Unofficial Test: Dhruv Jurel hammers twin centuries versus SA-A
What's the story
Star Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel has continued his dream run in red-ball cricket. He smashed twin centuries for India A in the second unofficial Test against South Africa A at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1, Bengaluru. Jurel, who made an unbeaten 132* in the first innings, touched the three-figure landmark on Day 3 as well. Here are his stats.
Knock
Another knock of character from Jurel
Jurel's knock in the third innings was timely as India A were reeling at 84/4 when he arrived to bat. The hosts were further reduced to 116/5 as team skipper Rishabh Pant got retired hurt at 17 due to an injury. Jurel then joined forces with Harsh Dubey (84), and the duo rescued the team with an 184-run stand.
Knock
Jurel walks back for 127*
Pant returned to bat after Dubey's depature, and played a solid knock. He and Jurel added 82 runs in just 54 balls before the skipper was dismissed for 65 off 54 balls. The declaration came right after as Jurel walked back unbeaten on 127 off 170 balls (15 fours, 1 six). As India A finished with 382/7d, SA-A need 417 runs to win.
Stats
Fifth hundred in FC cricket
With his 113th run in the first innings, Jurel had surpassed 2,000 First-Class runs. He has now raced to 2,146 runs from 30 FC games at a solid average of 51-plus. Jurel now boasts five tons and 13 fifties in the format. 430 of his runs have come in Test matches for India at 47.77.
Form
Sensational run in FC cricket
With Pant being out injured, Jurel recetly played two Tests for India against West Indies, recording scores worth 125, 44 and 6*. Hence, he has now scored three tons in his last five FC outings. His stellar run has ignited a prospect of Jurel playing as a specialist batter in the upcoming home Test series against South Africa.