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India A vs Australia A 1st unofficial Test Highlights Day 1 | Both teams grapple with challenging conditions at Mackay.


  • by Admin,
  • Thu, October 31, 2024
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Australia A and India A Lock Horns in Tight Contest as Bowlers Dominate Day 1

Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay — October 31, 2024: The opening day of the first unofficial Test between Australia A and India A was dominated by bowlers, as both teams struggled to build a solid footing on a tricky pitch. Australia A closed Day 1 at 99/4, trailing India A by just 8 runs after the visitors were bowled out for 107 in their first innings.

After winning the toss, Australia A opted to field, a decision that quickly paid dividends as India A’s top order crumbled under pressure. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Abhimanyu Easwaran, both known for their solid opening partnerships, fell cheaply to Jordan Buckingham. Gaikwad was dismissed for a duck, and Easwaran soon followed for a mere 7 runs, setting the tone for a tough day for Indian batters.

India A’s Batting Struggles

India A’s batters never found their rhythm as Brendan Doggett and Buckingham kept probing lines to keep the scoring in check. Doggett emerged as the chief destroyer, bagging a brilliant five-wicket haul with figures of 6/15 in just 11.3 overs. Buckingham offered strong support, claiming two wickets for 18 runs.

Only Devdutt Padikkal (36) and Baba Indrajith (9) showed some resilience, but Australia A’s relentless pace attack exploited the conditions effectively, ensuring India A folded for 107 in just 47.4 overs. The Indian innings was peppered with disciplined bowling, resulting in a string of wickets and keeping the scoring rate low.

Australia A’s Top Order Also Feels the Heat

With a modest target to chase, Australia A’s start was equally shaky as India A’s bowlers seized their opportunity to bring the visitors back into the game. Mukesh Kumar and Prasidh Krishna led India A’s bowling effort, grabbing two wickets apiece. Mukesh dismissed Sam Konstas for a duck on the third ball of the innings, setting the tone for India A’s defense. Prasidh Krishna then removed Cameron Bancroft for a duck, further tilting the momentum.

Marcus Harris contributed 17 runs but was soon dismissed, caught by Padikkal off Prasidh’s bowling. Captain Nathan McSweeney, however, held firm, remaining unbeaten on 29, and was joined by Cooper Connolly, who added a gritty 14. By stumps, the pair had brought Australia A to 99/4, keeping their team within striking distance of India A’s total.

India A Innings:
India A were bowled out for 107 runs in 47.4 overs. Devdutt Padikkal top-scored with 36 runs off 77 balls, including 7 boundaries, but lacked support from his teammates. Abhimanyu Easwaran managed 7 runs, and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad departed for a duck. Baba Indrajith contributed a gritty 9 runs, while Ishan Kishan scored 4. Lower down, Navdeep Saini made a spirited 23 off 43 balls, but wickets kept tumbling around him. The team struggled against a disciplined bowling attack led by Brendan Doggett, who registered excellent figures of 6/15. Jordan Buckingham supported him well, claiming 2/18.

Australia A Bowling Highlights:

  • Brendan Doggett was the standout bowler, claiming 6 wickets for just 15 runs in 11.3 overs.
  • Jordan Buckingham picked up 2 wickets for 18 runs in 10 overs.
  • Fergus O’Neill and Todd Murphy chipped in with a wicket each to wrap up the Indian innings.

Australia A Innings:
In reply, Australia A reached 99/4 by stumps, trailing India A by 8 runs. Sam Konstas and Cameron Bancroft were dismissed for ducks, while Marcus Harris added 17 runs before falling to Prasidh Krishna. Captain Nathan McSweeney held steady with an unbeaten 29 off 110 balls, alongside Cooper Connolly, who contributed 14 runs. The Indian bowlers kept things tight, with Mukesh Kumar and Prasidh Krishna both taking 2 wickets.

India A Bowling Highlights:

  • Prasidh Krishna struck twice, finishing with 2/18 from 11 overs.
  • Mukesh Kumar also claimed 2 wickets, giving away 30 runs in 11 overs.

At the end of a low-scoring Day 1, Australia A trails by only 8 runs with 6 wickets in hand.

Day 2 Outlook

As Day 2 approaches, Australia A will look to surpass India A’s total quickly and build a lead on what has proven to be a challenging pitch for batters. Meanwhile, India A will aim to make early inroads to prevent Australia A from gaining a substantial advantage. With bowlers thriving on both sides, the second day promises more excitement in this low-scoring affair.

Both teams will be hoping for improved performances from their batting line-ups, but as it stands, bowlers are calling the shots in Mackay.


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