Greater Noida, Aug 31: India Blue reached 285 for five when rain once again forced an early close of play on the third day of the second Duleep Trophy match against India Red at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground here on Wednesday.

The right-handed duo forged an 85-run partnership for the sixth wicket to steady the innings after chinaman Kuldeep Yadav wreaked havoc by scalping four wickets on Tuesday.

Earlier, on day two, openers Mayank Agarwal (92) and Gautam Gambhir (77) gave India Blue a perfect start with a 151-run stand before left-arm wrist spinner Yadav and rookie Rajasthan pacer Nathu Singh (1/71) pulled them back with timely breakthroughs.

Baba Aparajith (19), Suryakumar Yadav (5) and Karn Sharma fell within 49 runs to leave India Blue tottering at 200/5.

Seasoned stumper Karthik and Jackson then walked into the middle and held their ground without giving any chances to the India Red bowlers until rain halted their march towards their respective half centuries.

With just a day to go, the match is poised to end in a dull draw.

Brief scores: India Blue 285/5 (Dinesh Karthik 35 not out, Jackson 48 not out, Kuldeep Yadav 4/49) vs India Red.

IANS