India A vs Australia A, 2nd Unofficial Test: India A Need 243 More with 8 Wickets in Hand After McSweeney’s Fighting 85

Lucknow, Sept 25, 2025 – A gritty 85 from Australia A captain Nathan McSweeney helped his side set a daunting target of 412, but India A responded strongly on day three of the second unofficial Test in Lucknow, reaching 169 for 2 by stumps. With eight wickets in hand, the hosts now need 243 runs on the final day to secure victory.

Resuming on 16 for 3 in their second innings, Australia A were rocked early again, slipping to 17 for 4. McSweeney, unbeaten overnight, anchored the innings with a 90-run partnership alongside Josh Philippe, who counter-attacked with a brisk 50 off 48 balls before falling to left-arm spinner Manav Suthar.

Suthar continued his fine form from the first innings, claiming 3 for 50 to take his match tally to 8 for 157. Gurnoor Brar chipped in with 3 for 42, while Mohammed Siraj and concussion substitute Yash Thakur grabbed two wickets each to bowl Australia A out for 185.

Chasing 412, India A got off to a strong start with an 85-run opening stand between KL Rahul and N Jagadeesan. Rahul, who looked in fine touch with a fluent 74, retired hurt late in the day, while Jagadeesan was dismissed by Todd Murphy for 36. Murphy later also removed Devdutt Padikkal for 5, but Sai Sudharsan (44*) and nightwatchman Manav Suthar (batting on 0) ensured there were no further hiccups.

Earlier, in the first innings, McSweeney had also scored 74, while Murphy impressed with the bat with 76. Suthar led India A’s bowling in that innings too, finishing with 5 for 107.

With 243 runs needed on the final day and spinners expected to play a key role on a wearing pitch, India A’s chase promises to be a tense one. Australia A’s Josh Philippe emphasized the importance of early wickets on the final morning. “We just need that one breakthrough early tomorrow, and hopefully we can get on a roll,” he said.

India A will bank on the in-form Sai Sudharsan and the fitness of KL Rahul, while Australia A will look to Murphy and their spin attack to finish the job. All eyes will now be on the final day as this unofficial Test hangs in the balance.