Harvansh Singh’s scintillating century propelled India U-19 to a commanding position against Australia U-19 on day two of the second Youth ‘Test’ at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium.
Singh’s masterful knock of 117 (143b, 7×4, 6×6) anchored India’s innings, which ended on a formidable 492. The right-hander displayed an array of strokes, showcasing his power-hitting prowess with six towering sixes over the leg-side. His elegant drives and punches, both off the front and back foot, helped him reach his century and push India’s total beyond the 450-run mark.
Australia’s bowlers had a tough start to the day, with fast bowler Oliver Patterson dismissing India’s skipper Soham Patwardhan (63) early on. However, Mohamed Enaan and Singh forged a resilient partnership of 54 runs for the seventh wicket. Enaan’s dismissal brought N. Samarth to the crease, who played aggressively, hitting two consecutive sixes off Lachlan Ranaldo. However, the off-spinner soon dismissed both Samarth and Chetan Sharma in the same over.
With India’s innings nearing its end, Singh took over, dominating both the fast bowlers and spinners. He showcased his power-hitting by smashing six sixes on the leg-side between the long-on and deep-mid wicket region. His elegant punches and drives, both off the front and back foot, helped him reach his century and pushed India to post 492. He also had a crucial 90-run partnership for the last wicket alongside Anmoljeet.
Australia’s innings got off to a shaky start as leg-spinner Enaan dismissed openers Riley Kingsell and Steven Hogan, while off-spinner Anmoljeet sent back Simon Budge, leaving the visitors at 42 for three. However, skipper Oliver Peake (62 batting) and Alex Lee Young (45 batting) revived the innings with an unbroken 100-run fourth-wicket stand, ending the day at 142 for three.
With the pitch showing signs of uneven bounce and the visiting team trailing by 350 runs, an intriguing day three is in store.
