Sai Sudharsan is making all the right noises as India’s tour of Australia approaches. Batting for India A in their first unofficial Test match against Australia A at MacKay, Sai led India’s fight in the second innings with a well-compiled hundred.

Sai Sudharsan was India A’s top scorer in difficult conditions, scoring his seven first-class hundreds. Sai’s 103 combined with Devdutt Padikkal’s 88 helped Indai post a total of over 300 and extend its lead beyond 200 runs on the third day.

Sai Sudharsan celebrated his hundred on the morning of the third day. He reached the landmark, his first hundred on Australian soil, with a quick single off off-spinner Todd Murphy.

Sai Sudharsan was dismissed for 103 by the off-spinner as India A suffered a mini collapse after a partnership of 196 for the third wicket. Murphy dismissed Sai and Devdutt in successive overs as India A went from 226 for 2 to 256 for 5.

Middle-order batters Baba Indrajith (6), Ishan Kishan (32) and all-rounder Nitish Reddy (17) failed to convert their starts into big hits in the second innings for India A. Earlier in the test, Mukesh Kumar’s sensational six-wicket haul helped India A fight back with the ball.

Sai Sudharsan’s exemplary form is unlikely to go unnoticed as India look for replacement options for top-order roles. Sai may be asked to stay in Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which begins on November 22.

India chose Abhimanyu Easwaran as a backup opener but the Bengal star failed in both innings of the first unofficial Test at MacKay.

3 CENTS IN 3 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES

Sai Sudharsan has scored as many as three hundreds in first-class cricket in three different countries in the last three months.

One of the highlights of his current form was his maiden double hundred in the Ranji Trophy. Playing for Tamil Nadu against Delhi at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Sudharsan scored 213 while opening the batting for his state. Sudharsan was at his best against a high-quality Delhi attack in the second round of the premier domestic tournament.

Apart from his performance in the Ranji Trophy, Sudharsan also made a significant contribution in the Duleep Trophy. Representing the C team under Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sudharsan had a mixed start to the tournament but emerged with a century in the third round against India C. He scored 111 runs, demonstrating his ability to perform in different conditions and positions at bat.

Sudharsan’s stint with Surrey in the English County Championship further highlighted his adaptability and skills. In August 2023, he signed for Surrey for the final three matches of the 2023 County Championship and made a notable impact. He scored a century against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge, hitting 105 runs including 10 fours and a six, facing 176 balls.