Jurel’s excellent innings in this match has made him a strong contender for a spot in the Indian team for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, possibly ahead of Sarfaraz and KL Rahul.
Dhruv Jurel played an outstanding knock, scoring 80 runs in the second practice match against Australia A, even though the India A batting line-up struggled.
Jurel, along with KL Rahul, was added to the India A squad after the team’s poor performance in the Test series against New Zealand. This decision may have been influenced by Sarfaraz Khan’s disappointing form in the second and third Test against New Zealand.
Sarfaraz got the opportunity to play ahead of Jurel in the Test series, where he scored a notable 150 in the first Test. He was also chosen over Rahul for the second and third Tests. However, his performances in the subsequent innings were not as convincing.
Jurel’s excellent innings in this match has made him a strong contender for a spot in the Indian team for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, possibly ahead of Sarfaraz and KL Rahul.
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Jurel came to bat early, in the third over, after Michael Neser tore through the top order, leaving India A struggling at 11-4. While the other Indian batters found it tough against the Australian A bowlers, Jurel stayed calm and played a superb knock.
Rahul Fails to Impress in Practice Match
KL Rahul had an opportunity to prepare for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but was dismissed for a low score of four runs. With Rohit Sharma likely missing the first Test in Perth, Rahul might be asked to open the innings. Abhimanyu Easwaran, despite solid performances in domestic cricket, struggled in the practice games, managing only 7 and 12 runs in the first Test and failing to get off the mark in the first innings of the second Test.
While Rahul is not in peak form, his experience in overseas conditions could give him the edge over Easwaran for the opening role. If Rahul is promoted to open, India will need to pick either Sarfaraz Khan or Dhruv Jurel for the middle order.
However, once Rohit returns, even Rahul might have to sit out along with Sarfaraz Khan. Athough Sarfaraz is the specialist batter, Jurel’s impressive performance in the practice game has significantly improved his chances of being selected for the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, set to begin on November 22nd.
Australia A finish Day 1 at 53/2
In the ongoing practice match, India A struggled with the bat and were bowled out for 161, with Dhruv Jurel standing out as the top scorer with 80 runs.
After the end of Day 1, Australia A are 53-2, with Mukesh Kumar and Khaleel Ahmed each taking a wicket.
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