India A faced a tough Day 1 in the second unofficial Test against Australia A at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, managing only 161 runs before being bowled out in a challenging start to the match. After being sent in to bat, India A’s top order collapsed, losing four wickets in just the first 16 balls of play. Australian bowlers Michael Neser and Scott Boland took full advantage of the lively MCG pitch, dismissing openers Abhimanyu Easwaran and KL Rahul early. Following this, Sai Sudharsan and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad also fell quickly, leaving India A struggling at 11/4.
Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel emerged as the anchor for India A, providing much-needed resistance and skillfully countering the relentless Australian attack. Coming in under immense pressure, Jurel played a patient and determined innings, building a 53-run partnership with Devdutt Padikkal, who contributed 26 runs in a steady but short-lived effort. Jurel continued his composed performance even after Padikkal’s dismissal, reaching his half-century off 118 balls. His impressive innings included six boundaries and two sixes, and he finished with 80 runs from 186 balls, battling through as the lower order struggled to provide support. Only Nitish Kumar Reddy, with 16 runs, and Prasidh Krishna, adding 14, managed brief contributions before India A was bowled out for 161.
Australia A’s bowlers were sharp and disciplined, exploiting the conditions effectively. Michael Neser was particularly effective, claiming 4 for 27 in a 12.2-over spell. Webster also proved valuable, taking 3 for 19 with clever variations in length. Boland’s early breakthroughs set the tone, though he conceded six no-balls amid his economical performance.
In response, Australia A made a steady start, reaching 53/2 at stumps before rain interrupted play. Opener Marcus Harris remained unbeaten on 26, guiding Australia A into a promising position, trailing by only 108 runs. India A’s bowlers Mukesh Kumar and Khaleel Ahmed each managed a wicket, but Australia A will look to capitalize on their early advantage when play resumes on Day 2.
