India A toiled hard both in bowling and batting on Day 2 of the first unofficial Test against Australia A at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Wednesday, September 17.
India A stand strong at 116/1 in strong retort to Australia A's 532/6
While replying to Australia A's colossal total, India A showcased a strong batting performance, finishing the day at 116 for 1 after 30 overs. Leading the charge was Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper-batter Narayan Jagadeesan, who remained unbeaten with a steady 50 runs from 95 balls. Jagadeesan formed a crucial 88-run opening partnership with Abhimanyu Easwaran (44), providing a solid foundation for the team. By the end of Day 2 stumps, Jagadeesan and Sai Sudharsan (20*) were intact on the crease. This positive start came after Australia A had declared their first innings at a commanding total of 532 for 6 in 98 overs.
The Australian innings was highlighted by another century, this time from Josh Phillipe, who followed Sam Konstas's ton on Day 1. Phillipe's explosive knock of 123 not out came off just 87 balls and included 18 fours and 4 sixes. On the bowling front for India A, spinner Harsh Dubey was the most successful, claiming three wickets for 141 runs in his 27 overs.
Unfortunately, rain played spoilsport on the second day, limiting play to just 55 overs and forcing an early end to the day's proceedings.
Before the rain arrived, Australia A's Josh Philippe put the Indian bowlers under immense pressure with a blistering century. He remained unbeaten on 123 runs from just 87 balls, an innings that included 18 fours and 4 sixes. Philippe was a part of two significant partnerships, first adding 81 runs for the sixth wicket with Scott before an unbroken 118-run stand for the seventh wicket with Xavier Bartlett, which came off just 62 balls. Bartlett's quickfire 39 from 24 balls, featuring five fours and two sixes, was instrumental in helping Australia A declare their innings after crossing the 500-run mark.
Australia A had resumed the day at 337 for five. Overnight batter Scott was unable to reach his century, as he was caught by skipper Shreyas Iyer off the bowling of Gurnoor Brar for a well-made 81 from 122 balls, which included eight fours and two sixes.
Spinner Harsh Dubey was the most successful bowler for India A, finishing with figures of 3 for 141, while Gurnoor Brar chipped in with 2 for 87. It was a tough day for Indian bowler Prasidh Krishna, who went wicketless and gave away 86 runs in his 16 overs.
The strong Australian total was built on a solid foundation from the first day's play. The 19-year-old Sam Konstas was particularly impressive, scoring a rapid century with 104 runs from 144 balls. He was well supported by Campbell Kellaway (88) and Cooper Connolly (70), both of whom scored half-centuries to put Australia A in a dominant position.