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The third day of the second unofficial Test saw India A's wicket-keeper batter Dhruv Jurel roaring with the bat and as he cracked phenomenal twin centuries. His exceptional batting put his team in a commanding position against South Africa A. Jurel's fifth first-class century helped India A set a challenging target of 417 runs for the visiting South Africa A squad to chase, with just over a day of play remaining at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1 in Bengaluru. South Africa A in reply were placed at 25 for no loss while chasing a stiff target by the close of Day 3.
Dhruv Jurel's twin tons put South Africa A in a spot of bother
Jurel's critical innings began after India A captain Rishabh Pant was forced to retire hurt due to body blows sustained while batting, leaving the scoreboard at 108/4. Shortly after, nightwatchman Kuldeep Yadav lost his wicket. Jurel then found a reliable partner in Harsh Dubey, and the pair proceeded to share a match-defining stand of 184 runs for the sixth wicket, ultimately stabilizing the innings and shifting the momentum firmly in India A's favor.
Jurel and Harsh Dubey complemented each other perfectly, matching stroke for stroke as both batters brought up their respective fifties. Dubey eventually compiled a crucial knock of 84 off 166 balls, featuring 12 fours and one six, before losing his wicket to Toshepo Moreki. Following this dismissal, Rishabh Pant, who had retired hurt earlier due to a minor hand injury, returned to the crease and immediately took an aggressive stance against the South Africa A bowlers.
Meanwhile, at the non-striker's end, Jurel reached his fifth first-class century in 159 balls, studded with 12 fours. Pant continued his fluent form, completing yet another fifty in the series before being dismissed by Kyle Simmonds for a quickfire 65 off just 54 balls, a knock that included five fours and four sixes. Pant’s dismissal prompted the India A captain to declare the second innings on 382/7 during the third and final session of Day 3, setting South Africa A a formidable target of over 400 runs.
Jurel remained unbeaten on 127 off 150 balls, having struck 15 fours and one six. This impressive performance, combined with the impending return of incumbent wicket-keeper Pant to the squad, presents the Indian selectors with a significant dilemma regarding Jurel's spot in the playing XI for the upcoming first Test against South Africa.
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