India-A in trouble as its top-order fails to get going
India-A is struggling at 122 for five in their second 'Test' against Australia-A, trailing by 236 runs. The top-order batting lineup failed to counter the extra bounce and spin provided by the Australian bowlers.
Why it matters
Performance in 'A' team matches is a key indicator for the future development of international cricket talent.
Neither Devdutt Padikkal (31, 46b, 4x4) nor B. Sai Sudharsan could bail India-A out from a batting slump, and the host had its back to the wall against Australia-A after the second day of the second ‘Test’ at the Siechem Cricket Stadium here on Wednesday.
The internationals had chipped in with runs in the first game, but Todd Murphy (two for 26) and Corey Rocchiccioli snared them and hit the spine of this Indian batting line-up. India-A was 122 for five at stumps, still 236 behind the visitors.
Padikkal was quick off the blocks against Liam Hatcher, whom he square drove and chipped over mid-wicket for two boundaries. He was scoring at more than run-a-ball after he late-cut Rocchiccioli, but it did not take long for things to spiral.
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