Jurel ton leads India A's impressive comeback

Dhruv Jurel's impressive ton was the highlight of another rain-marred day in Lucknow as the first unofficial Test between India A and Australia A is heading towards a draw following the impressive comeback from the hosts.

When play finally got underway after a frustrating wait on the third day, Sai Sudharsan and N Jagadeesan continued to bat in positive fashion before the half-centurion was sent packing by Xavier Bartlett. But the visitors couldn't really capitalise on the dismissal as Devdutt Padikkal now joined in to frustrate Australia A.

The duo added 80 for the third wicket with both the batters getting to their respective half-centuries. Australia A then found a small opening though when Cooper Connolly managed to trap Sudharsan leg-before-wicket for 73. In less than four overs, the visitors struck again and this time it was the big scalp of skipper Shreyas Iyer who was the only batter to get dismissed for a single-digit score in the innings.

Cautiously placed at 222/4, trailing still by over 300 runs, India A revived their innings with Jurel joining Padikkal. While the left-hander was measured in his approach, Jurel was the aggressor as he cleared the ropes four times to bring up a stunning century as India breached 400 just before stumps.

With just a day left in the game, the chances of this game ending in a draw have brightened unless Australia A can enforce a result with a productive morning session considering they still hold a lead of 129 runs.

Brief scores: India A 403/4 (Dhruv Jurel 113*, Devdutt Padikkal 86*; Liam Scott 1/31) trail Australia A 532/6d by 129 runs.