 deliveries to provide the backbone to his team's total of 285 for seven in their 50 overs.

Alex Davies, the Lancashire wicketkeeper, contributed a brisk 54 at the top of the order but India hunted their target down.

Ajinkya Rahane made 59 and Ishan Kishan managed 57 not out to see the chase to a successful conclusion. Zak Chappell claimed three wickets on his Lions debut, while there were two apiece for Lewis Gregory and Danny Briggs.

"Unfortunately [the hundred] doesn’t mean much today because we lost the game. It’s a bit of a weird feeling – I did well for myself but ultimately we didn’t win the game, which was obviously disappointing," Billings said.

"India A were exceptional in the field and made it hard for new batsmen to come in and rotate strike, and we weren’t on the ball with that.

"For a lot of the game it felt like we should have won, but it’s a little bit gutting because we feel like we gifted that game."

The second match of the series is scheduled for Friday.