Padikkal’s 150 guides India A to draw vs Australia A

After Australia A piled up 532 runs in their first innings, India A fought back in style, led by Devdutt Padikkal’s 150, to secure a thrilling draw in the opening 'unofficial' Test at Lucknow on Friday.

Padikkal, who resumed the final day unbeaten on 86, struck 14 boundaries and a six, guiding India A to 531 for 7 before declaring, just one run short of matching the visitors’ first-innings total. His seventh first-class century highlighted his ability in longer formats and strengthened his case for an India red-ball call-up ahead of tours against West Indies and South Africa.

Dhruv Jurel was another star performer, adding 27 runs to his overnight 113 before being dismissed for 140 off 197 balls. His innings, studded with 13 fours and five sixes, helped him and Padikkal form a crucial 228-run partnership for the fifth wicket, rescuing India A from 222 for 4 after the dismissal of skipper Shreyas Iyer on Thursday.

Australia A started their second innings steadily, reaching 56 without loss in 16 overs, as the match drifted toward a draw. Sam Konstas and Campbell Kellaway remained unbeaten on 27 and 24 respectively. Corey Rocchiccioli emerged as the pick of the bowlers for Australia A, taking 3 wickets for 159 runs.

India A declared after the first ball of the 142nd over, leaving Harsh Dubey unbeaten on 16 and Prasidh Krishna on 0. With the first match ending in a draw, both sides now look ahead to the second 'unofficial' Test, which will begin here on Tuesday.

Brief scores: Australia A 532 for 6 declared & 56/0 in 16 overs drew with India A 531 for 7 declared in 141.1 overs (Abhimanyu Easwaran 44, Narayan Jagadeesan 64, Sai Sudharsan 73, Devdutt Padikkal 150, Dhruv Jurel 140; Corey Rocchiccioli 3/159).