India A Becomes First Team to Chase 400+ Target in Test Cricket Against Australia: India A set a new record with a historic victory against Australia A. This marked the first time an ‘A’ Test team successfully achieved a target of over 400. Chasing a mammoth target of 412, the Indian batsmen performed brilliantly, scoring 413/5 in 91.3 overs to win the match.
Centuries from Rahul and Sudarshan led to victory
KL Rahul and Sai Sudarshan were the heroes of India’s victory. Rahul played a brilliant unbeaten innings of 176* and remained at the crease until the end. His innings included 16 fours and four sixes. Sai Sudarshan, meanwhile, played a 100-run innings off 172 balls, bolstering the team’s chances. He hit nine fours and one six. The crucial partnership between these two batsmen completely turned the match in India’s favor.
Other Contributions and Lower Order
Captain Dhruv Jurel (56) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (16 not out) also made useful contributions. Although N. Jagadeesan (36), Devdutt Padikkal (5), and Manav Suthar (5) lost early wickets, the strong batting of the top and middle order made the target achievable. This victory is special because no team had successfully chased 400+ runs in ‘A’ Test cricket before. This win also gives an idea of the bench strength of Indian cricket.
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Australia A vs India A First Innings
Australia A scored 420 runs in their first innings. This included 49 runs from Sam Constas, 74 runs from captain McSweeney, and 88 runs from Jack Edwards. Todd Murphy also scored 76 runs. Manav Suthar took five wickets for India, while Gurran Brar took three wickets. In reply, India A’s first innings ended at 194 runs. Sai Sudarshan scored 75 runs. N. Jagadeesan also made 38 runs. Ayush Badoni scored 21 runs, and Prasidh Krishna retired hurt after scoring 16 runs. Thornton took four wickets for Australia A, while Murphy took two. Australia A had a 226-run lead in the first innings.
Australia A’s Second Innings
Australia A did not enforce the follow-on against India. In the second innings, Australia A managed 185 runs. Captain McSweeney scored 85 runs. Philip also made 50 runs. For India, Gurnur Brar and Manav Suthar took three wickets each, while Siraj and Yash Thakur took two wickets each. Australia A’s total lead was 411 runs, and India was set a target of 412 runs, which Rahul and Sudarshan achieved with brilliant innings.
Sudarshan and Rahul in the squad against the West Indies
Rahul and Sudarshan are both included in the Indian team for the two-Test series against the West Indies, starting October 2. Padikkal is also included, but his form has been poor. Padikkal has been included in the Indian team in place of Karun Nair.
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