Lucknow, Sep 25 (NationPress) A remarkable bowling display, combined with a fluent 74 from K.L. Rahul, has kept India 'A' firmly in the chase for a daunting target of 412 runs against Australia 'A' on the third day of the unofficial Test match at BRSABV, Lucknow. As the day concluded, the hosts stood at 169 for 2, requiring 243 more runs with eight wickets still in hand, thanks to Sai Sudharsan (44 not out) and nightwatchman Manav Suthar, who held their ground until stumps.

Rahul, who opened the innings, set a confident tone with his half-century, forming an impressive 85-run partnership for the first wicket alongside N. Jagadeesan (36). The opening stand was disrupted when Todd Murphy dismissed Jagadeesan, later adding the wicket of Devdutt Padikkal (5) after Rahul had to retire hurt during the final session. Meanwhile, Sudharsan remained steady at the crease, eyeing his second fifty of the match.

Earlier, Australia 'A', beginning the day at 16 for 3, quickly found themselves at 17 for 4 before captain Nathan McSweeney and Josh Philippe staged a recovery. The duo added 90 runs, with Philippe aggressively reaching a half-century off just 48 balls.

Philippe articulated his approach by stating, “I prefer to take on spin, especially with the rough and the left-arm spinner coming around the wicket... I believe that hard sweeping – both reverse and normal – are effective options that suit my style.”

Eventually, Suthar dismissed Philippe and also claimed Todd Murphy (12), concluding with impressive figures of 3 for 50 in the innings and 8 for 157 in the match. After having picked Oliver Peake in the final over of day two, he emerged as the standout bowler for India A. Gurnoor Brar also contributed by taking wickets of Jack Edwards (10) and Will Sutherland (0), while Mohammed Siraj and concussion substitute Yash Thakur each took two wickets as Australia A was bowled out for 185.

Despite the collapse, McSweeney’s second strong inning (top-scoring again after his 74 in the first innings) provided his team with a significant lead.

As the final day approaches, Philippe emphasized the challenge ahead for his team: “We need that one early breakthrough tomorrow, and hopefully we can get on a roll and take three or four wickets.”

Brief scores:

Australia 'A' 420 & 16183 all out in 46.5 overs (Nathan McSweeny 85, Josh Philippe 50; Gurnoor Brar 3-42, Manav Suthar 3-50) lead India A 194 & 169/2 in 41 overs (Sai Sudharsan 44 not out, KL Rahul 74; Todd Murphy 2-49) by 243 runs.