AUS-A vs IND-A: Dhruv Jurel shines bright, KL Rahul stumbles as Australia seize advantage on day 1
Xtra Time Web Desk: India-A’s Dhruv Jurel stood tall on Day 1 of the second unofficial Test against Australia-A in Melbourne on November 7, providing a rare highlight in an otherwise dismal performance by the Indian side. Jurel’s gritty 80 off 186 balls was the backbone of India-A’s innings, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a collapse as they were bowled out for just 161. Michael Neser’s impressive spell, picking up 4 wickets, along with Beau Webster’s 3-wicket haul, made quick work of India’s batting lineup, with only Jurel, Devdutt Padikkal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Prasidh Krishna reaching double figures.
On the other hand star batter KL Rahul could only manage to score 4 runs in the first inning at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Rahul, who opened the batting for India A in the second official Test, lasted just four balls, hitting a solitary boundary before being removed by pacer Scott Boland, who is part of Australia's squad for the upcoming five-match series against India, starting November 22.
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KL Rahul and Jurel joined the squad after their series against New Zealand, with Rahul opening and Jurel taking on wicketkeeping duties. Rahul’s outing, intended as preparation for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, ended early as he fell for 4 to Scott Boland, following quick dismissals of Abhimanyu Easwaran and Sai Sudharsan for ducks in the opening over. Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad’s poor form continued as he was also dismissed cheaply, leaving India-A reeling at 11 for 4.
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Padikkal and Jurel attempted to stabilize the innings, pushing India past the 50-run mark before Neser struck again, dismissing Padikkal for 26. By lunch, India was at 64 for 5. Post-lunch, Jurel found brief support from Nitish Reddy, adding 39 runs, but Webster’s double blow sent Reddy and Tanush Kotian back, further diminishing hopes. Jurel, however, showcased resilience, reaching his half-century and stitching a 52-run stand with Prasidh Krishna, who contributed 14 off 37 balls. Jurel’s fighting knock ended on 86 as Nathan McSweeney claimed his wicket, and India-A folded for 161.
Australia-A, in reply, lost Cameron Bancroft early to Khaleel Ahmed but closed the day at 53 for 2, trailing by 108 runs with Marcus Harris and Sam Konstas holding firm.
