Manav Suthar’s Five-Wicket Haul Restricts Australia A To 350/9

Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar delivered a stellar performance, claiming five wickets to restrict Australia A to 350 for nine on the opening day of the second four-day unofficial Test against India A at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium on Tuesday. Suthar’s disciplined bowling (5/93 in 28 overs) dismantled the Australian batting lineup, supported by pacers Gurnoor Brar (2/71), Mohammed Siraj (1/73), and Prasidh Krishna (1/63), as India A gained a slight edge in the contest.

Australia A started steadily, reaching 144 for two, with Nathan McSweeney anchoring the innings with a resolute 74 off 162 balls, including 10 fours. Opener Sam Konstas, fresh off a century in the first unofficial Test, scored 49 before Siraj dismissed him, caught by wicketkeeper N. Jagadeesan. Prasidh provided the early breakthrough, removing Campbell Kellaway for 9. Suthar then took charge, dismissing Oliver Peake (29), Cooper Connolly (0), and Josh Philippe (39) to trigger a middle-order collapse.

Jack Edwards played a counterattacking knock of 88 off 78 balls, featuring 11 fours and a six, forging crucial partnerships of 52 runs each with Philippe and Will Sutherland to push Australia A past 300. However, Brar ended Edwards’ charge, and Suthar completed his five-for by removing Sutherland (10) and Corey Rocchiccioli (2) late in the day. With stumps drawn at 350/9, Australia A’s innings hung in the balance.

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

India A, led by Dhruv Jurel in the absence of Shreyas Iyer, saw KL Rahul and Siraj return to action ahead of India’s upcoming two-Test series against the West Indies. The hosts will aim to capitalise on Suthar’s heroics when play resumes, looking to bowl out Australia A early and build a strong batting response in this crucial preparatory match.

Also Read: KL Rahul, Prasidh Krishna, Karun Nair in Karnataka Ranji Probables