India A vs Australia A: Jurel's Century, Padikkal's Support Rally India After Iyer's Failure

Shreyas Iyer’s low returns with the bat continued on his first-class comeback as he got dismissed for 8 (13) against Australia A during Day 3 of the first unofficial Test at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. The India A captain fell prey to Corey Rocchiccioli (1/128), who trapped him in front of the stumps for 8 (13).

Despite his failure, India A finished the day in a strong position courtesy of a massive 181-run stand between Devdutt Padikkal (86*) and Dhruv Jurel, who slammed his second first class century. India resumed their first innings on 116/1 on Day 3, trailing by a massive 416 runs.

Unbeaten on 50 overnight, Jagadeesan resumed his 28-run stand with Sai Sudharsan. Their union at the crease ended on 49 as Jagadeesan edged Xavier Bartlett (1/60) to wicketkeeper Josh Phillippe for 64. Following his dismissal, Devdutt Padikkal joined Sudharsan at the crease and got involved in a crucial stand for India A.

Sudharsan brought up his seventh first-class half-century, playing some gorgeous shots during his stay at the crease. He added 76 runs for the third wicket with Padikkal, taking India’s score past 200. Sudharsan, unfortunately, fell short of his eighth first-class hundred, being dismissed lbw on 73 by Cooper Connolly (1/46).

Captain Shreyas Iyer couldn’t do much after he arrived at the crease as he continued his poor form from the Duleep Trophy semi-final, where he registered scores of 25 and 12 for West Zone. With India on 222/4, Jagadeesan was joined by Dhruv Jurel, whose rapid century rescued the team.

Jurel scored an unbeaten 113* (132), smashing ten fours and four sixes, while Padikkal also remained unbeaten on 86* (178). Their massive 181-run stand helped India finish the day on 403/4, trailing Australia A by 129 runs.