Sai Sudharsan (96 not out) and Devdutt Padikkal (80 not out) built an unbeaten 178-run partnership for the third wicket, pushing India A into a commanding position in their first unofficial Test match against Australia A at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay on Friday.
At stumps on Day 2, the two southpaws had taken India A to 208 for 2, giving the team a 120-run lead over Australia A.
India A had a shaky start to their second innings, losing openers Abhimanyu Easwaran (12) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (5) early. Captain Gaikwad was dismissed by Fergus O’Neill, while Easwaran was run out following a mix-up. After a tap to the leg side off Brendan Doggett, Easwaran attempted a quick single but was caught short by a direct hit from Jordan Buckingham.
Day 2 highlights: #AUSAvINDA https://t.co/WbRuqGHZLn
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Following the setbacks, Sudharsan and Padikkal took control, dominating the Australia A bowlers. Padikkal had a lucky break when he played a shot straight to short cover, only for the bowler, Fergus O’Neill, to be called for a no-ball.
Sudharsan is now just one boundary away from his seventh first-class century. The left-hander has hit nine boundaries in his 185-ball stay. Padikkal has provided strong support, with five fours in his innings. Their partnership has been marked by sharp running between the wickets.
Sudharsan came into the match fresh off a double century for Tamil Nadu against Delhi in the Ranji Trophy. With back-to-back centuries in sight, he is giving the Indian selectors plenty to think about, potentially as an option for the Indian Test team in case of injuries.
Earlier, Mukesh Kumar’s six-wicket haul helped India A bowl out Australia A for 195. Mukesh, who has played three Tests for India, took 6 for 46.
India A were bowled out for 107 in their first innings.
Brief Scores
India A: 107 & 208/2 in 64 overs (Sai Sudharsan 96*, Devdutt Padikkal 80*)
Australia A: 195 all out in 62.4 overs (Nathan McSweeney 39, Cooper Connolly 37, Mukesh Kumar 6/46, Prasidh Krishna 3/59)
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