Shreyas Iyer struck a career-best double century as India ‘A’ gave Australia solid fight on the third and final day of their tour game at Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium on Sunday.
Riding on Iyer’s fine unbeaten knock of 202, India ‘A’ made 403 in reply to Australia’s first innings total of 469/7 declared.
Iyer, who came to the crease on Saturday with the score reading 19, remained unbeaten after a marathon innings that saw him stay put at the crease for just over six hours. He dominated the Australian bowling to better his previous best of 200 made in October 2015 in the Ranji game against Punjab. His 210-ball knock included 27 fours and seven sixes.
Resuming on his overnight score of 85, Iyer raced to his 100 with a flurry of fours off speedster Jackson Bird. He did not vile away time as the double century milestone approached. He galloped from 184 to 202 with the help of four fours in one over off left arm spinner Stephen O’Keefe.
Iyer has been one India’s brightest young talents and was the highest run-scorer in the 2015-16 season with 1321 runs. Despite the numbers, he still awaits a call-up to the senior team. On Sunday, he gave a good accord of his ability by dominating the Australian bowlers- both spinners and pacers.
He was well supported by Krishnappa Gowtham (74 off 68 balls). The duo shared a 138-run partnership for the seventh wicket.
Holding a lead of 66, Australia lost opener Matt Renshaw and Glenn Maxwell, who was promoted up the order just before Tea with 59 on the board.
The visitors lost vice-captain David Warner on 35 immediately after play resumed on final session. Peter Handscomb (37) soon followed suit, before the Australians meandered to a draw with 110/4 on the board.
Brief scores: Australians 469/7 & 110/4 (David Warner 35, Peter Handscomb 37) drew with India 403 (Shreyas Iyer 202*, Krishnappa Gowtham 74; Nathan Lyon 4/162, Steve O’Keefe 3/101).