India Under-19 reached 110 for 2 during the morning session of Day 2 in Rajkot, trailing Australia’s first-innings total by 107 runs. The hosts continued their progress at the Niranjan Shah Stadium following a bowling performance led by Ishan Om that dismissed Australia for 217.
Left-arm spinner Om claimed 5 for 53 in 24.5 overs on the opening day to record his maiden five-wicket haul in Youth Tests. His performance initiated a collapse that saw the visitors lose their final seven wickets for 43 runs after they had reached 174 for 3.
Australia’s innings was anchored by Blake Cattle, who scored 102 off 198 balls. Cattle entered the crease with Australia at 27 for 3 and steadied the innings before the middle-order collapse. Australia were eventually bowled out in 86.5 overs after electing to bat first.
The Indian team faced a setback when pacer Pranav Ragavendra was stretchered off the field on Day 1. Ragavendra sustained a foot injury while fielding and was unable to put weight on his leg. As reported by News18, he was taken to a local hospital for scans. Medical reports initially suggested a possible ligament injury, leaving India a bowler short in the first-innings rotation.
This match is the first of two unofficial Youth Tests in the series. India entered the red-ball leg of the tour following a 3-0 sweep in the Youth ODI series. The Rajkot surface, typically flat in the early stages, is expected to offer more assistance to spin as the match progresses.
Australia’s bowlers are now tasked with restricting the Indian lead on a surface showing signs of wear. The absence of Ragavendra may impact India’s bowling options in the second innings and potentially his availability for the remainder of the series.
