The opening four-day unofficial Test between India A and Australia A ended in a draw at the Ekana Cricket Stadium after rain forced the final day’s play to be abandoned.Resuming on 403/4 on Day 4, India A’s overnight pair of Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel continued their show. Jurel, who had reached his second first-class century on the previous day, added 27 runs to finish with 140 before being dismissed. Padikkal went on to complete a classy 150, his innings lasting 198 deliveries and making noise on his return to red-ball cricket.The two had come together when India A were under pressure at 222/4, putting on a partnership of over 200 runs to steady the innings against Australia A’s imposing first-innings total of 532/6 declared. Their effort allowed the hosts to declare at 531/7, just one run short of being level, after small contributions from the lower order.Australia’s openers made a solid start in their second innings, reaching 56 without losing a wicket before the weather brought an early close to proceedings. Sam Konstas was unbeaten on 27 alongside Campbell Kellaway on 24.Earlier in the match, Australia A had dominated their first innings after electing to bat first. Their batting unit piled on 532 runs, with India A’s bowlers made to work hard on a flat surface. In response, several of India A’s top order smashed half-centuries, including Sai Sudharsan and N Jagadeesan, before Jurel and Padikkal took control on Day 3 and 4.
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With batters on both sides in command for majority of the four days, the match ultimately headed to a draw, the rain on Thursday confirming the result.The two-match series will now move to the second fixture, also scheduled in Lucknow, beginning on September 23.
