JOIN US In-form Naman Ojha struck a brave ton while Umesh Yadav made 90 to not only pull India ‘A’ out of trouble but also give the visitors a valuable lead after the third day’s play against Australia ‘A’ in the second unofficial Test at Allan Border Field, here on Tuesday.
Ojha, who had scored a double ton and a century in the first match, hit 18 fours and three sixes in his 110-run innings to help India ‘A’ notch up 501 in response to the hosts’ first innings score of 423 — a lead of 78 runs.
Starting on their overnight score of 165 for three in the four-day game, India ‘A’ slumped from 165 for three to 199 for five before Ojha (110) took charge and put up a 69-run partnership with Ambati Rayudu (40).
Aussie pacer Chadd Sayers (5/84), who had picked the first three wickets on Monday, continued his surge by sending overnight batsmen Manoj Tiwary (63) and Baba Aparajith (28) in the first session of play.
Brief scores: Australia ‘A’: 423 all out and 0 for no loss 0.1 overs vs India ‘A’: 501 all out (O/n: 165/3): Baba Aparajith 28, Manoj Tiwary 63, Ambati Rayudu 40, Naman Ojha 110, Amit Mishra 36, Umesh Yadav 90; Ben Cutting 4-100, Chadd Sayers 5-84).