Dhruv Jurel's Century Propels India A in Thrilling Clash Against Australia A

Dhruv Jurel showcased his batting prowess by scoring his second first-class century, as India A's batsmen enjoyed a prolific day against Australia A, reaching 403/4 by the end of day three. The team was just 129 runs behind Australia's first-innings total of 532, with Jurel remaining unbeaten on 113. Alongside Jurel, Devdutt Padikkal, B Sai Sudharsan, and N Jagadeesan also crossed fifty at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.

Beginning the day trailing by 416 runs, India A's resilience was evident. Xavier Bartlett ended the promising 149-run second-wicket partnership by dismissing Jagadeesan for 64. Following this, Padikkal and Sudharsan forged a steady partnership, but Sudharsan's reverse sweep led to an lbw dismissal off Cooper Connolly's bowling for 73. Another setback came with Corey Rocchiccioli trapping Shreyas Iyer lbw for 8, marking Iyer's third consecutive low score in first-class cricket.

Jurel and Padikkal then took charge, rebuilding the innings for India A, reducing their deficit to 294 runs. While Padikkal was patient, taking 117 balls for his fifty, Jurel was aggressive, reaching the landmark in 54 deliveries. Rocchiccioli, the most expensive bowler, conceded 128 runs in 24 overs. Jurel targeted Rocchiccioli, scoring decisively. As stumps were drawn, Padikkal was unbeaten on 86, nearing his seventh first-class century. Their partnership of 181 runs arrived at a swift rate of nearly five runs per over.