Australia-A set an uphill task after India-A post 363 at Siechem

India-A left Australia-A chasing 363 in the first ‘Test’ at the Siechem Cricket Stadium in Puducherry on Thursday, reducing the visitors to 55 for two at stumps. Nathan McSweeney was 23 not out as Australia-A ended the day on 55/2 in 23 overs, with 308 runs still required for victory.

Devdutt Padikkal (59, 88b, 7x4) and Kumar Kushagra (46 not out, 59b, 4x4, 2x6) were the principal contributors on a difficult third-day surface, their efforts ensuring India-A set the target after scoring 334 and 199 in 57.4 overs. B. Sai Sudharsan also played a notable role, making 39 off 85 balls, and Padikkal joined him in the seventh over of the innings to build the platform for India-A.

Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan combined for a 68-run second-wicket stand, the highest partnership recorded during the day, and Padikkal adjusted his technique after his first-innings mistake by playing with soft hands to survive numerous edges. Todd Rocchiccioli twice found an edge off consecutive deliveries to Padikkal — the first did not carry to second slip, the second went through the cordon — reflecting the variable bounce the batters faced.

Sai Sudharsan negotiated several deliveries that jumped awkwardly but was trapped lbw attempting a sweep off Todd Murphy, who finished with figures of 4/48. Padikkal’s dismissal came after a change of approach when he attempted an on-sided heave off Liam Scott, missed, and was struck on the pads.

Kumar Kushagra controlled much of India-A’s later play but fell short of a fifty because partners were dismissed; India-A lost their last six wickets for 48 runs. The collapse curtailed any opportunity for a larger lead but still left Australia-A with a substantial target.

For Australia-A, Sam Konstas and Nathan McSweeney added 47 for the second wicket early in the chase before Konstas, on 20, was given out plumb in front when attempting a sweep off Tanush Kotian minutes before close. The match score read: India-A 334 & 199 in 57.4 overs (Devdutt Padikkal 59, Kumar Kushagra 46 not out, Todd Murphy 4/48) v Australia-A 171 & 55/2 in 23 overs.

Play will resume with Australia-A requiring 308 more runs for victory and Nathan McSweeney at the crease, while India-A will seek the remaining eight wickets on the final day.