The India A team, led by Dhruv Jurel, made history on Friday by becoming the first team in A Tests to chase down a target of over 400 runs. They successfully chased 412 runs, thanks to a big hundred from KL Rahul, a century from Sai Sudharsan, and a half-century from Jurel.
India set target of 412 against Australia
After set a target of 412, openers Rahul and Narayan Jagadeesan built a solid start with an 82-run partnership before Jagadeesan was out for 36, dismissed by Todd Murphy. Then Rahul had to retire hurt due to a reported fever. Sudharsan teamed up with Devdutt Padikkal and nightwatchman Manav Suthar, but both dismissed for just five runs.
Rahul returned after Suthar’s early dismissal on Day 4. He added 78 runs with Sudharsan for the 4th wicket before Sudharsan dismissed by Corey Rocchiccioli, caught by Campbell Kellaway for 100.
115 run partnership between Jurel and KL Rahul
Jurel and Rahul then formed a decisive 115-run partnership before Jurel was out, caught by Jack Edwards for 56 off Rocchiccioli. Rahul then contributed another 31 runs with Nitish Kumar Reddy, which took India over the finish line.
These partnerships, made by players from India senior Test squad, overwhelmed the Australians, whose bowling unit had only eight Tests of experience, with seven from Murphy and one from Cooper Connolly. The Indian batters faced only minor slip-ups as they started the day at 169/2, still down by 243 runs with eight wickets remaining.
Earlier, Australia A scored 420 in their first innings, highlighted by Sam Konstas’ 49 and three 50s from captain Nathan McSweeney, Edwards, and Murphy. India bowled out for just 194 in their first innings, with Sudharsan’s 75 being the only significant score. Henry Thornton took four wickets.
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