N Jagadeesan scored a crucial unbeaten half-century as India A reached 116/1 in reply to Australia A’s massive 532/6 declared in the rain-hit first unofficial Test.
Narayan Jagadeesan made a level-headed innings to keep India A going as they responded to Australia A's huge 532 for six declared in the first unofficial Test. On the rain-affected second day, Jagadeesan was unbeaten on 50 off 95 balls with five boundaries and a six, while B Sai Sudharsan chipped in with 20 not out. India A were 116 for one at stumps, behind by 416 runs.
Abhimanyu Easwaran had previously given a good beginning with an 88-run opening partnership with Jagadeesan before getting out for 44 off Liam Scott in the 22nd over.
The second day was reduced to 55 overs of play when rains caused a premature end to the day's action. Despite the truncated session, Jagadeesan and Sudharsan made sure India A did not lose more momentum in the difficult position.
Australia A's innings was supported by a wonderful hundred by wicket-keeper batter Josh Philippe. Philippe hammered 123 not out from 87 balls, with 18 boundaries and four sixes, taking the total past 500.
Philippe's hitting was marked by two important stands: an 81-run sixth-wicket partnership with Liam Scott and an unbeaten 118-run seventh-wicket stand with Xavier Bartlett, who scored 39 at a speed of 24 balls.
Overnight batter Liam Scott fell short of a century, bowled out for 81 by Gurnoor Brar, caught by skipper Shreyas Iyer.
Among the Indian bowlers, Harsh Dubey proved to be the most economical, claiming 3 wickets for 141 runs. Gurnoor Brar gave good support with 2 for 87, and Prasidh Krishna bowled 16 overs but remained wicketless, giving away 86 runs.
On day one, teenager Sam Konstas delighted Australia A with a quick century (104 from 144 balls), while Campbell Kellaway and Cooper Connolly chipped in with quick half-centuries, scoring 88 and 70 respectively.
Australia A: 532/6 decl. in 98 overs (Sam Konstas 109, Campbell Kellaway 88, Cooper Connolly 70, Liam Scott 81, Josh Philippe 123*; Harsh Dubey 3/141, Gurnoor Brar 2/86)
India A: 116/1 in 30 overs (Abhimanyu Easwaran 44, N Jagadeesan 50*; Liam Scott 1/9)
Lead: Australia A by 416 runs
Jagadeesan's unscathed half-century will be critical for India A as they try to construct a comeback in the remaining innings. With rain affecting play, India A will try to steady before trying for a fighting total against an overpowering Australian team.
