Melbourne
Despite a commendable performance by wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, India A fell short against Australia A, losing by six wickets in the second and final unofficial Test on Saturday. This defeat marked a 0-2 series loss for India A, as they had previously lost the first match by seven wickets in Mackay.
Starting from an overnight score of 73 for 5, Jurel, who scored 80 in the first innings, showed resilience with another solid fifty, making 68 off 122 balls, including five boundaries. He built a crucial 94-run partnership with Nitish Kumar Reddy (38) to stabilize the innings. Contributions from Prasidh Krishna (29) and Tanush Kotian (44) helped India A reach 229, setting Australia A a modest target of 168.
Australia A’s bowlers led by off-spinner Corey Rocchiccioli (4/74) restricted India A effectively, with support from Beau Webster (3/49) and Nathan McAndrew (2/53).
In response, Australia A faced an early scare when Prasidh Krishna, who had a strong outing with six wickets in the match, dismissed Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft in the opening over. Mukesh Kumar further reduced Australia A to 48 for 3 after getting an edge from captain Nathan McSweeney (25), caught by Jurel.
Brief Scores: India A: 161 and 229 all out in 77.5 overs (Dhruv Jurel 68, Tanush Kotian 44; Corey Rocchiccioli 4/74, Beau Webster 3/49).
Australia A: 223 and 169/4 in 47.5 overs (Sam Kontas 73, Beau Webster 46; Prasidh Krishna 2/37).
