Shams Mulani's four-wicket haul gives India 'A' 163-run lead over Australia 'A' — but the numbers don't fully tell the story

Spinner steals the show on lively Puducherry surface

Mumbai's Shams Mulani underlined his growing credentials as a left-arm spin bowler by claiming a four-wicket haul at the CAP-Siechem Stadium in Puducherry on Wednesday, helping India 'A' surge into a massive 163-run first-innings lead against Australia 'A'. Coming on the back of a brilliant 113 off 240 balls from wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra, Mulani's 4-67 dismantled the Australian batting order on a pitch that offered plenty for the bowlers.

India 'A', who had piled up 334 in their first innings, now hold the option of enforcing a follow-on, with 150 being the customary mark in four-day matches. However, team management kept the Australians guessing about their decision until the third day's morning.

Bowlers make hay in windy, overcast conditions

With the breeze and overcast conditions helping the seamers, Australia 'A' were soon in trouble. Left-hander Campbell Kellaway was trapped leg-before-wicket by Anshul Kamboj, before Praful Hinge accounted for Nathan McSweeney, who was cleaned up by a delivery that nipped away after pitching.

Mulani then took over, outfoxing captain Peter Handscomb with an arm ball that skidded through to crash into middle stump. Varying his pace and occasionally pushing the ball through, the Mumbai spinner still managed to extract turn that kept the Australian batters on their toes through the innings.

He removed right-hander Liam Scott (26) with a delivery that sharply turned away, and then claimed danger-man Jason Sangha (46) to complete his rich haul and seal India 'A's commanding position.

Brief scores

India 'A' 334 (K Kushagra 113, T Kotian 69; C Rocchiccioli 4-95, T Murphy 3-77) vs Australia 'A' 171 (J Sangha 46; Shams Mulani 4-67).

The performance raises the question over whether Mulani can push the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Manav Suthar, India's top two left-arm finger spinners in Test cricket, for places in the years ahead. Fans have been sharing their views on who was the standout performer for India 'A', with thousands casting their opinion in online polls since the day's play.