IND-A vs AUS-A, 2nd unofficial Test: Sudharsan, Rahul keep India A in contention in mammoth chase

After a lone fight in the first innings, B. Sai Sudharsan once again provided assurance as India-A began the daunting task of chasing a mammoth 412 against Australia-A on the third day of the second multi-day Test at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Sudharsan was unbeaten on 44 when stumps were drawn, guiding the host to 167 for two — still 243 runs adrift of the target. KL Rahul, who looked in sublime touch with a 74 off 92 balls, retired hurt for reasons yet unknown.

Batting at No. 3, Sudharsan showcased the same discipline that marked his first-innings effort. Patient in defence and precise in stroke selection, he was quick to put away loose deliveries — driving elegantly through the covers and even lofting Cooper Connolly for a six. His 65-run stand with Rahul for the second wicket steadied India-A’s reply after a strong start from the openers.

Rahul, meanwhile, had stamped authority early on. He began with a glance to fine leg and followed it up with back-to-back cover drives off Henry Thornton that oozed class. His innings blended flair with control, and a 55-ball half-century underlined his intent. With opening partner N. Jagadeesan, he added 80 in just 17 overs, punishing anything full or on the pads.

Just as Jagadeesan seemed set for a fifty, Todd Murphy had him caught at short leg. The off-spinner struck again later, cleaning up Devdutt Padikkal with sharp turn. Rahul’s unexpected walk-off after the 35th over left Sudharsan and Manav Suthar to see out the final overs without further damage.

Earlier in the day, Australia-A, resuming at 16 for three, lost Oliver Peake almost immediately — bowled by Mohammed Siraj after shouldering arms to a delivery that sent his off stump cartwheeling. Nathan McSweeney and Josh Philippe counterattacked with a flurry of boundaries, though several streaky edges found the gap between the cordon.

Manav Suthar switched from his usual diagonal run-up to bowl over the wicket to both right-handers, allowing Philippe to sweep and reverse-sweep with freedom. The wicketkeeper-batter raced to a half-century off 46 balls before Suthar dismissed him, caught behind just two balls later.

McSweeney continued to anchor, defending with purpose and unleashing his trademark pulls, before bringing up his fifty in 98 balls. He later skipped down to loft Ayush Badoni for a six over midwicket.

The innings unravelled quickly thereafter. Gurnoor Brar removed Jack Edwards and Will Sutherland in consecutive deliveries — the former nicking behind down the leg side, the latter flicking tamely to short midwicket. Suthar bowled Todd Murphy soon after.

Yash Thakur, on as a concussion substitute for Prasidh Krishna, bowled with pace and persistence. Though pulled away on occasions, he struck when Corey Rocchiccioli miscued a hook, before diving forward himself to complete a sharp caught-and-bowled to dismiss Thornton. Australia-A was eventually bowled out for 185, setting India-A the stiff target.

Published on Sep 25, 2025