Padikkal hits 199 as India A build 284-run lead in Lincoln
- Devdutt Padikkal scored 199 runs off 248 balls in the first unofficial Test.
- India A reached 488/8, holding a 284-run lead over New Zealand A.
- Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan shared a 215-run partnership for the third wicket.
- Padikkal was dismissed following a controversial umpiring decision that hit his thigh pad.
- Washington Sundar remained unbeaten on 51 at the close of the third day.
India A finished the third day of the first four-day game against New Zealand A in Lincoln at 488 for 8, establishing a lead of 284 runs. This performance follows an initial struggle in the first innings, when the team was bowled out for 113. The side reached their current total in 119 overs.
Padikkal and Sudharsan build 215-run partnership
Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan anchored the India A recovery with a 215-run partnership for the third wicket. Sudharsan scored 91 runs off 184 balls before he was caught by Dean Foxcroft off the bowling of Kristian Clarke. The partnership lasted 340 balls.
Padikkal dismissed after controversial umpiring decision
Devdutt Padikkal scored 199 runs off 248 balls, including 24 fours and three sixes, before his dismissal at the Bert Sutcliffe ground in Lincoln. He reached his 12th first-class century in 128 deliveries and his 150 in 204 deliveries.
His innings ended when the umpire ruled him out caught behind off the bowling of Zak Gibson, despite the ball hitting his thigh pad. SportsTak described the event as an "umpiring howler" that left the batter frustrated.
The Times of India reported the dismissal on 199 as the player fell one run short, with his reaction to the decision circulating online. Padikkal was visibly shocked when the umpire's finger went up. He may now face a match fee fine for showing dissent to the decision.
Middle-order contributions from Rathod, Sundar, and Jurel
Yash Rathod provided stability for India A, scoring 66 runs from 72 balls, including eight fours. He was eventually caught by wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay off the bowling of Dean Foxcroft. This performance followed his unbeaten 44 runs in the first innings.
Washington Sundar anchored the lower order, finishing Day 3 unbeaten on 51 runs from 75 balls. This innings marked his 13th first-class half-century. Sundar shared a 41-run partnership with Anshul Kamboj for the seventh wicket and added 69 runs with Auqib Nabi for the eighth wicket. Anshul Kamboj contributed 23 runs from 36 balls before he was bowled by left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox.
Captain Dhruv Jurel was dismissed for two runs off 12 balls. He was dismissed after hitting a top edge that was caught by the fielder at backwards square leg. Alongside these efforts, B Sai Sudharsan also contributed a half-century to support the team's second innings total.
India A bowling and first innings performance
India A were bowled out for 113 in their first innings. During New Zealand A's first innings, Auqib Nabi and Anshul Kamboj each took three wickets. Akash Deep claimed two wickets, while Mukesh Choudhary took one wicket. Washington Sundar bowled eight overs and took the wicket of Dean Foxcroft.
Impact on Test selection race
The comeback performance by Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan is heating up the race for the No. 3 spot before the Test series.
Reporting on the unofficial Test progression
On 25 October, Hindustan Times, The Times of India, India Today, and NDTV Sports reported that Padikkal and Sudharsan acted to rescue the team after top-order failures from KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Oherald reported on 26 October that Padikkal’s 199 runs and Sudharsan’s 91 runs scripted a fightback in Lincoln.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Padikkal leads the way with 199 as India A go 284 runs ahead (cricinfo.com)
- Umpiring howler leaves Devdutt Padikkal frustrated on 199, India A overcome 113 all out with 488/8 (thesportstak.com)
- India (Wikipedia — background) (en.wikipedia.org)
Add NewsPulse Time as a preferred source on Google