# Kumar Kushagra and Devdutt Padikkal Put India A in Complete Command Against Australia A in First Unofficial Test

> India A set a daunting fourth-innings target after bowling out Australia A for 171 in the first innings. Chasing a steep target, Australia A ended Day 3 at 55 for 2, still requiring 308 runs for victory.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Cricket · **Published:** 2026-09-24 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/cricket/kumar-kushagra-aura-devdutt-padikkal-ke-dama-para-india-a-ne-pahale-anaupacharika-testa-men-australia-a-ko-baikaphuta-para-dhakela-38020 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Cricket, India A, Australia A, Kumar Kushagra, Devdutt Padikkal, Unofficial Test

India A established firm control over Australia A by the conclusion of Day 3 in the first unofficial Test match. Despite being bowled out for 199 in their second innings, India A capitalized on their significant first-innings advantage to place Australia A under severe pressure. By stumps on the third day, the visiting Australian side had already lost two wickets for 55 runs in their chase. Australia A still require an additional 308 runs to achieve victory, facing a daunting task against an assertive Indian bowling unit heading into the final stages of the match.

## First-Innings Dominance Anchored by Kumar Kushagra's Century
The two-match unofficial Test series began with India batting first and posting a substantial total of 334 runs in their opening innings. The highlight of that effort was a resilient knock from Kumar Kushagra, who compiled 113 runs to lift his side into a commanding position. Australia A struggled to respond effectively to the pressure, folding for just 171 runs in their first innings. That collapse conceded a massive first-innings deficit to the hosts, giving India A complete psychological and tactical leverage in the contest.

## Devdutt Padikkal's Half-Century Sets Imposing Target
India A encountered stiffer resistance during their second turn at the crease, being dismissed for 199 runs. Devdutt Padikkal, who had missed out on making a substantial score in the first innings, led the scoring chart this time with a disciplined knock of 59 runs. First-innings centurion Kumar Kushagra added another crucial contribution, scoring 46 runs to push the overall target well beyond comfort. Faced with a steep target, Australia A lost two early wickets, reaching 55 runs by the close of play on Day 3, leaving them 308 runs adrift of the required total.

## Series Schedule and Tour Structure
This bilateral engagement between the two reserve squads features two unofficial Tests followed by three unofficial One Day Internationals. With the opening four-day contest heading towards an imminent conclusion, the second unofficial Test match is scheduled to commence on September 29. A three-match unofficial ODI series will follow, for which the Indian squad has already been finalized and announced. Given the current game state, India A remain in a dominant position to secure the series opener.

## What this means for you
The commanding performance in this unofficial Test directly impacts the national selection radar and tests the bench strength of both cricketing nations.

- **For Cricket Followers:** The strong showing by developmental players reinforces confidence in India's red-ball reserves. Key performances by Kumar Kushagra and Devdutt Padikkal enhance their prospects for senior team call-ups in upcoming tours.
- **For Upcoming Fixtures:** Taking control of the opening match provides immense momentum heading into the second unofficial Test starting September 29. It also sets a competitive tone for the three upcoming unofficial ODIs.
- **For the Australian Side:** Chasing a steep target with wickets down puts severe pressure on the visiting batting order ahead of Day 4. Lessons learned here will directly influence their strategic adjustments for the remainder of the tour.
- **For National Selectors:** Consistent scores like a century and a 46 from a young batter offer viable options for long-format squad planning. The performances in these matches serve as crucial evaluation data for higher honours.

## Why this happened
India A took complete charge of the match by establishing a decisive first-innings lead backed by disciplined all-round execution.

- **Substantial First-Innings Lead:** India A posted 334 in their opening innings and promptly dismissed Australia A for 171. That 163-run lead established a massive cushion and dictated the tempo of the entire contest.
- **Consistent Batting by Kumar Kushagra:** Kushagra struck a resilient 113 in the first innings and backed it up with a vital 46 in the second. His aggregate runs across both innings ensured India always held an insurmountable advantage.
- **Crucial Fifty from Devdutt Padikkal:** When India A were bowled out for 199 in the second innings, Padikkal's 59 runs ensured the final target exceeded 360 runs.
- **Early Second-Innings Setbacks:** Australia A lost two quick wickets for just 55 runs before the close of Day 3. That early collapse left them facing a daunting 308-run deficit heading into the final stages.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. What did India A score in their first innings?
India A posted a total of 334 runs in their first innings.

### 2. Who scored a century for India A in the first innings?
Kumar Kushagra scored 113 runs in the first innings.

### 3. What was Australia A's first-innings total?
Australia A were bowled out for 171 runs in their first innings.

### 4. How many runs did Devdutt Padikkal make in the second innings?
Devdutt Padikkal scored 59 runs in India A's second innings.

### 5. What was Australia A's score at the end of Day 3?
At stumps on Day 3, Australia A were 55 for 2, needing 308 more runs to win.

### 6. When is the second unofficial Test scheduled to begin?
The second unofficial Test is scheduled to start on September 29.

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