Cricket fans across the globe were treated to a feast of action this week, as both India A and England showcased their batting depth and flair in high-profile matches that kept audiences riveted. With the first unofficial Test between India A and Australia A nearing its climax in Lucknow and England kicking off their T20 series against Ireland in explosive fashion, the cricketing world is abuzz with excitement and anticipation for what’s next.
At Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium, the third day of the first unofficial Test between India A and Australia A unfolded under overcast skies and after yet another frustrating rain delay. The persistent wet outfield, a result of overnight showers, meant only 30 minutes of play were possible in the opening session. India A, resuming at a strong position, quickly lost opener N Jagadeesan for 64, as pacer Xavier Bartlett found the edge through to the wicketkeeper. Despite this early setback, the hosts refused to wilt under pressure.
B Sai Sudharsan, the promising left-hander who made his Test debut in England, stepped up with a composed 73 off 124 deliveries, peppered with 10 boundaries. His partnership with Devdutt Padikkal added 76 runs for the third wicket, steadying the ship. However, Sudharsan’s dismissal—trapped in front by left-arm spinner Cooper Connolly—meant India A needed another rescue act to avoid a collapse.
Enter Shreyas Iyer, a player with much to prove. Having lost his Test spot during the 2024 home series against England and with limited red-ball opportunities due to white-ball commitments, Iyer’s return was highly anticipated. Yet, his stay was brief; off-spinner Corey Rocchiccioli accounted for him after just 13 deliveries, leaving Iyer to ponder his next move with only eight runs to his name.
With the pressure mounting and Australia A’s bowlers sniffing an opening, the stage was set for a revival. Dhruv Jurel, India’s wicketkeeper-batsman, and Devdutt Padikkal took command, forging an unbroken 181-run partnership that not only steadied the innings but put India A in a position of strength. Padikkal, patient and methodical, reached his half-century off 117 balls and remained unbeaten on 86 at stumps. Jurel, meanwhile, played a knock to remember.
Jurel’s innings was a masterclass in counter-attacking cricket. He brought up his century in just 114 deliveries, lacing his innings with 10 boundaries and four towering sixes—three of which soared straight down the ground. Particularly severe on Rocchiccioli, Jurel plundered 47 runs off just 46 balls against the off-spinner, while also dispatching Connolly for 25 off 24. His aggressive intent, especially given the pressure situation, drew widespread praise and reignited calls for his inclusion in the senior team as a specialist batsman, even with Rishabh Pant in the mix.
As the sun set on Day 3, India A closed at 403/4, still trailing Australia A’s imposing 532 for 6 declared by 129 runs. With one day left, the match appeared to be heading for a draw unless India A’s bowlers could conjure something magical on the final day. The resilience shown by the middle order, especially Jurel and Padikkal, will no doubt give the team confidence as they look to press for a result or at least secure a morale-boosting draw.
This match also shines a spotlight on the depth of Indian cricket, a nation that, as of September 2025, holds the T20 World Cup, Champions Trophy, and Asia Cup. Under the guidance of coach Gautam Gambhir—who took over in 2024—India’s cricketing structure continues to produce talent capable of stepping up on big occasions. Shubman Gill, now Test captain after the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, has already made headlines with 754 runs in his first series as skipper in England. Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav lead the ODI and T20I teams respectively, with India currently ranked number one in both formats. The Men in Blue’s dominance is further underscored by their historic 2-1 Test series win in Australia in 2020-21, including a famous victory at the Gabba—the first by an Asian side in 32 years.
Meanwhile, across the continent, England’s white-ball juggernaut rolled on as they clinched a four-wicket win over Ireland in the opening T20 of their series. The match, played on September 17, 2025, was a run-fest from start to finish. Ireland set a formidable target of 196, thanks to Harry Tector’s stylish 61 and Lorcan Tucker’s brisk 55. But England’s chase was powered by the in-form Phil Salt, who blazed his way to 89 from just 46 balls, including a flurry of boundaries and sixes that left the crowd gasping.
Salt’s recent form has been nothing short of sensational—his last two T20 innings have yielded 230 runs from 106 balls, with 25 fours and 12 sixes. No wonder he was frustrated to miss out on a century, slicing a wide ball to deep backward point just 11 runs short. “No century for Phil Salt! It’s almost a shock to type that given how comfortable he looked,” quipped the match commentator, highlighting Salt’s high standards and hunger for big scores.
England’s depth was on full display, with contributions from Jacob Bethell (24), Sam Curran (27, including successive sixes), and Rehan Ahmed, who batted higher than usual and chipped in with eight. The team chased down the target in just 17 overs, finishing at 197-6 with 14 balls to spare. England’s new captain, reflecting on the victory, said, “It feels pretty special to captain England, and to win the first one is always nice. Great feeling and I can’t wait to get going again on Friday.” With sold-out crowds expected for the next matches on September 19 and 21, the atmosphere promises to be electric.
As both India and England continue to flex their cricketing muscles, fans are left to wonder: who will rise next from these talent-rich squads? Will India A’s bowlers script a dramatic turnaround in Lucknow, or will the match meander to a draw? And will Phil Salt’s purple patch continue as England look to dominate Ireland in the remainder of the series?
One thing’s for sure—cricket fans are in for a treat as the action unfolds. With emerging stars making headlines and established names continuing to deliver, the future of the sport looks brighter than ever.
