Padikkal’s 150 stands out as India A and Australia A play out rain-hit draw

Devdutt Padikkal made a calm and classy 150 to lead India A to 531/7 declared, just one run short of Australia A’s 532/6 declared, as the first four-day match in Lucknow ended in a high-scoring draw. Dhruv Jurel added 140, while Australia A openers reached 56/0 in the second innings before rain returned and closed the game.

How the final day unfolded

India A began on 403/4 with Padikkal on 86 and Jurel on 113. Jurel added 27 more before falling for 140, but Padikkal kept the reply steady. He brought up his hundred with patience, then moved to 150 with 14 fours and a six, showing strong control against spin and pace. Soon after reaching 150, he was dismissed by offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli. India A declared at 531/7, one run behind, to push for a finish despite the weather.

Australia A’s reply and the rain

Australian openers Sam Konstas and Campbell Kellaway batted 16 overs for 56 without loss. The surface remained good for batting, and with time lost again to rain—as on previous days—both teams settled for the draw.

The key performers

• Devdutt Padikkal: 150 with 14 fours and 1 six, anchoring India A’s innings and showing red-ball temperament.

• Dhruv Jurel: 140, an important knock that kept India A in control during a long stand with Padikkal.

• Corey Rocchiccioli: 3/159 in 36.1 overs, the best Australian bowling return, dismissing Shreyas Iyer, Padikkal, and Tanush Kotian.

First Test

It was a batter-friendly game with four centuries across both sides and over 1,100 runs in the match. India A’s middle-order, led by Jurel and Padikkal, matched Australia A’s strong first-innings platform. Rain interruptions kept a result out of reach, but the time in the middle will help both squads ahead of the second four-dayer.

What’s next

The second unofficial Test will also be played in Lucknow, starting September 23. Both teams will look to turn time in the middle into a decisive result if the weather holds.