Jurel hits second ton in India A tie, pushes for Test slot as batter

NEW DELHI: From being the standby Test wicketkeeper when Rishabh Pant has missed out in the last two seasons, Dhruv Jurel, besides his competence behind the stumps, has been so impressive with the bat that he is pushing for a spot in the eleven purely as a batter.

- HTC & Agencies

The 24-year-old scored his first Test century in Ahmedabad against West Indies standing in for an injured Pant. On Saturday, Jurel struck his second unbeaten century of the match to put India A in command against South Africa A on Day 3 of their four-day unofficial Test in Bengaluru.

It was his unbeaten 132 at No.6 that shored up the India A first innings, and he remained 127 not out after once again proving the rock after the home team was left unsettled by the South African pace attack. His 184-run sixth wicket partnership with rising allrounder Harsh Dubey (84) steered the side to 382/7 declared. It will be interesting whether the team management and selectors will consider him ahead of a specialist at No.6.