New Delhi: Indian pacer Gurnoor Brar once again amazed everyone with his class as he took a career-best 10-wicket haul in first-class cricket. He helped
India clinch the victory in the second and final unofficial Test, presenting himself as a strong contender for a Test debut.
India A put up a great show, with Sai Sudharsan’s 168 taking them to 543, giving the Men in Blue a 177-run lead over Sri Lanka A. The game moved fast on the concluding day as the fast bowler, who impressed on his India debut against Afghanistan, ripped through Sri Lanka A’s batting line-up with six wickets in the second innings after taking four in the first.
Gurnoor was fast-tracked into the Indian team by Ajit Agarkar’s selection committee and impressed during the ODI series against Afghanistan last month. He was also part of the Test squad but is still waiting for his debut in the longest format.
Gurnoor strengthens Test selection
The other pace option alongside the Punjab fast bowler for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka is Aqib Nabi, but he could not make much of an impact during the A tour.
Sri Lanka A were bowled out for 209 in their second innings, leaving India A with a target of just 33 runs. Sai Sudharsan and Aman Mokhade made light work of the chase, reaching the target in only 6.2 overs to complete a comfortable 10-wicket win. The result also helped India A finish the two-match unofficial Test series on a high after the first game ended in a draw.
India A had resumed the final day on 541/8 after taking complete control of the match. Ashen Bandara offered the only real resistance for Sri Lanka A with a fighting 87, while the rest of the batting order failed to build meaningful partnerships.
Successful tour ahead of Sri Lanka series
The victory capped a successful tour for India A, who had earlier lifted the tri-series title in Dambulla. The series also gave several players valuable match practice ahead of India’s Test assignment in Sri Lanka.
Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel all made the most of their opportunities before the first Test begins on August 15 at the Galle International Stadium. The second Test will be played at the SSC in Colombo from August 23.
