Indian bowlers fight back after batting collapse on Day 2

Lucknow: Indian batters had a bad day on Wednesday as they were bundled out for 194 in 52.5 overs in reply to 420 scored by Australia ‘A' in the first innings.Trailing by 226 runs, the Indian bowlers pulled things back by claiming three wickets for 16 runs in 7.5 overs in the second innings of Australia ‘A'.At the stumps, the visitors are leading by 242 runs and had seven wickets in hand.After adding 70 runs to the overnight score of 350/9, Australia managed to push their first innings total to 420, thanks to a resilient lower-order performance.The overnight pair of Todd Murphy and Henry Thornton showcased grit to frustrate bowlers. Todd, who started the day on 29, went on to register his maiden first class fifty, scoring 76 (12 boundaries and a six) off 89 deliveriesMurphy's innings came to an end when he was caught behind by wicket-keeper Dhruv Jurel off the bowling of Brar. Henry Thornton remained unbeaten at 32.The duo added a vital 91 runs off 96 balls for the last wicket.In reply, KL Rahul managed to collect 11 at his familiar wicket and was bowled early. Jagdeesan and Rahul collected 27 off 47 balls partnership for the first wicket.Post-lunch, the Indian team faltered, losing six wickets by tea, with the score at 127/7 in 33.4 overs. Sai Sudharsan and Jagadeesan added 32 runs in a 32-ball partnership. However, Jagdeesan was caught by Sutherland off Henry at 59/2 in 12.5 overs.Experienced players like Devdutt Padikkal, skipper Dhruv Jurel, and Nithish Reddy failed to make an impact, each scoring just one run, leaving India at 75/5 in 21.1 overs.Ayush Badoni and Sai Sudharsan provided some stability with a crucial 51-run partnership off 75 balls for the sixth wicket. Badoni produced a beautiful knock in his IPL home ground and smashed 21 off 35 balls with a boundary and a six. He stepped out for a drive and missed the line before being stumped by Josh Philippe off Cooper Connolly at 126/7 in 32.6 overs. Manav Suthar was dismissed by Corey Rocchiccioli shortly after, at 127/7 in 33.4 overs.Prasidh Krishna, attempting a hook shot, was hit on the head by a bouncer from Henry Thornton and retired hurt in the 41st over. Mohammed Siraj came in but was dismissed for 1 by Henry, concluding a challenging day for India A.Sai Sudharsan was the lone player who smashed 70 runs off 140 balls with six boundaries and a six. He stretched a crucial partnership with 29 off 58 balls with Gurnoor Brar. Sudharsan propped up the team total at 194 in 52.5 overs.Australia A's right-arm pacer Henry Thornton claimed four wickets with his best figures of 4/36. Todd Murphy showcased his all-round abilities with a brilliant maiden 50 and also took two wickets. Will Sutherland, Cory Rocchiccioli, and Cooper Connolly took one wicket each.In the second innings, Indian bowlers made an early impact. In the second over, Gurnoor Brar dismissed Sam Konstas, leaving Australia A at 3/1 in 1.1 overs. Following Konstas's dismissal, Nathan McSweeney joined Campbell Kellaway at the crease. However, Kellaway was squared up by a delivery from Mohammed Siraj and was caught by Dhruv Jurel, reducing Australia A to 3/2 in 2.4 overs. Towards the end of the day, Oliver Peake was bowled by Manav Suthar, leaving the team at 16/3 in 7.5 overs. Skipper Nathan McSweeney remained at the crease with a score of 11.

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