Todd Murphy's spin puts Australia A in command, India A trail by 236
Synopsis
Todd Murphy's two-wicket burst and Corey Rocchiccioli's removal of skipper Padikkal left India A reeling at 122 for 5, chasing Australia A's imposing 358. Sam Harper's gritty 128 was the backbone of the tourists' total, and with 236 runs still to close the gap, Day 3 sets up as a crucial survival test for the hosts.
Key Takeaways
Australia A posted 358 all out in 116.3 overs at the Siechem Stadium, Puducherry on 30 September 2026 .
Sam Harper top-scored for Australia A with a well-compiled 128 ; Anshul Kamboj took 3 for 34 for India A.
India A are 122 for 5 in reply, trailing by 236 runs at stumps on Day 2.
Todd Murphy claimed 2 for 26 , dismissing Sai Sudharsan (8) and Yash Rathod (15) ; Corey Rocchiccioli removed skipper Devdutt Padikkal (31) .
Shaik Rasheed (36 not out) and Tanush Kotian (6 not out) will resume for India A on Day 3.
India A had won the first match of this two-game series by 162 runs .
Off-spinner Todd Murphy was the chief architect of Australia A's dominance on Day 2 of the second and final four-day match at the Siechem Stadium in Puducherry on 30 September 2026, as the visitors extended their first-innings lead to 236 runs over a struggling India A side.
Australia A Post a Commanding Total
Australia A, resuming at 282/7, extended their overnight total to a formidable 358 all out in 116.3 overs. The overnight pair of centurion Sam Harper and fast bowler Jhye Richardson added crucially to an eighth-wicket stand of 53 runs, occupying the first session before the tail was finally dismissed 20 minutes after lunch. Harper fell for a fine 128, dismissed by medium pacer Anshul Kamboj, who also removed new man Liam Hatcher off successive deliveries. Kamboj finished with 3 for 34, while Nachiket Bhute and Shams Mulani each claimed three wickets — Bhute with 3 for 44 and Mulani with 3 for 92.
Murphy and Rocchiccioli Dismantle India A's Top Order
India A's reply got off to the worst possible start when Richardson had opener Aayush Pandey caught behind in the very first over. Sai Sudharsan and skipper Devdutt Padikkal steadied briefly with a 35-run second-wicket partnership, but the foundation quickly crumbled.
Murphy dismissed Sudharsan for 8 before removing the left-handed Yash Rathod for 15, finishing with figures of 2 for 26. Off-spinner Corey Rocchiccioli scalped Padikkal for 31, and fast-medium bowler Liam Scott had first-match centurion Kumar Kushagra plumb lbw — leaving India A in deep trouble. The trio of Sudharsan, Padikkal, and Rathod contributed just 54 runs combined before departing in quick succession.
India A Dig In at Stumps
At stumps, India A were precariously placed at 122 for 5 in 51 overs, with Shaik Rasheed unbeaten on 36 and Tanush Kotian yet to get off the mark on 6. The pair will need to mount a substantial recovery partnership on Day 3 if India A are to avoid the follow-on or worse.
Series Context and What's at Stake
India A had won the opening match of this two-game series by an emphatic 162 runs, meaning Australia A are fighting back with purpose. A strong first-innings total has handed the tourists the psychological and tactical upper hand heading into the penultimate day. This series serves as a key preparatory platform ahead of the senior international schedule, with several players on both sides pressing for national selection. Notably, Sam Harper's unbeaten century carried over from Day 1 into Day 2 and proved the decisive contribution in setting up Australia A's advantage.
Brief Scores: Australia A 358 all out in 116.3 overs (Jason Sangha 46, Sam Harper 128; Anshul Kamboj 3-34, Nachiket Bhute 3-44, Shams Mulani 3-92) lead India A 122/5 in 51 overs (Shaik Rasheed 36 not out; Todd Murphy 2-26, Liam Scott 1-10) by 236 runs.
Point of View
But the real damage was done with the ball — Murphy and Rocchiccioli targeted left-handers with precision and exposed India A's middle-order fragility. With Kushagra, Padikkal and Sudharsan all back in the hut, India A's batting depth is under scrutiny. The series has a broader subtext: both squads are shadow-boxing for senior spots, and a capitulation here would be a poor statement from several Indian hopefuls heading into the international window.
NationPress
30 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current match situation in Australia A vs India A second four-day game?
At stumps on Day 2 at Siechem Stadium in Puducherry, Australia A lead India A by 236 runs. Australia A were bowled out for 358 while India A are 122 for 5 in their first innings.
Who are the top performers for Australia A in this match?
Sam Harper top-scored for Australia A with 128, while off-spinner Todd Murphy took 2 for 26 and Corey Rocchiccioli claimed 1 wicket. Jhye Richardson also contributed 31 with the bat.
How did India A's top order collapse?
India A lost five wickets quickly after opener Aayush Pandey was caught behind off Richardson in the first over. Murphy dismissed Sai Sudharsan and Yash Rathod, Rocchiccioli removed Devdutt Padikkal, and Liam Scott had Kumar Kushagra lbw, leaving India A at 122 for 5.
Which India A bowlers took wickets against Australia A?
Anshul Kamboj, Nachiket Bhute, and Shams Mulani each took three wickets. Kamboj finished with 3 for 34, Bhute with 3 for 44, and Mulani with 3 for 92.
What is the series context for this India A vs Australia A game?
This is the second and final four-day match of the series. India A won the first match by 162 runs, making Australia A's first-innings dominance here a crucial response as both sides chase preparatory form ahead of senior international fixtures.
