India A is under pressure in the second unofficial Test against Australia A, held at the Cricket Association Puducherry’s Siechem Ground.
As the third day concluded, the home team had scored 28 runs for the loss of one wicket, chasing a daunting target of 365 runs. They now require 337 runs on the final day to secure victory.
Winning the toss, the Australian team opted to bat first, amassing 358 runs in their first innings. They stumbled early, losing three wickets for just 16 runs. However, Jason Sangha (46) and Nathan McSweeney (34) steadied the innings with an 81-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
India A struck again at 104 runs, taking their fifth wicket. Sam Harper (128) then forged crucial partnerships, adding 84 runs with Liam Scott (34) and 89 runs with Todd Murphy (33), putting the team in a strong position. Harper also collaborated with Jhye Richardson (31) for 53 runs for the eighth wicket. Anshul Kamboj, Nachiket Bhute, and Shams Mulani each took three wickets for India A.
In response, India A struggled in their first innings, collapsing for just 167 runs. Sheikh Rasheed top-scored with 42 runs, while Tanush Kotiyan contributed 33 and captain Devdutt Padikkal added 31. The Australian bowlers Jhye Richardson and Corey Rochichio each claimed three wickets.
With a first-innings lead of 191 runs, Australia A declared their second innings at 173 for 4. Sam Kontas and Josh Philippe opened with a 53-run partnership before Philippe was dismissed for 26. Kontas then added 40 runs with Nathan McSweeney. Kontas finished with 40 runs, while McSweeney scored 36 and Sangha remained unbeaten on 44. Tanush Kotiyan was the standout bowler for India A, taking two wickets.
Chasing the massive target, India A suffered an early setback, losing Sai Sudharsan (12) at a score of 23, dismissed by Todd Murphy. Tushar has now joined Ayush Pandey at the crease, with Pandey on 11 and Tushar on 4, both unbeaten as the team aims to overcome the steep challenge ahead.