Umesh Yadav staked strong claims to be included in India’s playing XI for the first Test with an impressive performance against Australia A, who scored 286 for eight on the second day, courtesy Cameron Green’s unbeaten century.

Australia A led by 39 at stumps on Day II after India A declared their innings at 247/9 in the first hour on Monday, with skipper Ajinkya Rahane remaining unbeaten on 117.

With Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah being automatic choices, Umesh (18-3-44-3), fighting for the third pacer’s slot, looked more penetrative compared to Mohammed Siraj (19-4-71-2) with the new ball. Umesh removed both openers Will Pucovski (1) and Joe Burns (4) in his third and fourth over.

Senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also did his Test chances no harm with figures of (19-2-58-2).