2nd Unofficial Test: Sai Sudharsan's valiant fifty saves India A
What's the story
Star batter Sai Sudharsan played a valiant knock for India A against Australia A in the 2nd Unofficial Test at Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow. Despite a steady start, the hosts were down to 75/5 in response to Australia A's 420 on Day 2. However, Sudharsan's stay in the middle stretched India A's score past 193 in the final session. Here are the key stats.
Resistance
Sudharsan holds his fort
Sudharsan came in at No. 3 after KL Rahul departed in the eighth over. He stitched a vital partnership with N Jagadeesan (38). However, India A lost wickets in quick succession in the form of Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, and Nitish Kumar Reddy. Sudharsan finally found a reliable partner in Ayush Badoni, as the duo propelled Inda A past 120.
Finish
Sudharsan bats with tail
Badoni's departure in the 33rd over brought another wicket for Australia A - Manav Suthar. With India A down to 127/7, Sudharsan was assisted by Prasidh Krishna. However, the latter retired hurt with a blow to his helmet. Sudharsan, who batted with the tail, single-handedly took India to 194. He was dismissed by Todd Murphy for a 140-ball 75 (6 fours and 1 six).
Information
A look at his red-ball stats
Sudharsan, who featured for India on the England tour, now has over 2,200 First-Class runs from 34 matches at an average of around 40. His tally includes 8 half-centuries and 7 tons. One of his half-centuries came for India.