Dhruv Jurel’s Century Lifts India A Against Australia A In Unofficial Test

Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel’s unbeaten 113 powered India A to 403 for four on day three of the first unofficial Test against Australia A at Ekana Stadium on Thursday. Jurel’s 132-ball knock, studded with 10 fours and four sixes, anchored a resilient batting effort, supported by half-centuries from N. Jagadeesan (64), B. Sai Sudharsan (73), and an unbeaten 86 from Devdutt Padikkal. Despite trailing Australia A’s first innings total of 532/6 declared by 129 runs, India A’s strong performance suggests the match is heading toward a draw.

The day began with India. A resumption at 116/1, with Jagadeesan and Sudharsan at the crease. Jagadeesan, fresh from a Test call-up in England, scored 64 off 113 balls before being caught off Xavier Bartlett. Sudharsan, a recent Test debutant, added 73 but fell lbw to Cooper Connolly in the 59th over. The pair’s 76-run stand stabilised the innings before Jurel and Padikkal’s unbeaten 181-run fifth-wicket partnership took control, maintaining a brisk scoring rate of nearly four runs per over.

Shreyas Iyer, India A’s captain, struggled, managing only 8 before falling to spinner Corey Rocchiccioli in the 62nd over, a setback amid his push for a national team recall ahead of India’s upcoming two-Test series against the West Indies. Jurel and Padikkal, however, ensured no further damage, with Padikkal unbeaten on 86 off 178 balls, including eight fours.

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The teams will meet again at Ekana Stadium for the second unofficial Test from September 23 to 26, followed by a three-match one-day series in Kanpur. With Jurel and Padikkal’s partnership giving India momentum, the hosts aim to build on their position on the final day.

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