Kushagra, Kotian rally India A after early collapse in Puducherry

India A Rally to 257/5 After Early Collapse in Puducherry

Kumar Kushagra’s fighting 82 and half-centuries from Sai Sudharsan and Tanush Kotian helped India A recover from early setbacks to post 257/5 on the opening day of the first unofficial Test against Australia A in Puducherry.

Winning the toss, India A captain Devdutt Padikkal chose to bat but the hosts had a forgettable start. Paceman Fergus O’Neill trapped opener Aman Mokhade leg-before for six in the sixth over, followed shortly by spinner Todd Murphy removing Padikkal for three.

With India A faltering at 20 for 2, Sai Sudharsan steadied the top order with a resolute 57 off 103 deliveries. However, off-spinner Corey Rocchiccioli turned the tide in the middle session with three wickets in quick succession. He dismissed Shaik Rasheed for 16, Yash Rathod for 1, and eventually got Sudharsan caught-and-bowled to reduce India A to 97 for 5.

The home side staged a strong recovery through a 138-run stand for the sixth wicket between wicketkeeper-batsman Kumar Kushagra and all-rounder Tanush Kotian. Kushagra reached a patient half-century before retiring hurt on 82 after reportedly pulling a muscle. Kotian provided ample support, hitting 68 not out. After Kushagra’s departure, Kotian and Sham Mulani patiently took the home side to stumps without any further setbacks.

Brief Scores: India A 257/5 (Kumar Kushagra 82, Tanush Kotian 68*; Corey Rocchiccioli 3-72) vs Australia A