Xtra Time Web Desk: India wicketkeeper batsman Wriddhiman Saha scored a gritty fifty (54*) as the three day practice match between India A and Australia A ended in a draw at Drummoyne Oval on Tuesday. Ajinkya Rahane declared the Indian innings on 189/9 setting Australia A a target of 131 runs to win from 15 overs. Australia A managed to score 52/1 at stumps.
There were some concerns in the Australia A innings as rising star Will Pucovski got hit on the helmet by a bouncer from Karthik Tyagi. The 23 year old, who seemed destined for a much-awaited Test debut later this month have a history of suffering a series of concussions throughout his career, fell to his knees and remained on all fours at the crease for more than a minute as he was surrounded by concerned rivals and batting partner Marcus Harris.
He was also attended by the medical staff before he was able to walk, unaided from the field where he will undergo further tests on his condition.
The game was formally called off several overs later with Australia A 1-52 having been set a notional target of 131 off 15 overs, but the result was overshadowed by concerns for the Victorian’s health. With the opening Test of the series due to begin at Adelaide Oval in eight days, the opener is now in extreme doubt given he has missed significant stretches of cricket in past years due to serious concussions.
There were quite a few positives for the visitors with captain Ajinkya Rahane and Pujara getting runs in the first innings. Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Siraj both bowled well with the former definitely in line for a place in the playing XI for the first test at Adelaide Oval. Wriddhiman Saha also played a valiant knock in the second innings, staking a claim for a place in the opening test of the series.
Final Score: India A: 247/9d & 189/9d Australia A: 306/9d & 52/1