Rahul, Sudharsan shine as India chase big total

Lucknow: India ‘A' made a strong start to the tough task of chasing 412 against Australia ‘A', scoring 169/2 in 41 overs on the third day of the match at Ekana Stadium on Thursday.With 90 overs to be bowled on the final day, India ‘A' require 243 runs to register a win. At stumps, Sai Sudharsan was batting at 44 and night watchman Manav Suthar was on 1. The only setback India ‘A' had when batter KL Rahul, who was batting on 74, had to retire just 30 minutes before close. It is hoped that Rahul will be able to bat some time on final day and complete his century in this match which is serving as a warmup game for as many as eight India A players who were named in the squad for the Test series to be played against West Indies from Oct 2.Along with Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Narayan Jagadeesan, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna are part of the Indian squad against West Indies.In-form batter KL Rahul and his partner N Jagadeesan laid a solid foundation, putting together an 80-run partnership off 104 balls. Rahul scored 50 in just 55 deliveries.Jagadeesan contributed a steady 36 before attempting an aggressive shot, only to be caught at short leg by Oliver Peake off the bowling of Todd Murphy, leaving India at 85/1 in 17.1 overs.Rahul found support in Sai Sudharsan, and together they added 65 runs off 107 balls. However, Rahul had to retire hurt, leaving the field after a well-crafted innings.Devdutt Padikkal couldn't make a significant impact and was dismissed for just 5, falling victim to Murphy's bowling prowess at 163/2 in 37.5 overs.Earlier, Indian bowlers showcased a masterclass in seam and spin, dismantling Australian batting line-up to restrict them to a mere 185 runs in 46.5 overs. Resuming the day at a precarious 16/3, the visitors faced an uphill battle against Indian attack.Mohammed Siraj struck early, removing Cooper Connolly for just 1 run, leaving Australia reeling at 17/4. However, a resilient partnership between skipper Nathan McSweeney and wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Philippe provided a glimmer of hope. Philippe raced to a half-century off just 46 balls. Their partnership of 90 runs off 115 balls was the highlight of the Australian innings, but Philippe's dismissal at 107/5, caught behind off Manav Suthar, triggered another collapse. Post-lunch, Indian pacers, led by Gurnoor Brar, wreaked havoc. Brar's double strike in the 36th over, removing Jack Edwards and Will Sutherland in consecutive deliveries, left Australia struggling at 136/7. Manav Suthar and Yash Thakur, the concussion substitute, wrapped up the innings efficiently. Thakur's late burst saw him dismiss Corey Rocchiccioli and Henry Thornton, sealing Australia's fate. Nathan McSweeney stood tall amidst the ruins, crafting 85 off 149 balls, including ten boundaries and a six.Manav Suthar and Gurnoor Brar were the stars of the show, claiming three wickets each and Mohammed Siraj, known for his fiery pace, added to the pressure by taking two crucial wickets. Yash Thakur also made a significant impact with two wickets.