On Day 1 of the first unofficial Test (four-day game), India A posted 257/5 against Australia A despite losing half the side under 100. After Sai Sudharsan's half-century, wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra and all-rounder Tanush Kotian's half-centuries helped India endure Australian spinners at Cricket Association Puducherry Siechem Ground on September 22.
3 wickets fall in 1st session
Earlier, India A captain Devdutt Padikkal won the toss and opted to bat first against Peter Handscomb-led side. Fergus O Neill struck early with the new ball, dismissing Aman Mokhade lbw for a single-digit score in the sixth over. Todd Murphy was introduced into the attack in the ninth over. On the fifth ball, he delivered with skipper Padikkal's wicket, tossing up the ball and getting him caught at first slip by Jason Sangha. He scored just three runs from 14 balls.
Sudharsan and Shaik Rasheed looked to build a partnership. In the last over before lunch break, Corey Rocchiccioli broke the partnership with Rashid's wicket, getting him out caught and bowled. Rasheed contributed 16 runs from 57 balls in the 58-run partnership. India A were 78/3 after first session.
India lose 5 under 100
Early into the second session, Sudharsan completed his half-century from 85 balls, his 11th of first-class career. Rocchiccioli struck again, getting the wicket of Yash Rathod for a single. The left-handed batter got out lbw. Sudharsan couldn't continue either. Rocchiccioli took a one-handed catch on follow-through as Sudharsan departed for 57 off 103 balls. India A lost half the side for 97 in the 35th over.
Kushagra scores 82 before retired hurt
Kushagra and Kotian did damage control in the second session. At tea break, India were 151/5 with both batters nearly 30s.
Kotian kicked off the third session with a six and a four off Rocchiccioli. Kushagra attacked as well. In the 63rd over, he reached his half-century from 103 balls. Kotian completed his half-century in the 71st over. The partnership wasn't broken by Kushagra returned to the dressing room retired hurt. He limped off the ground with 82 runs from 160 balls including 10 fours. The two batters put on 138 runs for the sixth wicket.
Shams Mulani played the majority of the deliveries towards the end of Day 1's play. Mulani scored 10 runs from 43 balls and remained unbeaten. On the other end, Kotian faced 134 balls to score 68 runs.
India A are in good position with 257/5 on the board despite losing five wickets under 100. It is yet to be seen whether Kushagra returns to bat on Day 2 and help India A post a big total on the board.