The first unofficial Test between India A and Australia A began on September 16, 2025 in Lucknow under overcast skies, with rain delaying the toss. Australia A, led by Nathan McSweeney, batted first, posting 532/6 declared in 98 overs, driven by centuries from Sam Konstas (109) and Josh Philippe (123), and fifties from Campbell Kellaway (88), Cooper Connolly (70), and Liam Scott (81). India A’s response started steadily on Day 2 with Abhimanyu Easwaran (44) and Narayan Jagadeesan (64). On Day 3, Sai Sudharsan (73) and Devdutt Padikkal (86*) built a key stand, while Dhruv Jurel’s 113* powered India A to 403/4, trailing by 129 runs.
Fourth day began with India A aiming to close the gap, but rain loomed as a constant threat. Despite this, the final
day was highlighted by Devdutt Padikkal’s 150 off 281 balls for India A, marking his seventh first-class century and his fourth 150 in first-class cricket, reinforcing his case for a return to the Indian Test squad. The high scoring game played at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow concluded in a draw, with India A declaring after scoring 531/7, with 140 off 197 deliveries contributed by Dhruv Jurel as well. Padikkal, resumed day four on 86 and displayed composure, he reached his century off 198 balls with a single against off-spinner Corey Rocchiccioli. His innings was laced with 14 fours and a six over long-on off Cooper Connolly.
Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel stitched a 200-plus run partnership
Devdutt Padikkal’s century, in particular, appeared as a timely reminder of his potential, having already made a Test debut against England earlier in 2024, where he scored 65. Along with him, Dhruv Jurel, too, further enhanced his reputation as a versatile batter-wicketkeeper. The duo’s 200-plus run (228) partnership was a highlight, stabilising India A’s innings after a shaky moment at 222 for 4. Among the bowlers, Harsh Dubey was the pick of India A’s bowlers, claiming 3 wickets for 141 runs, though the hosts struggled to contain Australia’s aggressive batting lineup, which scored at a run rate of 5.43. While, for the guest bowlers, Corey Rocchiccioli was the standout bowler, finishing with 3 for 159, though the visitors’ attack struggled to break through on a placid pitch.
With little time left and rain threatening, Australia A began their second innings cautiously. Openers Sam Konstas (5 not out) and Campbell Kellaway (11 not out) added an unbroken 56 runs in 16 overs before the teams shook hands on a draw, with rain washing out the final session. The match, which promised a result after both teams’ batting heroics, was ultimately decided by the weather. For India A, captain Shreyas Iyer, who failed to make an impact with the bat, will look to regroup ahead of the second unofficial Test, also in Lucknow, starting September 23, 2025.