Kushagra, Kotian rally India A after early collapse in Puducherry
India A recovered from 97/5 to post 257/5 on the opening day of the first unofficial Test
Kumar Kushagra's fighting 82, and half-centuries from opener Sai Sudharsan and Tanush Kotian helped India A recover from early setbacks to post 257/5 on the opening day of the first unofficial Test against Australia A in Puducherry.
Winning the toss on Day 1, India A captain Devdutt Padikkal opted to bat first but the hosts had a forgettable start. India A suffered early setbacks as paceman Fergus O'Neill trapped opener Aman Mokhade leg-before for six runs in the sixth over, followed shortly by spinner Todd Murphy removing Padikkal for only three.
With India A faltering at 20 for 2, Sai Sudharsan steadied the top order, scoring a resolute 57 off 103 deliveries. However, off-spinner Corey Rocchiccioli turned the tide in the middle session with three wickets in quick succession. He dismissed Shaik Rasheed for 16, Yash Rathod for 1, and eventually got Sudharsan caught-and-bowled to reduce India A to 97 for 5.
The home side then staged a strong recovery through a century stand for the sixth wicket between wicketkeeper-batsman Kumar Kushagra and all-rounder Tanush Kotian. Kushagra reached a patient half-century, before retiring hurt on 82. Kotian provided ample support, hitting 68 not out and a crucial 138-run stand with Kushagra. After Kushagra retired hurt after reportedly pulling a muscle, Kotian and Sham Mulani patiently took the home side to stumps without any further setbacks.
Brief scores: India A 257/5 (Kumar Kushagra 82, Tanush Kotian 68*; Corey Rocchiccioli 3-72) vs Australia A
