Sudharsan and Rahul Shine as India A Battle in Epic Chase Against Australia A

On the third day of the second multi-day Test at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium, India A faced the formidable task of chasing 412 runs against Australia A. B. Sai Sudharsan, after a commendable performance in the first innings, once again provided stability by remaining unbeaten on 44. By the end of the day, India A had reached 167 for two, still needing 243 runs to meet their target. KL Rahul, exhibiting excellent form with a 74 off 92 balls, had to retire hurt due to unspecified reasons.

Sudharsan, batting at No. 3, repeated his disciplined approach from the first innings, adeptly selecting his strokes and dispatching loose deliveries, including an elegant cover drive and a six off Cooper Connolly. His 65-run partnership with Rahul for the second wicket solidified India A’s position after a strong start by the openers.

Rahul dominated early with a flick to fine leg followed by classic cover drives against Henry Thornton. His innings, combining flair and control, was highlighted by a 55-ball half-century, emphasizing his attacking intent. Together with opener N. Jagadeesan, Rahul added 80 runs in only 17 overs, capitalizing on anything pitched full or on the pads.

Just as Jagadeesan approached his fifty, he fell to Todd Murphy, who later bowled Devdutt Padikkal with a sharply turning delivery. With Rahul unexpectedly walking off after the 35th over, Sudharsan and Manav Suthar safely navigated the remaining overs to avoid further loss.

Earlier, Australia A started the day at 16 for three and quickly lost Oliver Peake, bowled by Mohammed Siraj. Nathan McSweeney and Josh Philippe mounted a counterattack of boundaries, though many edges narrowly avoided the slip cordon.

Nathan McSweeney led from the front, remaining unbeaten with an 85 (Photo Credit: UPCA). Manav Suthar adjusted his approach, opting for an over-the-wicket angle to both right-handed batsmen, enabling Philippe to execute regular and reverse sweeps. Philippe reached a half-century in just 46 balls before being caught behind off Suthar.

McSweeney continued to hold the innings together, combining solid defense with decisive pulls, achieving his fifty in 98 balls and later lofting Ayush Badoni for six over midwicket. The innings quickly collapsed afterward, with Gurnoor Brar removing Jack Edwards and Will Sutherland on successive balls. Suthar bowled Todd Murphy shortly after.

Yash Thakur, substituting for the concussed Prasidh Krishna, bowled with notable pace and perseverance. Despite being hit occasionally, he dismissed Corey Rocchiccioli and Thornton, the latter with a sharp self-caught return catch. Australia A concluded their innings at 185, leaving India A a challenging target to chase.

Published on September 25, 2025.