Press Trust of India
Wayanad (Kerala), August 20: A distinct lack of application from India A batsmen saw the hosts staring at a defeat against South Africa A at the end of a rain-hit third day of the first unofficial Test at the Krishnagiri stadium here Thursday.
Needing 392 runs to avoid follow-on after South Africa posted a mammoth 542 in their first innings, India A were shot out for a paltry score of 204 in their first essay, thereby conceding a huge lead of 338 runs.
For the visitors, off-spinner Dane Piedt (5/88) was the wrecker-in-chief and was far better than his Indian counterparts.
The South Africa A team then decided against enforcing a follow-on and scored 105 for one declared to set up a gigantic victory target of 444 for the hosts.
In reply, Indians were 73 for two at stumps, needing another 371 runs on the final day to win the match.
As of now an India A win is completely out of question but it will be interesting to see whether the likes of Ambati Rayudu, Abhinav Mukund and Karun Nair can at least earn a draw.
At the close of play today, Mukund was batting on 32 in company of skipper Rayudu (13 batting).
Opener Jiwanjot Singh (1) was run-out while Ankush Bains (27) hit five boundaries before being done in by left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj.
Starting the day on 122 for three, the remaining seven wickets fell for a mere 82 runs. Skipper Rayudu, who scored 46, held one end but saw his teammates depart one after another at the other end.
Brief Scores
South Africa A 542 and 105 for 1 decl.; India A 204 (Ambati Rayadu 46; Dane Piedt 5/85) and 73 for 2. Match to continue.
