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Star batter Devdutt Padikkal's exceptional century after Akash Deep's four-wicket haul steered India A to a commanding position on the second day of the four-day unofficial second Test against England Lions on January 25.
England Lions' decision to bat first after winning the toss proved costly as the Indian bowling lineup dismissed them for 152 in 52.4 overs on Day 1. Akash Deep led the bowling attack, claiming 4/46 runs. Yash Dayal (2/14) and off-spinner Washington Sundar (2/25) also contributed significantly, each taking two wickets. Oliver Price, with 48 runs off 81 balls, emerged as the top scorer for England Lions, while Brydon Carse added 31 runs.
The English team struggled against the Indian bowlers, as evidenced by seven of their batsmen being dismissed for single-digit scores.
England Lions' inability to form substantial partnerships was a key factor in their collapse, with the highest partnership being a 43-run stand for the seventh wicket between Price and Carse.
In their response, the Indian opening pair of Devdutt Padikkal and captain Abhimanyu Easwaran easily handled the English bowling, comfortably scoring runs and bringing India A to a strong position at 150 for no loss. Padikkal, in particular, showcased his aggressive style, enroute to his exceptional knock, effectively overpowering the English bowling. Easwaran, meanwhile, assumed a supporting role, perfectly complementing Padikkal from the other end.
However Easwaran fell to Matthew Potts after scoring 58 off 108 but Padikkal didn't stop. The star southpaw went on to score a beautiful ton, 105 off 126 riding on 17 fours. Potts returned to sent Tilak Varma to pavilion at the score 6 and Padikkal too crashed to Brydon Carse after notching his century. The next batter to take crease was India's explosive batter Rinku Singh, who was recently added to India A' squad. But Rinku failed to make mark as he had to return to pavilion after recording a four-ball duck. Sarfaraz Khan and Washington Sundar then steadied India A's boat. Together they took India to a commanding 242/4 till lunch on Day 2 of the second Test between India A and England Lions.
While Sarfaraz is batting at 48 off 47, Sundar is unscathed on 20 off 49.
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