Devdutt Padikkal missed out on a double-century by just one run after being given out caught behind on Day 3 of the first unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand A in Lincoln.

The left-handed batter looked unhappy with the on-field umpire’s decision and appeared to indicate that there was a clear gap between his bat and the ball. He remained at the crease for a few moments as New Zealand A bowler Zak Gibson celebrated the wicket with his teammates.

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Padikkal eventually walked back to the dressing room, gesturing towards the umpire to express his disappointment.

The 26-year-old played a brilliant knock of 199 off 248 balls, hitting 24 fours and three sixes. His innings helped India A recover strongly after a disappointing start to the match.

Padikkal Continues His Impressive Run Of Form

Padikkal has been in excellent form across formats and has made a strong case for himself ahead of India’s upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand.

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He also impressed during India’s tour of Sri Lanka earlier this year, when he got an opportunity to bat at No. 3 after Sai Sudharsan was ruled out of the two-match Test series due to injury.

Padikkal first scored a century in a warm-up match before carrying that form into the series. He smashed 167 in the opening Test in Galle and followed it up with 44 in the second innings as India registered a 165-run victory.

He continued his fine form in the second Test, scoring another century. His 117 off 193 balls helped India reach 503/9 before declaring their innings. The match ended in a draw, with India winning the series 1-0.

India A Recover After Being Bowled Out For 113

Padikkal’s knock played a major role in India’s recovery after they were bowled out for just 113 on the opening day of the unofficial Test.

He had scored 32 off 77 balls in the first innings, with Yash Rathod’s unbeaten 44 being the highest score by an India A batter.

New Zealand A responded with 317 runs, taking a 204-run lead in the first innings.

However, India A showed a much-improved batting performance in their second innings, with Padikkal leading the way. His near double-ton put the visitors in a commanding position and helped them establish a healthy lead.

At stumps on Day 3, India A had reached 488/8 in their second innings, taking their overall lead to 284 runs.