Bengal opener Abhimanyu Easwaran's Irani Cup ton, a key ahead of Border-Gavaskar Test series

(Photo: Instagram/Abhimanyu Easwaran)

Lucknow: Bengal opener Abhimanyu Easwaran maintained his exceptional form by scoring his second Irani Cup century for the Rest of India (RoI) against Mumbai at Bharat Ratna Sri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium here on Thursday, serving as a crucial reminder of his batting prowess as national selectors gear up for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia later this year.

In pursuit of Mumbai’s formidable first-innings total of 537 on Day 3, Easwaran opened the batting and played a flawless innings, reaching his century in just 117 balls. At 29, he finds himself in close contention for a spot as India’s backup Test opener, competing with his RoI teammates Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sai Sudharsan.

While captain Gaikwad (9) fell early, Easwaran steadied the innings amid a shaky start, as Sudharsan (32) and Devdutt Padikkal (16) failed to convert their starts. This marked Easwaran’s 26th First-Class hundred, reaffirming his consistency.

Easwaran's form this season has been noteworthy, including two centuries in the Duleep Trophy and a double hundred in the Ranji Trophy earlier this year.

As the race for the Test opener’s backup slot continues, the upcoming India A tour of Australia starting October 31 will be pivotal. The player who adapts best to Australian conditions is expected to secure the coveted spot.