Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel’s marathon partnership was the highlight of the first unofficial Test in Lucknow, which ended in a rain-hit draw between India 'A' and Australia 'A' on Friday.
India started Day 4 at 403/4, trailing by 129 runs against Australia A after their 532 in the first innings.
India A resumed the day on 403 for 4 with Padikkal on 86 and Dhruv Jurel on 113. Jurel could add only 27 to his overnight score, but Padikkal carried on.
After Dhruv Jurel, Devdutt Padikkal scored a well-crafted century that highlighted his comeback to the red-ball scene. The left-handed batter reached the milestone of 198 deliveries with a single against Corey Rocchiccioli.
The duo came together when India A was struggling at 222 for four and put on a partnership exceeding 200 runs, stabilising the innings against Australia A's massive 532/6 declared.
Dhruv Jurel made 140 runs, while Padikkal slammed 150. The Indian team declared the innings after making just 11 runs following the duo's return to the dugout at 531-7.
Australia finished at 56/0 at the end of Day 4, with Sam Konstas (27) and Campbell Kellaway (24) remaining unbeaten at the crease.
Earlier on Day 3, Dhruv Jurel struck his second first-class century as India A batters flourished, except for captain Shreyas Iyer, with the hosts ending day three at 403/4, trailing by 129 runs against Australia A after their 532 in the first innings.
Apart from Jurel, who was unbeaten on 113, Devdutt Padikkal, B Sai Sudharsan and N Jagadeesan had gone past fifty at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. India A began day three trailing Australia A by 416 runs.
Batsmen dominated the four-day match, with Australia A declaring at 532 after winning the toss and batting first.
India A responded strongly, declaring 531/7, thanks to Dhruv Jurel's 140 and Devdutt Padikkal's 150, setting up a thrilling draw that was ultimately confirmed by rain washing out the final day's play.
The second four-dayer will also be played in Lucknow, from September 23.