IND A vs AUS A 2025: Padikkal, Jurel shine in rain-affected draw

Published - 19 Sept 2025, 18:30 IST | Updated - 19 Sept 2025, 18:39 IST

The first unofficial Test between India A and Australia A ended in a draw after persistent rain washed out most of the final day at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on September 19, 2025.

Australia A, batting first, piled up an imposing 532/6 before declaring. Openers Sam Konstas and Campbell Kellaway provided a solid foundation, with Konstas crafting a stylish 109 off 144 balls, laced with 10 fours and three sixes, while Kellaway added 88 from 97 deliveries, striking 10 fours and two sixes.

The all-rounder Cooper Connolly chipped in with a brisk 70 from 84 balls, decorated with 12 boundaries and a six. The middle order flourished as well, with Liam Scott (81 off 122) and Josh Phillippe dominating the Indian attack. Phillippe was particularly impressive, smashing an unbeaten 123 off just 87 deliveries, hitting 18 fours and four sixes to push the total beyond 500. For India A, Harsh Dubey (3/141) and Gurnoor Brar (2/87) were the notable wicket-takers.

India A responded strongly, thanks to solid contributions from the top and middle order. Narayan Jagadeesan (64) and Sai Sudharsan (73) gave their side a steady start, but skipper Shreyas Iyer fell cheaply for eight. The innings was revived by a commanding partnership between Devdutt Padikkal and wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel.

The duo stitched together a 200-plus stand for the fifth wicket. Jurel played a counter-attacking knock of 140 from 197 balls, including 13 fours and four sixes, while Padikkal held firm for a patient yet classy 150 off 281 deliveries, with 14 boundaries and a six. Their efforts ensured India A gained a slender one-run lead before declaring. For Australia A, spinner Corey Rocchiccioli ended with figures of 3/159.

Australia A began their second innings on the final day, reaching 56 without loss, with Konstas (27*) and Kellaway (24*) unbeaten at the crease. With rain cutting short play, the match concluded in a draw. The two teams will now turn their attention to the second unofficial Test, scheduled to begin on September 23 at the same venue in Lucknow.