India A vs Australia A, 2nd Unofficial Test: IND-A Crumble Under AUS-A Pressure, Lead by 11 Runs With 73/5 At Stumps

India A vs Australia A, 2nd Unofficial Test: India A faced Australia A on Day 2 of the second unofficial Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday, November 8, looking to overcome a first-innings deficit.

The visitors began the day with the prospect of a challenging task to overturn Australia A's first-innings lead of 62 runs. However, Day 2 did not go according to plan at all for the Indian team, with the Aussies dominating proceedings with bat and ball.

How Did IND-A Fare Against AUS-A on Day 2 of India A vs Australia A 2nd Unofficial Test?

After bowling out India A for 161 on Day 1, the Australian side further extended their dominance, with key contributions from both their middle order and bowling attack, despite multiple rain interruptions throughout the day.

The day began with Australia A resuming their innings at 53/2, and Marcus Harris soon anchored their innings with a composed 74, defying India A’s attack. His resilience was tested through a stop-start morning, with rain disrupting play multiple times.

However, the Indian bowlers fought back effectively, with Prasidh Krishna and Mukesh Kumar delivering crucial breakthroughs. Prasidh’s sharp spells earned him four wickets, including the dismissals of Harris and Scott Boland on consecutive deliveries.

Mukesh Kumar, equally impactful, picked up three wickets, including a sharp low catch by KL Rahul at slip to dismiss Beau Webster. These efforts ensured that Australia A were restricted to 223, with a lead of 62 runs, after an aggressive 35-run cameo from Corey Rocchiccioli added late-order runs for the hosts.

In their second innings, India A struggled from the outset, with KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran attempting to provide a stable start but failing to capitalise. Easwaran was dismissed for 17, edging to gully off McAndrew, while Rahul’s dismissal came in an uncharacteristic fashion, as he was bowled off-spinner Corey Rocchiccioli's first delivery after letting the ball roll onto his stumps.

Sai Sudharsan, too, had another brief stay at the crease, managing just three runs before he was caught by Cameron Bancroft off Beau Webster. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad showed some resistance but was trapped lbw by McAndrew for 11, leaving India A reeling at 73/5 by the end of play.

Dhruv Jurel, who scored a fighting 80 in the first innings, was once again left to hold the innings together, unbeaten at stumps. With the top order faltering, Jurel’s innings was vital in preventing an outright collapse, but the lead remained slim, setting up a likely third-day finish.

By stumps, India A found themselves on the back foot at 73/5 in their second innings, holding a slim 11-run lead with just five wickets in hand.

India A will look to Jurel and the lower order to extend their lead on Day 3, while Australia A’s bowlers are poised to close out the game and seal a commanding series victory.