Australia A set India A 365-run target after dominant Day 3 in Puducherry
Synopsis
Australia A's declaration at 173/4 left India A chasing an almost-impossible 365 on the final day in Puducherry. After India A's first innings folded for 167 — losing five wickets for just 10 runs — the tourists held every card. With nine wickets standing but 337 still needed, Day 4 is effectively a survival mission for the hosts.
Key Takeaways
Australia A set India A a 365-run target after declaring their second innings at 173/4 in 49 overs .
India A were bowled out for 167 in their first innings, handing Australia A a 191-run lead; the final five wickets fell for only 10 runs .
Jhye Richardson and Corey Rocchiccioli each took three wickets in India A's first innings collapse.
Jason Sangha anchored the Australian declaration with an unbeaten 44 ; Tanush Kotian took 2/55 in the second innings.
India A closed Day 3 at 28/1 , with 337 runs still required and the final day to play.
Praful Hinge replaced the called-up Anshul Kamboj , who joins the senior squad after Prasidh Krishna 's injury ahead of the West Indies ODI.
Australia A seized commanding control of the second and final four-day match against India A on Thursday, 1 October, setting the hosts a steep 365-run victory target after a productive third day at the Siechem Stadium in Puducherry. India A closed the day precariously at 28/1, needing an extraordinary final-day effort to save the contest.
India A's First Innings Collapse
Resuming the morning session on 122/5, India A initially showed resolve through a sixth-wicket stand between Shaik Rasheed and Tanush Kotian. The pair extended their overnight partnership to 46 runs, with Rasheed contributing a gritty 42 off 167 balls and Kotian a brisk 33 off 46 balls, including three fours and a six.
However, once Liam Hatcher broke the stand by dismissing Rasheed, India A's innings unravelled rapidly. The hosts added only 45 runs in the session before being bowled out for 167, losing their final five wickets for a mere 10 runs. Jhye Richardson and Corey Rocchiccioli shared four of those remaining wickets, each finishing with three apiece in the innings. Australia A's 191-run first-innings lead was thereby confirmed.
Australia A's Aggressive Second Innings
The visitors wasted no time pressing their advantage. Openers Sam Konstas and Josh Philippe put on 53 for the first wicket, before Konstas continued his aggressive intent alongside Nathan McSweeney in a further 40-run partnership. Konstas finished with 40 before Kotian struck twice in quick succession, removing both Konstas and Australia A captain Peter Handscomb — the latter dismissed for a duck, his second failure of the match.
Praful Hinge then claimed McSweeney for 36, but Jason Sangha anchored Australia A's innings with an unbeaten 44, sharing an unbroken 40-run stand with Liam Scott (13 not out) before the declaration was called at 173/4 in 49 overs. The move left India A roughly an hour of batting before stumps.
India A's Difficult Final-Day Start
The brief evening chase did not start smoothly for the hosts. Todd Murphy struck early, bowling Sai Sudharsan for 12, leaving India A at 28/1 at the close. Aayush Pandey was unbeaten on 11, accompanied by nightwatchman Tushar Deshpande on 4.
Squad Note: Hinge Replaces Kamboj
Praful Hinge was included in the India A XI as a substitute for Anshul Kamboj, who has been called up to the senior Indian squad for the final ODI against the West Indies in place of the injured Prasidh Krishna. The reshuffle underscores the dual demands placed on India's emerging talent pool during a crowded international calendar.
Series Context and Final Day Outlook
India A won the opening match of the two-game series by 162 runs, meaning Australia A require a victory in this contest to level the series. With 337 runs still needed and nine wickets in hand heading into the final day, India A face a monumental task — though a draw remains a realistic objective if the top order can negotiate an extended morning session. The match at Siechem Stadium represents a key stepping stone for players from both sides pressing their cases for senior international selection.
Point of View
But no one below them did, and that brittleness in the lower-middle order is a recurring theme in India's 'A' cricket. Australia A's declaration was sporting but confident: 365 in a day is theoretically possible, yet the tourists know a draw suits India A and a win suits them alone. The Kamboj call-up mid-match also speaks to the depth strain on India's pace resources heading into a packed bilateral season.
NationPress
1 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What target have Australia A set India A in the Puducherry Test?
Australia A declared their second innings at 173/4 to set India A a 365-run victory target. India A closed the third day at 28/1, leaving them needing 337 more runs on the final day with nine wickets remaining.
How did India A's first innings end on Day 3?
India A were dismissed for 167 after resuming on 122/5. The innings folded dramatically, with the last five wickets falling for just 10 runs. Liam Hatcher broke the key sixth-wicket stand, and Jhye Richardson and Corey Rocchiccioli each took three wickets.
Who were the top performers for Australia A in Puducherry?
Jason Sangha top-scored in Australia A's second innings with an unbeaten 44, sharing an unbroken 40-run stand with Liam Scott. Sam Konstas contributed 40 as an opener, while Jhye Richardson and Corey Rocchiccioli did the damage with the ball in India A's first innings.
Why was Praful Hinge included in the India A squad?
Praful Hinge replaced Anshul Kamboj, who was called up to the senior India squad for the final ODI against the West Indies after Prasidh Krishna was ruled out with an injury.
What is the series situation between India A and Australia A?
India A won the first match of the two-game series by 162 runs. Australia A are now in a dominant position in the second and final match; a win would level the series, while a draw would give India A the series.
