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Devdutt Padikkal Shines, Smashes a Quickfire Hundred Against The England Lions

image-lrsvv1z5Padikkal was at his absolute best. (X.com)

Continuing his great run of form with the bat in domestic cricket, India A batter Devdutt Padikkal smashed a scintillating hundred against the England Lions in the ongoing second unofficial Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Thursday, January 25.

Starting the second day needing only eight runs to complete his fifth First-class century, Padikkal efficiently achieved the milestone early in the morning session. Notably, he was brought into the India A squad as a replacement for the injured Sai Sudharsan and made the most of the opportunity by registering a century against the England Lions.

On the first day, after England Lions skipper Josh Bohannon chose to bat first upon winning the toss, the Indian bowlers dominated, dismissing the visitors for 152 inside 60 overs. Seven batters from the England Lions side were out for single-digit scores, and Oliver Price (48 off 81) was the top-scorer, while Brydon Carse contributed 31 (75). The lack of substantial partnerships was a key factor in the England Lions' downfall, with the highest stand being 43 runs for the seventh wicket between Price and Carse.

Akash Deep was the most successful bowler for India A, claiming four wickets for 46 runs. Yash Dayal and Washington Sundar also took two wickets each, while Arshdeep Singh and Saurabh Kumar bagged one wicket each.

In response, the Indian opening pair of Padikkal and captain Abhimanyu Easwaran comfortably played out the English attack, taking the hosts to 150 for no loss on the first day.

On day 1, Padikkal dominated the English bowlers, scoring an unbeaten 105-ball century with 15 boundaries, dismantling the English attack and allowing Easwaran to play his natural game.

However, both openers were dismissed early on Day 2. Padikkal, after reaching his hundred, was dismissed by Brydon Carse for 105 (126), featuring 17 fours. Easwaran (58) was trapped in front of the wicket by Matthew Potts.

Batting at number 3, Tilak Varma was bowled by Potts for 6, and Rinku Singh, on his comeback to the first-class arena, registered a duck.

From 162-1 to 184-4, the pace duo of Potts and Carse is breathing fire. India is still ahead in the game but must take a substantial lead to put pressure on the Lions in their second innings.