Devdutt Padikkal Hits Composed Century As India A Respond Strongly Against Australia A

When the red ball moves, patience becomes the most valuable currency in cricket. And at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, India A’s Devdutt Padikkal showcased that very currency in abundance. With a composed and determined hundred on the fourth and final day of the unofficial Test against Australia A, the elegant left-hander added another vital chapter to his growing First-Class resume. This knock was not just about runs — it was about character, technique, and grit under pressure.

As India A fought to bridge a massive first-innings deficit, Padikkal’s century, complemented perfectly by Dhruv Jurel’s flamboyant 140, became the cornerstone of a stirring revival for the hosts. Together, the two produced one of the most remarkable fightbacks seen in recent India A fixtures, pushing the Australian bowlers into unfamiliar territory — that of frustration and fatigue.

The Patient Hundred: Devdutt Padikkal’s Redemption Story

In a format where flair often plays second fiddle to technique, Padikkal’s 100 off 198 balls was a reminder that old-school Test virtues still reign supreme. His innings was constructed on a strong foundation of defensive technique, concentration, and clever strike rotation. It wasn’t until his 170th ball that he even considered unleashing an attacking stroke worthy of applause. And by the time he brought up his hundred — with a gentle nudge off Corey Rocchiccioli — Padikkal had struck just 9 boundaries.

There was no rush. There was no flamboyance. Just resolve.

Padikkal’s century — his 7th in First-Class cricket — couldn’t have come at a better time. India A were tottering at 222/4, still 310 runs behind Australia A’s imposing total of 532/6 declared. With wickets falling and pressure mounting, the stylish left-hander took it upon himself to grind the opposition bowlers down.

This was not the free-flowing Padikkal we often see in T20s or the IPL. This was the red-ball Padikkal — calm, composed, clinical.

The Jurel Factor: Counterattack with Style

If Padikkal was the monk at one end, Dhruv Jurel was the maverick at the other.

Coming in at a critical juncture, Jurel blazed his way to 140 off 197 balls, a knock laced with 13 boundaries and 4 towering sixes. The wicketkeeper-batter, known for his sharp glove work and gritty temperament, once again proved he’s more than just a safe pair of hands behind the stumps.

His aggressive intent took the pressure off Padikkal and shifted the momentum towards the Indian camp. Jurel’s crisp footwork against spin and dominance over the Australian pacers disrupted their rhythm, opening up scoring opportunities and allowing Padikkal to settle into his groove.

Together, Jurel and Padikkal stitched a game-changing 228-run partnership for the fifth wicket — one that will be remembered for its balance, rhythm, and psychological impact on the visitors.

Partnership of Contrasts, Symphony in Sync

One was calm, the other combative. One dealt in singles, the other in sixes. Yet, when brought together at a time of distress, their styles blended into a perfect symphony of counterattack and consolidation.

Their partnership:

Partnership Runs: 228
Balls Faced: 362
4s/6s combined: 22/4
Duration: 90.3 overs

Jurel’s aggressive intent allowed Padikkal to anchor. The field spread out. The bowlers were forced to mix lengths. And as soon as the Aussies adjusted, the pair rotated strike smartly, never allowing the pressure to mount. It was the kind of partnership India A has lacked in past red-ball games — one that showed both fight and finesse.

By the time Jurel departed, Australia A had finally broken through — but it was too late. The damage was done.

Australia A’s Bowling: Bright Start, Dim Finish

To their credit, the Australians started well. Mark Steketee, Will Sutherland, and Jordan Buckingham extracted movement off the surface early on, troubling the Indian top order. Corey Rocchiccioli, the off-spinner, found some purchase as well, removing a set batter just before the second new ball.

But once Jurel and Padikkal settled, Australia’s attack looked increasingly one-dimensional. Their lengths became predictable, plans were hard to execute, and fielding lapses didn’t help either. The spinners couldn’t penetrate, the seamers over-pitched, and as India A’s confidence grew, Australia A were reduced to containment rather than attack.

For a team defending a 532-run total, that was telling.

Match Summary After Day 4

Australia A 1st Innings: 532/6 declared
India A 1st Innings (at Stumps, Day 4): 461/5 in 124 overs
Devdutt Padikkal: 100* (198 balls, 9 fours)
Dhruv Jurel: 140 (197 balls, 13 fours, 4 sixes)
Deficit Remaining: 71 runs

With Padikkal unbeaten and the lower order still to bat, India A will be hoping to wipe out the deficit and possibly take a first-innings lead, a remarkable turnaround from the situation they were in after Day 2.

Tactical Maturity on Display

What stood out most about India A’s effort was not just the runs — it was the tactical maturity.

Rather than panicking under scoreboard pressure, both Jurel and Padikkal played to their strengths. They:

Left balls outside off-stump
Targeted specific bowlers (especially Rocchiccioli)
Avoided risky aerial shots
Took singles with precision
Maintained high focus across long spells

For young cricketers aspiring to play Test cricket, this partnership is a template on how to build an innings under pressure.

Selectors Take Note: Padikkal’s Case for the Senior Team

With India’s home Test season looming, featuring key series against West Indies and South Africa, performances in the India A squad have never been more vital. Padikkal’s ton, under difficult circumstances, puts him firmly back in the spotlight.

What works in his favour:

Ability to adapt between formats
Strong temperament in red-ball cricket
Consistency in First-Class and India A fixtures
Solid technique against pace and spin

In a post-Pujara era, India’s Test top order is still seeking dependable anchors. Padikkal’s innings may well have earned him a phone call from the selectors in the months to come.

Dhruv Jurel: The Future Wicketkeeper-Batter?

Jurel too continues to stake his claim as a long-term wicketkeeper-batter. While KS Bharat, Ishan Kishan, and KL Rahul have all had their turns, Jurel brings:

Solid technique
Aggressive stroke play
Confidence under pressure
Strong glove-work in tough subcontinental conditions

This knock of 140 against Australia A, on a testing surface and with scoreboard pressure, will do wonders for his red-ball credentials.

What Lies Ahead

India A will resume the final day aiming to:

Overtake the remaining 71-run deficit
Push for a symbolic first-innings lead
Possibly push Australia A into batting again, if time permits

Though a result might be unlikely due to the time consumed in the first innings, the psychological advantage now rests firmly with the hosts.

Australia A, on the other hand, will be keen to:

Break the Padikkal partnership early
Clean up the tail with the new ball
Ensure India A don’t claim moral supremacy

Voices from the Camp

Devdutt Padikkal (Post-Match Day 4):

“It was about grinding, session after session. Dhruv made it easy with his aggressive approach. We just wanted to get close to their total and bat time.”

Dhruv Jurel:

“My plan was simple: take the attack to them when they expected us to defend. The partnership worked because we trusted each other’s strengths.”

Hero Image Prompt

A composed Devdutt Padikkal raising his bat at the Ekana Stadium after reaching his century, helmet off, bat pointed to the dressing room. Teammates applaud from the balcony, while Australian fielders regroup in the background.

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