Murphy, Australia A bowlers keep India A in check

India A are 122 for 5 at stumps and still 236 runs behind Australia A's 358

India A 122 for 5 (Rasheed 36*, Murphy 2-26) trail Australia A 358 (Harper 128, Kamboj 3-34, Bhute 3-44, Mulani 3-92) by 236 runs

Todd Murphy and Australia A's bowlers tightened their grip on India A after the visitors completed a strong first innings on the second day, leaving the hosts 122 for 5 at stumps and still 236 runs behind.

Murphy was the standout with the ball, conceding just 26 runs from 17 overs and picking up two wickets. He dismissed B Sai Sudharsan before returning to remove Yash Rathod, keeping India A's batters under pressure throughout his spell.

Liam Scott played a supporting hand too, conceding just 10 runs from his nine overs while claiming the wicket of Kumar Kushagra for 10. Jhye Richardson also struck early, having opener Aayush Pandey caught behind for 4.

Australia A had earlier stretched their overnight 282 for 7 to 358, with Sam Harper completing a top-scoring with 128. Harper, who resumed on 101, added 27 more runs before he was caught behind off Tanush Kotian. Murphy made 33 before Anshul Kamboj ended his innings, while Richardson contributed a brisk 31.

Kamboj wrapped up the lower order and finished with 3 for 34, while Nachiket Bhute and Shams Mulani also claimed three wickets apiece.

India A's reply got off to a difficult start when Pandey fell to Richardson in the fifth ball of the innings. Sudharsan followed for 8, before Devdutt Padikkal made 31 from 63 balls.

Shaik Rasheed provided the resistance India A needed, batting 140 balls for an unbeaten 36. He found some support from Kotian, who was unbeaten on 6 at the close, after Kushagra was trapped lbw by Scott.