KL Rahul’s steady half-century and an unbeaten 44* from Sai Sudarshan have put India A in a strong position in their 412-run chase at the end of day three of their second four-day unofficial Test against Australia A in Lucknow on Thursday.
India A finished day three at 169/2, with Sudarshan (44*) and Manav Suthar (1*) unbeaten, requiring 243 more runs to win.
What Happened On Day 3 Of 2nd Unofficial Test Between India A & Australia A?
India commenced day three with Australia A at 16/3, Nathan McSweeney unbeaten at 11. After choosing to field first, half-centuries from McSweeney (74 off 162 balls, with 10 fours) and Jack Edwards (88 off 78 balls, with 11 fours and a six) propelled Australia to 420, despite Suthar’s bowling figures of 5/107.
Sudharsan’s 75 was the sole resistance for India A as they managed 194 runs, trailing
by 226 runs. Henry Thornton (4/36) was the standout bowler for Australia.
In their second innings, Australia A stumbled to 16/3. Pacer Mohammed Siraj (2/20) struck early on day three, dismissing Cooper Connolly (1) and reducing Australia A to 17/4. However, McSweeney’s 90-run fifth-wicket partnership with Josh Philippe (50 off 48 balls, with eight fours) helped them surpass the 100-run mark.
Gurnoor Brar (3/42) and Suthar (3/50) took regular wickets, bundling Australia out for 185, with McSweeney unbeaten on 85* off 149 balls, with 10 fours and a six. Australia set India a target of 412 runs to win the unofficial Test.
During the chase, India began strongly with an 85-run partnership between Narayan Jagadeesan (36 off 55 balls, with five fours) and KL Rahul. KL continued the chase with Sudarshan, taking India past the triple-figure mark and scoring briskly. KL retired hurt at 74 off 92 balls, with nine fours. India concluded the day with Sudarshan and Suthar at the crease, as Devdutt Padikkal (5) fell cheaply.
Brief Scores: India A: 194 and 169/2 (KL Rahul 74, Sai Sudharsan 44*, Todd Murphy 2/49) chasing 412 runs against Australia A: 420 and 185: (Nathan McSweeney 85*, Josh Phillipe 50, Gurnoor Singh Brar 3/42).
(With inputs from ANI)
