Tim Paine extols Dhruv Jurel after impressive outing for India A

Former Australia captain Tim Paine was effusive in his praise for Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel after the latter scored gritty half-centuries in both innings of the second tour game between India A and Australia A at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) last week.

Jurel made his India debut earlier this year during the five-match Test series against England. The youngster impressed cricket enthusiasts with his batting as well as wicketkeeping skills. He scored 190 runs from four innings at an average of 63.33 against the Three Lions. Last week, he scored 80 and 68 in the two innings he played against Australia A on a spicy pitch. The tourists lost the match by six wickets as no other batter looked comfortable against Australia A's bowling unit.

Jurel has been picked in India's squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2024-25), which begins with the first Test, at Optus Stadium, in Perth, on November 22. However, he will have to wait for his opportunity as Rishabh Pant is set to take up the role of India's wicketkeeper-batter. Paine, however, feels that Jurel will play a part in the series at some point.

“There’s a guy who has wicket-kept in a few Test matches for India. He averages 63 across the three Tests he’s played, and his name is Dhruv Jurel. Watching him bat, it was evident he has the temperament and skill for the longer format. Even though he’s primarily a wicketkeeper, I’d be surprised if he doesn’t feature in the series in some capacity," Paine said while speaking to SEN Tassie.

Dhruv Jurel looked right at home: Tim Paine

Furthermore, Tim Paine applauded the 23-year-old for the way Dhruv Jurel adjusted to the pace and bounce. Besides, he also added that it was quite unusual for an Indian batter to adapt to the batting technique needed for Australian conditions and looked solid at the MCG.

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“He's 23, and he looked a class above all his teammates on this tour. A lot of players from the subcontinent find it difficult to adjust to our conditions, but Jurel looked right at home. He’s someone who handled the pace and bounce extremely well, which is unusual for an Indian batter at the MCG," the former Australia wicketkeeper-batter concluded.