India A are in the control of the first unofficial Test against Australia A despite getting bowled out for 199 in their second innings. Skipper Devdutt Padikkal's half-century and in-form wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra's unbeaten 46 helped India A set a target of 363. In the run chase, Australia A lost both openers in the third session. Ahead of Day 4, they need 308 more runs to win with eight wickets in hand at Cricket Association Puducherry Siechem Ground.
Padikkal scores fifty
Ben Doggett struck early in the first session, dismissing Aman Mokhade lbw for a single-digit score. Skipper Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan looked to build a partnership. At the stroke of lunch, Todd Murphy broke the partnership with Sudharsan's wicket. The opener was dismissed lbw for 39 off 85 balls. India A were 93/2 after first session.
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In his first over in the second session, Jason Sangha dismissed Shaik Rasheed caught and bowled for a six-ball duck. In the 36th over, Padikkal hit two consecutive fours off Liam Scott to reach his fifty from 72 deliveries. In the same over, Scott knocked over Yash Rathod. A few overs later, Scott got Padikkal out lbw. The captain scored 59 runs from 88 balls including seven fours.
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Tanush Kotian hit a six before falling to Doggett, not being able to replicate his heroics from first innings. At the end of second session, India were 172/6 with Kushagra and Sams Mulani in the middle.
Collapse in 3rd session
After the tea break, Kushagra smashed Murphy for two consecutive sixes. The off-spinner made a comeback with the wicket of Mulani. He faced 24 balls to score just a single. In his next over, Murphy dismissed Anshul Kamboj as well. Murphy continued to strike and got Tushar Deshpande out lbw for a nine-ball duck. Praful Hinge was run out as Kushagra ran out of partners. Kushagra remained unbeaten for 46 off 58 balls including four fours and a couple of sixes.
Australia A lose both openers
In the run chase, Australia A faced an early blow with Campbell Kellaway falling for a two-ball duck to Deshpande. Once again, Sam Konstas got off to a decent start. But, he lost his wicket to Kotian. The off-spinner dismissed him lbw for a 63-ball 20. Skipper Peter Handscomb ensured no more wickets fall towards the end of Day 3's play. He did not score a single run and faced 16 balls. On the other end, Nathan McSweeney scored 23 runs from 58 balls. Australia A were 55/2 at the end of day's play, needing 308 more runs to win series opener.