India A made a strong comeback on the first day of their unofficial Test against Australia A, held at the Cricket Association Puducherry Siechem Ground.
After facing early setbacks, the team ended the day at 257 runs for the loss of five wickets after 89 overs.
Winning the toss and opting to bat, India A lost their first wicket at just 12 runs when Aman Mokhade was dismissed. Captain Devdutt Padikkal followed soon after, returning to the pavilion at a score of 20, having scored only three runs.
From that point, Sai Sudharsan partnered with Sheikh Rasheed, forming a crucial third-wicket partnership of 58 runs. Rasheed was dismissed for 16 runs, leading to another collapse as India A lost two more wickets, including Sudharsan, who made a commendable 57 runs off 103 balls with three boundaries.
In a pivotal moment, Tanush Kotian joined Kumar Kushagra, and the duo stabilized the innings, adding 138 runs for the sixth wicket over 266 balls. Kushagra scored 82 runs, hitting ten boundaries before retiring hurt. Tanush remained unbeaten at 68, with one six and four fours, while Shams Mulani contributed 10 runs as India A crossed the 250-run mark.
For Australia A, Corey Rochichio achieved three wickets for 72 runs in 18 overs, while Fergus O’Neill and Todd Murphy each claimed one wicket.
The playing XI for India A included Aman Mokhade, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal (captain), Sheikh Rasheed, Yash Rathod, Kumar Kushagra (wicketkeeper), Tanush Kotian, Shams Mulani, Anshul Kamboj, Tushar Deshpande, and Praful Hinge.
Under the captaincy of Peter Handscomb, Australia A fielded a team consisting of Sam Constas, Campbell Kellaway, Nathan McSweeney, Jason Sangha, Josh Philippe (wicketkeeper), Liam Scott, Fergus O’Neill, Todd Murphy, Corey Rochichio, and Brendan Doggett.