Devdutt Padikkal scores 150 runs during IND A vs AUS A 1st unofficial Test in Lucknow

Solid batting performance by Devdutt Padikkal against Australia A team at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. On the morning of September 19, the middle-order batter touched the 150-run milestone.

It was the second century from India A team in the 1st unofficial test. Dhruv Jurel scored a hundred yesterday, and then it was Padikkal who stretched his innings for 150 off 281. During this knock, he smashed 14 boundaries and one over-boundary. Against Australia A's first innings of 532/6d, the partnership between Padikkal and Jurel proved to be the match-saver for the home team.

Before that, Narayan Jagadeesan, Sai Sudharsan, and Abhimanyu Easwaran batted nicely; Jagadeesan and Sudharshan scored half centuries as well, but against such a mammoth total, the hosts needed some big knocks, which were provided by Jurel and Padikkal. Jurel played his 140-run knock with a bit of aggression, while Padikkal played an anchor role, maintaining a stoic character.

Padikkal's 150 is a message for Team India selectors

Padikkal and Jurel formed a 228-run partnership together against 360 deliveries. Jurel added 140 runs in the foundation, and 79 runs were added by Padikkal. After Jurel lost his wicket, Padikkal remained strong on track and proved his batting skills and temperament. Notably, the 25-year-old slammed the 150 ahead of the India vs. West Indies Test series. This batting display can be a clear message to the Team India selectors that Padikkal is prepared to get back in the Whites for the highest level.

The middle-order batter so far has played only two Tests for India and scored only 90 runs in total, including a fifty-plus-run inning.

Notable knocks from the India A team vs Australia A team:

Devdutt Padikkal - 150 (281)

Dhruv Jurel - 140 (197)

Sai Sudharasan - 73 (124)

Narayan Jagadeesan - 64 (113)

Abhimanyu Easwaran - 44 (58)