India A established firm control over the first unofficial Test by the close of play on Day 2, holding a 163-run lead. Australia A struggled to gain momentum, ultimately being dismissed for 171 in their first innings. Shams Mulani led the Indian bowling attack with figures of 4 for 67, while Tushar Deshpande and Tanush Kotian provided critical support by claiming two wickets each.
The hosts began the second day at 257 for 5. Overnight batter Kotian added to his tally before becoming Brendon Doggett’s lone victim of the innings. Despite significant contributions from Mulani, Anshul Kamboj, and Deshpande lower down the order, India A managed to add only 76 runs for their final four wickets, ending their innings at 334. Kumar Kushagra, who had retired hurt on the first day, returned to complete his century, while Corey Rocchiccioli finished with 4 for 95 and Todd Murphy chipped in with three wickets.
Australia A’s response started poorly. Opener Campbell Kellaway fell to Anshul Kamboj for 2 after a cautious start, and the team soon found themselves in deep trouble at 40 for 4. Praful Hinge removed Nathan McSweeney, Mulani claimed the wicket of Peter Handscomb, and Deshpande trapped Sam Konstas lbw. While Jason Sangha offered a brief resistance, forming partnerships of 45 runs with Josh Phillippe and 41 with Liam Scott, the collapse was inevitable.
Mulani proved lethal against the tail, ripping through the lower order to ensure the visitors lost their final five wickets for only five runs. The day concluded with the scorecard reading: India A 334 (Kushagra 113, Kotian 69; Rocchiccioli 4-95) against Australia A 171 (Sangha 46; Mulani 4-67, Deshpande 2-32), leaving the tourists trailing by 163 runs. The report also notes that tushar Deshpande and Tanush Kotian contributed with a brace each as the visitors struggled to put up a strong show with the bat after bowling out India A for 334 earlier on Wednesday (September 23).
