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India A batter Devdutt Padikkal showcased remarkable patience and resilience, scoring a composed hundred on the fourth and final day of the unofficial Test against Australia A at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. The elegant left-hander reached his milestone off 198 balls, nudging a single against off-spinner Corey Rocchiccioli. This knock marked Padikkal’s seventh First-Class century, further underlining his growing consistency in red-ball cricket.
Dhruv Padikkal follows Dhruv Jurel with a gritty ton
Padikkal became the second Indian batter in the match to score a hundred after wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, who reached his century a day earlier. Together, the two played pivotal roles in reviving India A’s innings after a shaky start against a strong Australian bowling attack.
The pair came together at a crucial juncture with India A reeling at 222 for four, staring at a significant deficit against Australia A’s imposing first-innings total of 532/6 declared. By the time Jurel departed, the duo put together a partnership of 228 runs for the fifth wicket, ensuring that the hosts clawed their way back into contention.
While Jurel played the aggressor, bringing up a fluent 140 off 197 balls studded with 13 fours and 4 sixes, Padikkal adopted a patient and measured approach. For much of his innings, he relied on soft hands, precise defense, and rotating the strike, preferring to grind down the Australian bowlers. By the time he reached three figures, Padikkal had struck just nine boundaries, highlighting his reliance on placement and temperament rather than flamboyance.
Their contrasting styles blended perfectly, frustrating the visitors’ bowling unit and shifting momentum in India A’s favour. Jurel’s dismissal, however, brought Australia A some relief, but by then, the damage was done.
India A close the gap on Australia A’s lead
By the end of 124 overs, India A were 461/5, trailing Australia A by just 71 runs in their first innings. With wickets in hand and Padikkal still well-set, the hosts will aim to erase the deficit entirely and possibly push for a lead in the upcoming sessions.
Devdutt Padikkal smashed hundred against Australia A in the 1st unofficial test at Ekana 🙌
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With India set for a busy home Test season later this year, including assignments against the West Indies and South Africa, strong performances in the India A setup could bring Padikkal closer to senior team contention. His ability to anchor an innings under pressure has already caught the selectors’ attention, and this century only strengthens his case.
