Dhruv Jurel struck his second First-Class hundred, reaching the milestone in just 115 balls with nine fours and three sixes, to lead India A’s reply on the third day of the unofficial Test against Australia A in Lucknow. After Australia A declared at 532 for six, India trailed the visitor by less than 150 runs with six wickets in hand.

Earlier, Jurel had brought up his fifty in style against Corey Rocchiccioli, clearing long-on and then striking straight down the ground for consecutive sixes before guiding a late cut past slip for four. His innings combined flair with control, mixing quality strokes with assured defence to underline his growing stature as a batter.

The wicketkeeper-batter was recently named Central Zone captain for its Duleep Trophy quarterfinal against North East Zone but had to withdraw due to a groin niggle. Central Zone went on to lift the title under Rajat Patidar’s leadership.