Indian batsmen find form in pink-ball game

Gill scored 65 on day two of India's final tune-up for the first Test, having been the pick of India's top six on Friday.

Agarwal (61) enjoyed his most productive knock of the tour as India reached 3-222 in their second innings at dinner on day two, handing them a 308-run lead over Australia A.

Hanuma Vihari, who is expected to bat at No.6 in the first Test, is 57 not out and also enjoying some productive time in the middle.

The hosts' attack has been weakened by concussions for Cameron Green and Harry Conway, while Sean Abbott will not deliver any more overs in the three-day game because of a tight calf.

Joe Burns's struggles, David Warner's groin strain and Will Pucovski's concussion have dominated selection speculation about Australia's XI.

There are also questions over India's preferred opening pairing for the four-Test series starter in South Australia.

Incumbents Agarwal and Prithvi Shaw are expected to be given the nod.

However, Shaw has logged scores of zero, 19, 40 and three in India's tour games.

Shaw threw away his wicket on Saturday, slapping a wide delivery from Mark Steketee to Mitch Swepson at point, and has done little to inspire confidence he can thrive in local conditions.

Gill, who boasts a staggering first-class average of 70, is showing the sort of form that suggests the start of his keenly awaited Test career could soon come.

The right-hander has been billed as the next big thing in Indian cricket since being named man of the series following his nation's under-19 World Cup triumph in 2018.

Pat Cummins, who played alongside Gill during the recent Indian Premier League season, is among many to have been wowed by the 21-year-old's talent.

Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara, India's two best batsmen, have been rested from the ongoing tour game.

Australian Associated Press