On the third day of the first unofficial Test at Ekana Cricket Stadium, India-A crafted a superb response to Australia-A’s formidable total. While the Australian side had relied on aggressive power-hitting, the hosts showcased a more classic approach, meticulously building their innings with elegant, textbook strokes.
Leading the charge, Dhruv Jurel demonstrated an assertive yet refined batting style, complemented by Devdutt Padikkal’s calm and collected presence at the crease. Earlier, B. Sai Sudharsan captivated spectators with his fluid, wristy shots. By stumps, India-A had reached a commanding 403 for four, trailing Australia-A’s declared score of 532 for six by a manageable 129 runs.
The highlight of India-A’s innings was the unbroken 181-run partnership for the fifth wicket between vice-captain Jurel and Padikkal. This crucial stand not only stabilized the innings but also injected momentum, with their well-placed shots drawing appreciative applause from the small but engaged crowd at the stadium.
Jurel’s batting was a masterclass in controlled aggression. He quickly signaled his intentions against bowler Corey Rocchiccioli, confidently lofting him over midwicket and following up with a powerful pull shot for four. Despite possessing a solid defensive game, Jurel transitioned seamlessly into attack, reaching his half-century in just 55 balls with a combination of two massive sixes and a deft late cut. He continued this aggressive approach, bringing up a magnificent century off just 115 deliveries, featuring 10 boundaries and four towering sixes.
In contrast, Padikkal played a vital anchor role, demonstrating immense patience and excellent strike rotation with soft hands. He occasionally broke shackles, notably with a beautifully lofted drive over cover to mark his half-century from 117 balls. After captain Shreyas Iyer’s early dismissal, this dynamic duo expertly capitalized on the hardness of the second new ball, executing confident drives and flicks that found their way to the boundary.
Earlier in the day, after a rain-delayed start, overnight batter N. Jagadeesan was dismissed for 64 runs just twenty minutes into play. The damp conditions clearly favored the seamers, and it was Xavier Bartlett who found the crucial edge to send Jagadeesan back to the pavilion.
However, B. Sai Sudharsan remained unperturbed, showcasing remarkable composure. He wisely left the short deliveries and relentlessly punished Bartlett’s fuller balls, driving them straight down the ground. A glorious drive through the covers and a precise clip to square leg saw him reach his fifty. His impressive innings of 73 off 124 deliveries came to an unfortunate end when he was trapped leg-before attempting a reverse sweep against Cooper Connolly. Nevertheless, Sudharsan’s fluent knock provided the perfect foundation for Jurel and Padikkal to build upon and dominate the later stages of the day.
In summary, Australia-A declared their innings at 532 for six, while India-A finished the day at 403 for four after 103 overs. Key contributions for India-A came from Abhimanyu Easwaran (44), N. Jagadeesan (64), Sai Sudharsan (73), and the unbeaten Devdutt Padikkal (86*) and Dhruv Jurel (113*).