India A vs Australia A, 2nd unofficial Test, Australia A tour of India 2026

India A vs Australia A: Preview of the 2nd Unofficial Test (September 29, 2026)

The second chapter of the India A vs Australia A series is set to kick off on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 05:00 GMT (09:30 AM IST) at the Cricket Association Puducherry Siechem Ground in Puducherry. This multiday contest forms part of a rich bilateral programme that sees the two reserve teams lock horns across two multi-day games and three unofficial 50-over matches on home soil.

Series Context

India A and Australia A are engaged in a comprehensive multi-format series designed to sharpen emerging talent ahead of international commitments. After the opener that began on September 22, this second multi-day match at the same venue will serve as a crucial litmus test for both squads, with players fighting to cement their place in deeper thinking for the national setup.

The full schedule of the series includes:

Squad Strengths

India A (Multiday Squad)

Led by captain Devdutt Padikkal, with B Sai Sudharsan as vice-captain, the India A multiday squad boasts a balanced mix of experience and youth. Key names include:

• Top-order batters: Devdutt Padikkal, Ayush Pandey, Yash Rathod, Kumar Kushagra
• All-rounders: Shaik Rasheed, Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Anshul Kamboj
• Pace attack: Tushar Deshpande, Anshul Kamboj, Praful Hinge, V Vyshak
• Spin options: Shams Mulani, N Jagadeesan
• Wicketkeepers: Kumar Kushagra, N Jagadeesan

The squad also features Hardik Pandya in the ODI setup, subject to fitness clearance, highlighting the depth available across formats.

Australia A (Multiday Squad)

Australia A bring a formidable lineup that includes several names already well-known on the international stage:

• Top-order batters: Jack Edwards, Nathan McSweeney, Jason Sangha, Sam Konstas
• Experienced campaigners: Peter Handscomb, Sam Harper
• All-rounders: Liam Hatcher, Campbell Kellaway, Liam Scott
• Pace battery: Jhye Richardson, Corey Rocchiccioli, Fergus O'Neill
• Spin: Todd Murphy
• Wicketkeepers: Sam Konstas, Josh Philippe

Key Match-Ups to Watch

1. Devdutt Padikkal vs Nathan McSweeney – The India A captain's technique against a seasoned left-arm pacer will be a fascinating contest.
2. Jhye Richardson's Pace vs the India A Top Order – Richardson's ability to generate bounce and movement could trouble the Indian middle order on a pitch that typically offers assistance to fast bowlers.
3. Todd Murphy vs the Indian Middle Order – The Australian left-arm spinner will be a key weapon on what is often a turning track in Puducherry.

Where to Watch

The entire India A vs Australia A series will be livestreamed on the JioHotstar app, though no TV broadcast partner has been announced yet. Fans can also track live scores and ball-by-ball updates via the Mr Cricket UAE app and website.

Final Thoughts

With both teams fielding strong, well-rounded squads, this second multi-day encounter promises to be an intense battle. The Puducherry venue will play a pivotal role, and whichever side adapts more quickly to the conditions is likely to gain the upper hand. As the series progresses toward the ODI leg in early October, both squads will be using these matches to build momentum and stake their claims for greater honours.