On a pivotal day three of the second unofficial Test in Lucknow, India A found themselves battling a formidable target set by Australia A. Despite an impressive start to their chase, the team faced a setback as star batsman KL Rahul was forced to retire hurt.
Australia A began their second innings on a precarious 16 for 3, but Mohammed Siraj quickly added to their woes by dismissing Cooper Connolly cheaply, leaving them at 17 for 4. However, Nathan McSweeney and Josh Philippe mounted a crucial 90-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Philippe played an aggressive innings, scoring a quickfire 50 off just 48 balls, while McSweeney anchored the innings with a solid performance.
India’s bowlers, however, maintained pressure, taking wickets at regular intervals. Gurnoor Singh Brar was a standout, claiming three for 42, and left-arm spinner Manav Suthar also contributed significantly with three for 50. Australia A were eventually bowled out for 185, with McSweeney top-scoring with a determined 85 runs from 149 deliveries. This effort presented India A with a daunting target of 412 runs in the fourth innings.
India A’s chase commenced on a positive note, with openers Narayan Jagadeesan and KL Rahul forging an 85-run stand. Jagadeesan contributed 36 before his dismissal, but Rahul continued to impress, striking nine boundaries in his 92-ball knock of 74. Unfortunately, Rahul had to retire hurt, a significant blow to India’s hopes.
Sai Sudharsan then stepped up, guiding India A past the 150-run mark with a composed innings. Devdutt Padikkal’s brief stay at the crease ended on 5, but Sudharsan, along with Manav Suthar, ensured no further wickets fell before stumps.
For Australia A, off-spinner Todd Murphy managed to claim two crucial wickets, slowing India’s momentum.
As the match heads into its final day, the outcome hangs in the balance. India A needs another 243 runs for victory, while Australia A requires eight more wickets to seal the win.
**Brief Scores:**
Australia A: 420 & 185 (Nathan McSweeney 85*, Josh Philippe 50; Gurnoor Singh Brar 3/42, Manav Suthar 3/50)
India A: 194 & 169/2 (KL Rahul 74, Sai Sudharsan 44*; Todd Murphy 2/49)