Dhruv Jurel. (Source – BCCI Domestic)
Dhruv Jurel’s stunning catch ended India B captain Abhimanyu Easwaran’s brief stay on the crease in the Round 1 game of the Duleep Trophy against India A. The Bengal batter took some time to settle down at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, but in the 13th over of the match, Avesh Khan got the better of him. The 29-year-old tried to play a cover drive but unfortunately, nicked it towards the first slip as keeper Jurel stretched to his right to pick up the catch.
Jurel is in the scheme of things as far as Test cricket is concerned. The youngster made his debut in the series against England earlier in the year and has impressed captain Rohit Sharma. However, he still has a lot to prove to make it to India’s squad for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. He is currently competing against Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan.
However, the catch should give him the confidence to do well with the bat as well. He has 18 first class matches so far in his career and scored 980 runs at an average of 49.
Flying Jurel pic.twitter.com/IKfEZ3BBgC
— psyf (@PsyfeR888) September 5, 2024
India B’s middle order collapsed
India B had a shaky start and their middle order was exposed early. Jaiswal showed glimpses of his class and hit 30 runs but ever since his dismissal, India B struggled big time. Youngster Musheer Khan, who batted at number three held one end while wickets fell quickly from the other hand. Musheer’s brother Sarfaraz Khan supported him for a brief time but departed for nine runs.
Batting at five, keeper-batter Rishabh Pant made seven runs while Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar failed to open their tally. Sai Kishore made just one run as India B lost seven wickets before they made runs in three figures.
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Pacer Akash Deep had a stunning time in the middle, as he picked up two wickets and contributed to Washington’s run-out while Avesh Khan and Khaleel Ahmed picked up two each as well. The pace trio wreaked havoc in the middle, and would be hoping to bundle India B on Day 1.