Prenelan Subrayen’s five-for puts South Africa A in command against India A | Cricket News

Prenelan Subrayen (5/61) spun a fine web as India ‘A’ were bowled out for 234 in 58 overs. (Image credit: X)

BENGALURU: The BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) is like a second home to most Indian players. If they are not undergoing rehabilitation here, they are either playing matches or training at the expansive facility. Yet on Friday, Day 2 of the ‘A’ tour against South Africa, the home side appeared like fish out of water — and that too against a spinner. Prenelan Subrayen (5/61) spun a fine web as India ‘A’ were bowled out for 234 in 58 overs, a crash that was as spectacular as it was embarrassing since they appeared to be cruising at 90 for no loss at one stage. The South Africans had briefly extended their resistance in the morning before folding for 309 in 91.2. In their second essay, South Africa ‘A’ had reached 28 for no loss when stumps were drawn. The narrative on the day was that of soft dismissals. The only player who looked to apply himself was teenager Ayush Mhatre. The 18-year-old scored a free-flowing 76-ball 65 and showcased an extensive repertoire in the 10 deliveries he dispatched to the fence. Mhatre opened the innings with Sai Sudharsan, but so huge was the contrast in their performances that it appeared the two were batting on different surfaces. Sudharsan’s stay, which yielded a 94-ball 32, was edgy and laboured, while Mhatre was assured and fearless. Sudarshan survived a close runout early in his stint and never seemed to recover from the close call. So distinct was the contrast that at lunch, Sudharsan had contributed a mere 10 runs to the opening stand of 71 while Mhatre had cantered to 57 at that point. However, Mhatre didn’t stay for long after the break. He chipped a Subrayen delivery to Jordan Hermann at short midwicket and that began the collapse. Devdutt Padikkal (6), who was struggling to get his eye in, went down the track to Subrayen and holed out to Okuhle Cele at mid-off. The wicket of Sudharsan meant Rishabh Pant joined Rajat Patidar at the crease. Both have been in focus with Pant eyeing a return to the India squad in the forthcoming Tests against South Africa, while Patidar has been knocking on the door. Much was expected, but they did not last long. Although the ball was coming onto the bat well, both looked rusty. Pant was the first to go, top-edging Okuhle Cole’s to Zubayr Hamza. Patidar had his furniture rearranged while attempting an expansive drive off Subrayen. At tea, India ‘A’ were 163/5 and their position was precarious. And yet, barring Ayush Badoni (38), none of the other batters down the order made any significant contributions. The day clearly belonged to Subrayen, who, at 32, has played just two Tests, but the fire to make it big still burns bright. Like an old warhorse, he wheeled away, delivering 22 overs during which he wrecked the home team’s line-up. Brief scores: South Africa ‘A’: 309 all out in 91.2 overs & 28 for no loss in 12 overs vs India ‘A’ 234 all out in 58 overs (Sai Sudharsan 32, Ayush Mhatre 65, Ayush Badoni 38; Lutho Sipamla 2-35, Prenelan Subrayen 5-61)