Seamers Steal the Show in India A vs South Africa A Clash
In a crucial warm-up game ahead of the first Test in Kolkata, the India A versus South Africa A encounter in Bengaluru has been dominated by the fast bowlers. While the Indian pace attack delivered a commanding performance, the outing raised concerns about the form of top-order batters Devdutt Padikkal and B Sai Sudharsan on a challenging green pitch.
Batting Woes on a Green Top
After being bowled out for 255 on the first day, India A's batting frailties were exposed again in their second innings. The top order collapsed, leaving the team at a precarious 72 for 3 at stumps on Day 2. Opener Abhimanyu Easwaran had a forgettable match, registering a pair of ducks.
Sai Sudharsan, who started promisingly with five boundaries in his quickfire 23, fell to a contentious LBW decision. His potential competitor for a Test spot, Devdutt Padikkal, also failed to capitalize, dismissed for 24. The only consolation for India A was KL Rahul remaining unbeaten on 26, with night-watchman Kuldeep Yadav for company.
Pace Trio Wreaks Havoc
India A's response with the ball was emphatic. The seamers, exploiting the seaming conditions at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, ripped through the South Africa A batting lineup. Akash Deep set the tone, cleaning up opener Lesego Senokwane for a duck in his very first over.
Senior pacer Mohammed Siraj joined the party, trapping Zubayr Hamza LBW. The standout performer, however, was Prasidh Krishna. Dropped from the main Test squad, Prasidh made a strong statement, hitting the perfect line and length and moving the ball late to trouble all batsmen. He struck two quick blows, removing opener Jordan Hermann and Connon Esterhuizen in a superb spell.
Despite the early carnage, South Africa A found a saviour in their captain, Marques Ackerman. He launched a stunning counter-attack, smashing a blistering 134 off just 118 balls This match serves as a vital preparatory ground for the Test series. While the Indian pace battery appears to be in fine rhythm, the repeated failures of Padikkal and Sudharsan on a pitch offering assistance to bowlers will be a point of discussion for the team management. The performance puts the spotlight on the batting lineup's ability to handle seaming conditions, which might be a factor at Eden Gardens. For players like Prasidh Krishna, this performance is a timely reminder of his skills and a push for a recall.Implications for the Kolkata Test
