Rising youngsters Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal struck fighting fifties after Mukesh Kumar's searing six-wicket haul to put India A in command with a 120-run lead against Australia A on day two of their first 'Unofficial Test' in Mackay on Friday.
Mukesh stole the show, claiming 6/46 to help India A restrict Australia A to 195 in their first innings but despite the Bengal seamer's heroic efforts, the hosts secured a crucial 88-run lead.
The visitors had scored 107 in their first essay. India A once again suffered a jittery start in their second innings with skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad (5) and fellow opener Abhimanyu Easwaran (12) getting out cheaply to have India down to 30/2 in 8.5 overs.
Gaikwad, who fell for a golden duck in the first innings, this time nicked Fergus O'Neill to second slip where Cameron Bancroft took a low catch.