India A’s Dhruv Jurel scored a gritty 80 off 186 balls, nearly half of his team’s low first-innings total of 161 in 57.1 overs on the opening day of the second unofficial Test against Australia A at the MCG. Jurel entered in the third over and held firm as wickets tumbled around him, showing solid technique and composure under pressure. The only other India A batter to pass the 20-run mark was Devdutt Padikkal, who managed 26 runs.
Veteran KL Rahul, opening the innings, was dismissed for just 4 by a superb delivery from Scott Boland, while Australia’s Michael Neser took 4 for 27 in 12.2 overs, delivering a devastating opening spell from which India A couldn’t recover.
By stumps, Australia A reached 53 for 2, with Mukesh Kumar once again standing out as the best of the Indian bowlers.
Jurel’s calm approach and ability to play late with soft hands were highlights of the day. He adjusted well to extra bounce, often loosening his grip to avoid edges. His six off Boland was a memorable shot and underscored his strong potential. While Rishabh Pant remains India’s first-choice wicketkeeper, Jurel’s maturity and shot selection could make him a strong middle-order candidate in the future.
India’s struggles at the top order continued, with KL Rahul falling to a perfectly pitched delivery from Boland and Abhimanyu Easwaran (0) struggling against Neser’s aggressive opening spell. Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad was dismissed for 4, caught in the slips, while Sai Sudharsan and Nitish Reddy also fell quickly, the latter attempting an ill-advised charge down the track.
As India A looks to bounce back, Jurel’s resilience offers a bright spot on an otherwise challenging day.