Wicketkeeper batsman Dhruv Jurel put up a commanding show to lead India A’s strong reply against Australia A in the first unofficial Test at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium on Thursday. Jurel’s unbeaten 113 and his unbroken 181 run stand with Devdutt Padikkal helped India A recover from a slight wobble in the middle as they ended Day 3 at 403/4 with one day to go in the match which is headed for a draw unless the host’s attack puts up an inspiring show on the final day, Friday.
For the third consecutive day in the match, the day’s proceedings were delayed because of wet outfield due to the overnight rain. And in the first session where only 30 minutes of play was possible, India A ended up losing its overnight batsman opener N Jagadeesan for 64 with pacer Xavier Bartlett inducing an edge to the wicketkeeper. Once Jagadeesan departed, the other overnight batsman B Sai Sudharsan and Padikkal added 76 runs for third wicket with the former doing the bulk of the scoring. The promising left-hander who made his Test debut in England, played a vital knock of 73 off 124 deliveries in an innings that included 10 boundaries. However, the 23-year-old failed to convert his inning into a big one as he was trapped in front by left-arm spinner Cooper Connolly.
Sai Sudharsan’s dismissal brought Shreyas Iyer into the middle. The Mumbaikar who lost out on his Test spot during the 2024 home series against England, has struggled to earn his spot back with his appearances in red-ball cricket being limited due to his India white-ball commitments. With a strong game against the spinners, Shreyas is still looked at by India’s think tank as an option, in particular for the home conditions where his aggressive intent would suit the team. After making 25 & 12 in the lone Duleep Trophy fixture against Central Zone,leading the India A side, Shreyas’ stay lasted all of 13 deliveries as he returned to the pavilion after making 8 to off-spinner Corey Rocchiccioli.
In his zone. At his home. Dhruv Jurel, with ‘A’ very special hundred in Whites! 🇮🇳🔥💯 pic.twitter.com/wYXKhOoKQk
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) September 18, 2025
Though they lost two quick wickets, Padikkal and Jurel then took control of situation. The left-right duo recovered slowly with the Karnataka batsman showing immense patience in the middle as he went about constructing a big knock in the traditional old fashion, getting to his half-century off 117 deliveries. With Padikkal being solid at one end, Jurel once again showed why he remains the next best wicketkeeper behind Rishabh Pant. Having made strong calls for his inclusion as a specialist batsman even with Pant around, this was another knock where he made a strong case. Despite the pressure firmly on the hosts, he launched a stunning counter-attack scoring 10 boundaries and four sixes in all.
The UP wicketkeeper brought up his century off 114 deliveries. His three sixes came in the V, while his 10 boundaries were spread across the park with six of them coming between deep square-leg and mid-wicket. He was particularly severe on off-spinner Rocchiccioli, taking him for 47 runs off just 46 deliveries including three sixes. Connolly too ended up conceding over a run a ball to Jurel (25 off 24) as he safely played out Todd Murphy, the mystical off-spinner who has a well disguised carrom ball up his sleeve.
Going into the final day on Friday, India A’s still trail Australia A by 129 runs.
Brief scores: Australia A 532 for 6 dec vs India A 403/4 (D Jurel 113 n.o, D Padikkal 86 n.o, B Sai Sudharsan 73, N Jagadeesan 64).
