Prasidh Krishna impresses in the second India A vs Australia A Test

The second match between India A and Australia A is currently underway in Melbourne, with India A batting on day two of the Test. The match was expected to provide some clarity on India’s opening options in the absence of skipper Rohit Sharma for the Perth Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. However, the situation has become even murkier, with both Abhimanyu Easwaran and KL Rahul delivering subpar performances in the match. Despite this setback, not everything has been unfavorable for India. The second clash of India A and Australia A has spotlighted Prasidh Krishna as a potentially reliable pace option for team India ahead of the Border Gavaskar Trophy.

Prasidh Krishna dazzles with a 4-wicket spell in the India A vs Australia A Test

India will enter the Border Gavaskar Trophy following a disheartening 3-0 series whitewash against New Zealand at home. This marked the first time India has endured such a defeat in their backyard and has exposed significant vulnerabilities in the team’s Test format setup. With both skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli experiencing a dry spell, India’s batting struggles have been a key concern heading into the BGT. However, the pace department is also facing similar challenges.

Without Mohammed Shami, the team has primarily relied on Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj to lead the attack. However, Siraj has been inconsistent this year. The India squad announced for the Border Gavaskar Trophy included youngsters Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy in Shami’s absence. While their form and temperament are yet to be tested at the highest level, another Indian pace prospect, more experienced than Rana, has made a notable impact in the ongoing India A vs Australia A match.

In a game where the Indian batting lineup faltered, pacer Prasidh Krishna delivered an exceptional spell. The bowler, who recently returned to the game after undergoing surgery, claimed four wickets to restrict Australia A to a competitive total. Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad opted to open the bowling with Mukesh Kumar and Khaleel Ahmed, introducing Prasidh Krishna as the first-change bowler. Krishna made an immediate impact by dismissing Oliver Davies in his initial spell. His most significant contribution, however, came later in the innings during a fiery three-over burst, where he picked up three quick wickets, shifting the momentum in India’s favor.

Krishna’s spell helped India A stage a strong comeback in the Test, despite their struggles with the bat in the first innings. After being bowled out for a paltry 161, the visitors managed to restrict Australia A to 223, conceding a manageable 62-run lead and keeping the contest evenly balanced. By delivering a standout performance just before the BGT, which begins on November 22 in Perth, Krishna has strengthened his case for a spot in India’s playing XI. He has already been named in the pace lineup of the India squad, which also includes Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Akash Deep, and Nitish Kumar Reddy.