Ambati Rayudu, last day's draw
AN Ambati Rayudu knock on most days is like watching an action thriller directed in an arty fashion — fast and furious but also laced with plenty of panache and substance.
All of which was on show as the 27-year-old Board President's XI No.4 stroked his way to a fluent 87 at the Guru Nanak College ground in Chennai. Rayudu was the only home batsman to notch up a half-century as the Australians bowled the side out for 230 on the second and concluding day of the warm-up fixture.
The 2012-13 season has been a watershed in a number of ways for the Baroda right-hander, from finding consistency to his batting across all formats to being picked on national duty for the first time-the T20s against Pakistan.
On Wednesday, Rayudu strode out for the first time against a touring national team. And during his 150-ball stay at the crease, he gave a very radiant first impression of himself to the Australians. He was self-assured as always at the crease despite never really having a stable partner at the other end and mixed his inherent aggression with a solid show of technique. He was tested for sure, especially when having to contend the nagging lines and lengths of Peter Siddle and Jackson Bird, and the reverse-swing of Moises Henriques.
It was Henriques who provided the first challenge after the New South Wales all-rounder had Mandeep Singh caught behind with his second delivery. Rayudu countered the movement with his bat and pads close together but any
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