India A extended its dominance in the first unofficial Test against Australia A on Day 3 in Puducherry, setting a daunting 363‑run target for the visitors. The hosts compiled 334 runs in the first innings and added 199 in the second, while Australia A managed 171 and 55 for two wickets at the close of play, leaving them 308 runs behind with a long way to go.
India A’s batting builds a massive lead
The third day’s play began with India A holding a 163‑run advantage after the first two innings. The surface, described as offering “progressively greater wear and variance,” demanded careful technique, especially against uneven bounce.
Opening the innings, Aman Mokhade fell early to a delivery from Liam Scott that slipped under his knees and trapped him in front of the stumps. His dismissal set the stage for a partnership between Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal, who together added 68 runs. Padikkal, who had impressed in Sri Lanka, continued to attack the spinners from the back foot, finding the boundary with notable frequency. Sudharsan, meanwhile, played square of the wicket until a full ball slipped under his attempted sweep against Todd Murphy, leading to his wicket.
After reaching 93 for one, India A lost four wickets for just 58 runs. Shaik Rasheed was caught and bowled by Tanveer Sangha immediately after the lunch interval, and Yash Rathod fell to a superbly angled delivery from Scott that nipped away. Scott also claimed Padikkal’s wicket when the left‑hander attempted a swish over square leg, only to miss and be bowled.
Kumar Kushagra, who had scored a century in the first innings, remained unbeaten on 46, steering the lower order. Post‑tea, he launched a couple of sixes off Murphy before the off‑spinner dismissed the remaining tail‑enders, finishing with a four‑fer.
In addition to Padikkal’s 59 and Kushagra’s 46 not out, opener Sai Sudharsan contributed a steady 39, and the combined effort pushed the second‑innings total to 199. The cumulative lead of 363 runs represented a “massive” target for Australia A, according to the match report.
Australia A’s response in the chase
Australia A entered the final session of Day 3 needing to overcome a 363‑run deficit. They managed to bat for 23 overs before the close of play, losing two wickets while still trailing by 308 runs.
Opening bowler Anshul Kamboj struggled with his line, delivering balls down the leg side. His partner, Tushar Deshpande, quickly found his rhythm and dismissed Campbell Kellaway in front of the stumps. The middle order saw Sam Konstas and Nathan McSweeney display patience; McSweeney, noted as a potential candidate for a Border Gavaskar Trophy call‑up next year, remained unbeaten at the end of the day.
Konstas fell just before stumps after Tanush Kotian removed an off‑break that passed his defence and struck the pads. By the close, Australia A’s scoreboard read 55 for two, with McSweeney on 23 not out.
Overall, Australia A’s innings featured a disciplined start but the required run rate remained out of reach. The match summary listed India A’s totals as 334 and 199, with Padikkal scoring 59, Kushagra 46*, and Todd Murphy taking 4‑48 with the ball. Australia A’s scores were 171 and 55 for two, with McSweeney unbeaten on 23 and Deshpande’s bowling figures at 1‑5.
Key performances and bowling figures
The day highlighted several individual contributions. Padikkal’s 59 demonstrated his ability to dominate spinners, while Kushagra’s unbeaten 46 reinforced his reputation after a first‑innings century. Sudharsan’s 39 added stability at the top of the order.
On the bowling side, Liam Scott was instrumental for Australia A, claiming the wickets of Mokhade, Rathod, and Padikkal. Todd Murphy’s four‑wicket haul (4‑48) was the most effective spell for Australia A, providing crucial breakthroughs throughout India A’s innings.
For India A, Tanveer Sangha’s catch‑and‑bowled dismissal of Rasheed and the off‑spinner’s four‑fer against the tail added to the pressure on the visitors.
As the match moves into its final stages, Australia A faces a steep climb, needing to erase a 308‑run deficit with only two wickets in hand. The outcome will hinge on whether their middle order can accelerate scoring while preserving wickets, and whether India A’s bowlers can maintain discipline on a pitch that continues to offer uneven bounce.
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