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Key Points

India A and Australia A played out a high-scoring draw in the first unofficial Test at Lucknow. Dhruv Jurel's brilliant 140 and Devdutt Padikkal's magnificent 150 powered India A to 531/7 in response to Australia's 532/6 declared. The match was heading towards an exciting finish with Australia at 56/0 in their second innings. Unfortunately, rain washed out the final day's play, confirming the draw between the two strong teams.

Key Points: Dhruv Jurel Devdutt Padikkal Centuries Lead India A vs Australia A Draw

  • Dhruv Jurel scores 140 runs with second first-class century
  • Devdutt Padikkal slams 150 highlighting red-ball comeback
  • 200-run partnership rescues India A from 222/4
  • Rain washes out final day's play forcing draw
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India A vs Australia A: Dhruv Jurel, Devdutt Padikkal Shine as first unofficial Test ends in draw

Dhruv Jurel 140 and Devdutt Padikkal 150 guide India A to 531/7 declaration as rain forces draw against Australia A in Lucknow unofficial Test series opener.

"The duo came together when India A was struggling at 222 for four and put on a partnership exceeding 200 runs - Match Report"

Lucknow, September 19

The two-match unofficial Test series between India and Australia A at the Ekana Cricket Stadium saw the first match end in a draw after rain washed out the final day's play.

India started Day 4 at 403/4, trailing by 129 runs against Australia A after their 532 in the first innings.

India A resumed the day on 403 for 4 with Padikkal on 86 and Dhruv Jurel on 113. Jurel could add only 27 to his overnight score, but Padikkal carried on.

After Dhruv Jurel, Devdutt Padikkal scored a well-crafted century that highlighted his comeback to the red-ball scene. The left-handed batter reached the milestone of 198 deliveries with a single against Corey Rocchiccioli.

The duo came together when India A was struggling at 222 for four and put on a partnership exceeding 200 runs, stabilising the innings against Australia A's massive 532/6 declared.

Dhruv Jurel made 140 runs, while Padikkal slammed 150. The Indian team declared the innings after making just 11 runs following the duo's return to the dugout at 531-7.

Australia finished at 56/0 at the end of Day 4, with Sam Konstas (27) and Campbell Kellaway (24) remaining unbeaten at the crease.

Earlier on Day 3, Dhruv Jurel struck his second first-class century as India A batters flourished, except for captain Shreyas Iyer, with the hosts ending day three at 403/4, trailing by 129 runs against Australia A after their 532 in the first innings.

Apart from Jurel, who was unbeaten on 113, Devdutt Padikkal, B Sai Sudharsan and N Jagadeesan had gone past fifty at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. India A began day three trailing Australia A by 416 runs.

Batsmen dominated the four-day match, with Australia A declaring at 532 after winning the toss and batting first.

India A responded strongly, declaring 531/7, thanks to Dhruv Jurel's 140 and Devdutt Padikkal's 150, setting up a thrilling draw that was ultimately confirmed by rain washing out the final day's play.

The second four-dayer will also be played in Lucknow, from September 23.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Dhruv Jurel continues to impress! His wicketkeeping skills plus this batting performance make him a strong contender for the national team. Perfect replacement for when Dhoni retired!
A
Arjun K
Shame about the rain on final day. Could have been an interesting finish with Australia A at 56/0 chasing. Our bowlers need more opportunities in these A games to develop properly.
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Sarah B
The partnership between Jurel and Padikkal when India was at 222/4 was absolutely crucial. That's the kind of temperament we need in Test cricket! Great fightback against Australia's 532.
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Vikram M
While the batting was excellent, concerned about our bowling. Conceding 532 runs to Australia A is worrying. Need to work on our bowling attack before the main series.
M
Michael C
Good to see competitive cricket between A teams. These matches are crucial for player development. Both teams showed great character in this high-scoring draw.

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