The first unofficial Test between India A and Australia A is headed for a draw after the hosts’ remarkable comeback, with Dhruv Jurel‘s outstanding century serving as the high point of yet another rain-soaked day in Lucknow.
On the third day, after an exasperating wait, play finally started. Sai Sudharsan and N Jagadeesan batted positively until Xavier Bartlett dismissed the half-centurion. However, Devdutt Padikkal now joined in to irritate Australia A, so the visitors were unable to really take advantage of the dismissal.
Both batsman reached their individual half-centuries as they contributed 80 for the third wicket. Cooper Connolly then got a little window of opportunity when he caught Sudharsan leg-before-wicket for 73. The visitors struck again in fewer than four overs, this time taking out captain Shreyas Iyer, the only hitter to be removed for a single-figure score during the innings.
With Jurel joining Padikkal, India A, cautiously positioned at 222/4 and still behind by more than 300 runs, turned their innings around.
Jurel was the aggressor, clearing the ropes four times to bring up a spectacular century as India crossed the 400-mark right before stumps, while the left-hander approached with poise.
The likelihood of this game finishing in a draw has increased with one day remaining, unless Australia A can force a result with a successful morning session, given that they still have a 129-run advantage.
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