Devdutt Padikkal (Image credit: X)
NEW DELHI: Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan helped India A recover from a poor start with an unbeaten 96-run partnership on Day 2 of the first unofficial Test against New Zealand A in Lincoln on Saturday.India A reached 106/2 in their second innings at stumps, trailing New Zealand A by 98 runs. Padikkal was unbeaten on 56 off 89 balls, while Sudharsan scored 39 off 104 balls.
The partnership brought some relief to the Indian dressing room after the visitors lost two wickets for just 10 runs. India A had been bowled out for 113 in their first innings, giving New Zealand A a 204-run lead after the hosts scored 317.
Jaiswal, Rahul fall cheaply
India A got off to another poor start in their second innings as Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul failed to score big.Jaiswal made just five runs before Simon Keene dismissed him with a short ball. The delivery followed Jaiswal as he tried to move out of its way, hit his glove and went through to wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay.Rahul also had a disappointing outing. After scoring a duck in the first innings, he managed only four runs before losing his wicket. He dragged a delivery from Fraser Sheat onto his stumps while trying to play a ball outside off stump.
With India A at 10/2, Padikkal and Sudharsan had the difficult task of rebuilding the innings.
Padikkal, Sudharsan put India A back on track
Padikkal and Sudharsan showed patience and helped India A recover. The pair added 96 runs without losing another wicket, taking the team to 106/2 by the end of the day.Padikkal hit nine fours in his 89-ball knock and completed his half-century. He was lucky to get another chance during his innings but looked solid for most of his stay at the crease.Sudharsan also played an important role. He found it difficult to play some deliveries, especially when trying to flick the ball towards the leg side. He was also troubled by balls that moved away from him. However, he stayed at the crease and gave Padikkal good support.
The pair scored 25 runs in the last 10 overs without losing a wicket, helping India A end the day on a better note.
Kamboj, Nabi take three wickets each
Earlier, India's bowlers tried to keep New Zealand A in check but the hosts still managed to build a big lead.Anshul Kamboj and Auqib Nabi took three wickets each, while Akash Deep claimed two. Washington Sundar and Mukesh Choudhary picked up one wicket each.New Zealand A captain Rhys Mariu scored 76, while Dean Foxcroft made 51 and Kristian Clarke added 42. The hosts were bowled out for 317 in 89.3 overs, taking a 204-run lead.India A ended the day trailing by 98 runs with eight wickets in hand. Padikkal and Sudharsan will look to continue their partnership on Day 3 and help the visitors get closer to the hosts' total.Rain was forecast for the third day and could affect play.