Puducherry, 24 September (H.S.): A fine half-century from Devdutt Padikkal and an unbeaten 46 from Kumar Kushagra helped India A set Australia A a challenging target of 363 in the first unofficial Test. At the close of play on the third day, Australia A had reached 55 for two in 23 overs in their second innings and still required 308 runs for victory.

India A were bowled out for 199 in their second innings, with Padikkal making a valuable 59 and Kushagra remaining unbeaten on 46. Opener Sai Sudharsan also contributed 39. After Australia A were dismissed for 171 earlier on the third day, India A began their second innings with a 163-run lead.

Aman Mokhade was dismissed early by Liam Scott, after which Sai Sudharsan and Padikkal put together a valuable 68-run partnership on a difficult batting surface.

Padikkal played several impressive back-foot strokes against the spinners and collected boundaries at regular intervals. Sudharsan also looked assured before being dismissed while attempting a sweep against Todd Murphy. From 93 for one, India A then lost their next four wickets for just 58 runs.

Sheikh Rasheed was caught and bowled by Tanveer Sangha, while Yash Rathod was bowled by Scott with an excellent delivery. Scott then removed Padikkal to leave India A in trouble.

Kushagra subsequently attempted to accelerate the scoring alongside the lower order. He struck two consecutive sixes off Murphy, but Murphy eventually wrapped up the lower order, finishing with four wickets.

Chasing 363, Australia A made a poor start.

Anshul Kamboj bowled a few deliveries down the leg side, but Tushar Deshpande gave India A their first breakthrough by trapping Campbell Kellaway lbw.

Sam Konstas and Nathan McSweeney then batted patiently. McSweeney remained unbeaten on 23, while Tanush Kotian dismissed Konstas shortly before the close to give India A their second wicket.

Brief Scores: India A 334 & 199; Australia A 171 & 55/2. Australia A require 308 more runs for victory.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar