JOSH Philippe’s blistering 123 not out off 87 balls headlined Australia A’s dominant batting performance on Day 2 of the first unofficial Test against India A in Lucknow. On a rain-hit day, Australia A posted a formidable 532/6 declared before India A began a strong reply, going to 116/1 at Stumps with Narayan Jagadeesan unbeaten on 50.
Starting the day at 337/5, the overnight pair of Philippe and Liam Scott continued strongly as they extended their partnership to 81. Scott’s outing was ended by Gurnoor Brar, who dismissed the all-rounder for 81.
Xavier Bartlett then partnered Philippe as the wicketkeeper-batter dealt in regular boundaries to bring up a brisk hundred. He collected 18 fours and 4 sixes in his knock while Bartlett also batted positively, striking 5 fours and 2 sixes in his 24-ball 39 not out, before Australia A declared their innings.
Abhimanyu Easwaran and Jagadeesan started well for India, scoring at a good rate as they added 88. Easwaran, though, missed out on a half-century, bowled by Scott on 44. Sai Sudharsan then scored the bulk of the runs, including three boundaries, in his unbroken 28-run stand with Jagadeesan, who reached fifty late in the day. India A, however, still have their work cut out as they start Day 3 still 416 runs in arrears.
