Ton-up Padikkal shines bright in dull draw for IND 'A' against AUS 'A'

Devdutt Padikkal

As the rain-affected four-day unofficial Test match between India ‘A' and Australia ‘A' petered out into a draw, Devdutt Padikkal made the most of the opportunity on the final day, as he went on to complete his seventh first-class century. It was due to his superb knock that India ‘A' were able to close in on Australia ‘A's massive score of 532-6 declared.

India ‘A' declare at 531-7

When the home team were just two runs short of taking the lead, a downpour sent the players scurrying into the pavilion. Ultimately, two hours later, when the match resumed, India ‘A' declared their innings at 531-7, allowing the visitors to utilise the remainder period for some batting practice. After an hour's play when Australia ‘A' were 56 for no loss, the match was called off at 4 pm, half-an-hour before the scheduled close.

Padikkal, who had batted resolutely on the third day for 86, seemed in no hurry to attain the three-figure mark on the final day. Displaying monumental patience, he reached his hundred off 198 balls, never playing a rash stroke. Ultimately, he was dismissed for 150 after having batted for seven hours and facing 281 deliveries. The Karnataka batter's long vigil ended when he was caught behind off Cory Rocchiccioli (pronounced Rockie-Kholi). He was one of four centurions during the match.

Batting-friendly conditions

Despite rain and overcast conditions during the majority of the sessions, the batters had an easy time. If it was Sam Konstas and wicketkeeper Josh Philippe who scored hundreds for the visitors, it was wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel and Padikkal, who made the most of the surface for India ‘A'. For Padikkal, this was his second century for India ‘A', having scored 105 against England Lions at Ahmedabad last season. His other five centuries have come in the Ranji Trophy for Karnataka. He has played two Tests, one each against England and Australia, without much success.