Rahul,Sai Sudharsan drive India-A in adaunting chase

After taking part in a lone hand within the first innings, B. Sai Sudharsan as soon as once more offered assurance as India-A started the daunting process of chasing 412 towards Australia-A on the third day of the second ‘Test’ on the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Sai Sudharsan was unbeaten on 44 at stumps, guiding the host to 167 for 2 — nonetheless 243 runs behind. Ok. L. Rahul, who seemed in chic contact with 74 off 92 balls, retired damage for causes but unknown.

Batting at No. 3, Sai Sudharsan showcased self-discipline and precision, driving elegantly by the covers and even lofting Cooper Connolly for six. His 65-run stand with Rahul steadied India-A after a robust begin. Rahul stamped his authority early, glancing to positive leg earlier than cracking back-to-back cowl drives off Henry Thornton. His 55-ball half-century mirrored intent. With N. Jagadeesan, he added 80 in 17 overs, punishing something full or on the pads.

Jagadeesan, eyeing a fifty, fell to Todd Murphy. The off-spinner later bowled Devdutt Padikkal for 5 and left Sai Sudharsan and Manav Suthar to see out the day.

Earlier, Australia-A, resuming at 16 for 3, misplaced Oliver Peake virtually instantly — bowled by Mohammed Siraj after shouldering arms. Nathan McSweeney and Josh Philippe counterattacked with boundaries, streaky at instances by the cordon.

Manav Suthar came to visit the wicket, permitting Philippe to comb and reverse-sweep freely. The wicketkeeper-batter raced to a 46-ball fifty earlier than being caught behind off Suthar. McSweeney anchored with assured defence and pulls, mentioning fifty in 98 balls, and lofted Ayush Badoni for a six.

The innings collapsed quickly after. Gurnoor Brar eliminated Jack Edwards and Will Sutherland in successive balls, whereas Suthar bowled Murphy. Yash Thakur then dismissed Corey Rocchiccioli and Thornton to finish the innings at 185, leaving India-A with a stiff chase.

The scores: Australia-A 420 & 185 in 46.5 overs (Nathan McSweeney 85 n.o., Josh Philippe 50, Gurnoor Brar 3/43, Manav Suthar 3/50) vs India-A 194 & 169/2 in 41 overs (Ok. L. Rahul 74 retd damage, Sai Sudharsan 44 batting).