India A strengthened their position against Australia A on the third day of the first unofficial Test match being played at the Puducherry Cricket Ground. Chasing a mammoth target of 363, Australia ended the third day’s play at 55 for two in their second innings. The visitors still need 308 runs to win, while India need to take eight wickets to win.

IND A vs AUS A: India A’s bowling tightens its grip, India moves closer to victory; Australia A set a target of 363.

Set a target of 363 runs, Australia were shaken by early setbacks.

Australia got off to a poor start in the second innings, chasing a massive target set by India. Indian fast bowlers Tanush Kotian and Tushar Deshpande kept the Australian batsmen under constant pressure with their disciplined line and length.

Kotian gave India their first breakthrough by dismissing opener Sam Constas for 20 runs (63 balls). Tushar Deshpande soon after dismissed Campbell Kellaway for a duck. At stumps, Australia A scored 55 runs in 23 overs. Nathan McSweeney remained at the crease with 23 runs, while captain Peter Handscomb was yet to open his account after facing 16 balls.

Padikkal’s half-century and Kushagra’s unbeaten knock

Earlier, India A scored 334 runs in the first innings and in reply, dismissed Australia for just 171 runs to take a huge lead of 163 runs. On the third day, the Indian team adopted an aggressive approach in their second innings and was all out for 199 runs.

In the second innings, captain Devdutt Padikkal took charge and scored a brilliant 59 off 88 balls, including seven fours. In the middle order, first-innings centurion Kumar Kushagra contributed an unbeaten 46 (59 balls, four fours, two sixes), while Sai Sudarshan made 39. Thanks to their aggressive batting, India set a high target for Australia and also bought enough time for their bowlers to bowl out the hosts on the final day of the match.

Voices from the Ground / Official Statements

Impact on residents

The fourth day of play is set to be a thrilling one for cricket fans in Puducherry. The final day of the match begins at 9:30 am. If the Indian bowlers can take two to three wickets in the first hour, India A will take an unassailable 1-0 lead in the series. A large number of spectators are expected to attend the stadium due to free entry to the local ground.