Did Dhruv Jurel just play the best knock of his career? India A wicketkeeper slams counterattacking 113 vs Australia A in Lucknow

Saurav Goyal

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Did Dhruv Jurel just play the best knock of his career? India A wicketkeeper slams counterattacking 113 vs Australia A in Lucknow image

(getty)

India A found themselves under pressure in the first unofficial Test against Australia A in Lucknow, but one player stood tall.

Dhruv Jurel, the young wicketkeeper-batter, played a fearless counterattacking innings that changed the mood of the game.

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His unbeaten 113 runs not only steadied India A’s reply but also sparked talks if this was the finest knock of his career so far.

Dhruv Jurel changed the game with his counterattacking hundred

Jurel came to bat when India A were under pressure at 222/4. The Aussies had already posted 532/6 declared, and the hosts badly needed someone to fight back.

From the start, Jurel showed intent. He mixed caution with aggression, hitting crisp shots all around the park. In just 115 balls, he reached his century, finishing with 10 fours and 4 sixes in his 132-ball stay.

More importantly, he built a match-saving stand of 181 runs with Devdutt Padikkal, who made a patient 86. That partnership not only rescued India A but also pushed them past the 400-run mark, bringing the contest back to life.

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Why is this innings being called the best of Jurel’s career?

This knock stands out because of the situation. India A were in trouble, and against a strong Australia A attack, Jurel showed maturity beyond his years.

Though this was only his second First-Class century, it might well be his most special one so far.

At just 23, Jurel already has more than 1,600 runs in First-Class cricket at an average close to 48. He has also featured in five Tests for India, filling in when Rishabh Pant was injured, scoring 255 runs at 36.42.

But this unbeaten 113 proved that he can take responsibility when the pressure is high, something selectors value a lot.

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Will Jurel get a spot in India’s Test squad against West Indies?

India are preparing for a two-Test series against West Indies at home starting October 2 in Ahmedabad.

With Pant still recovering from his foot injury, there is uncertainty over his availability. That opens the door for Jurel, who has been the preferred back-up wicketkeeper lately.

His hundred against Australia A has only made his case stronger. If Pant is ruled out, Jurel looks the most likely to take the gloves. 

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Saurav Goyal

Saurav Goyal is a Content Producer at the Sporting News with over two years of experience in covering cricket. An avid cricket fan for more than two decades, his passion for the game led him to writing. Since then, he’s been delivering the latest news and engaging content to keep cricket fans informed and entertained.