Goa, Sept. 24 -- Devdutt Padikkal marked his first match as India A captain with a composed half-century as India A strengthened their position against Australia A in the first unofficial Test in Puducherry on Thursday.

India A set Australia A a target of 363 after being bowled out for 199 in their second innings. At stumps on the third day, Australia A had reached 55 for 2 in 23 overs and still needed 308 runs for victory.

Padikkal top-scored for India A with 59, while Kumar Kushagra continued his impressive run of form with an unbeaten 46 off 59 balls. Australia A's Todd Murphy was the most successful bowler, finishing with four wickets for 48 runs.

The pitch at the Siechem Stadium became increasingly difficult to bat on as the day p...