The hosts were at 267 for six in their second innings for a slender lead of 53
Virat Kohli of India plays a shot during the 2nd unofficial Test against Australia A in Chennai on Friday. (Photo: AP)
Chennai: Neither Virat Kohli nor Cheteshwar Pujara accomplished their mission, which was to bat as long as possible against Australia ‘A’, ahead of the Lanka series.
Despite forging three consecutive 50-run partnerships, the top-order of India ‘A’ failed to convert their starts into a substantial score.
Consequently, the baton of advantage is firmly in the grip of the visitors on day three of the second four-day match at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium here on Friday.
The hosts were at 267 for six in their second innings for a slender lead of 53. All-rounders B. Aparajith (28 batting) and Shreyas Gopal (0 batting) face the onerous task of saving the match on the final day.
Earlier, Pragyan Ojha (4/107) claimed the wicket of No. 11 batsman Andrew Fekete to bowl Australia ‘A’ out for 349.
Heading into the decisive final 90 minutes of play, a defiant Abhinav Mukund (59 off 163 balls, 3x4s, 1x6s) and a dashing Shreyas Iyer (49 off 66 balls, 8x4s) had the measure of the Aussies and were set to take their side ahead for the first time in the game.
Brief scores:
India ‘A’ 135 & 267/6 in 83 overs (A. Mukund 59, V. Kohli 45, S. Iyer 49, O’Keefe 3/83) vs Australia ‘A’ 349 in 107.5 overs (C. Bancroft 150, C. Ferguson 54, Ojha 4/107, Aparajith 5/86).
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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