Mackay
Australia A ended Day 1 in control against India A at the Great Barrier Reef Arena on Thursday, trailing by only 8 runs with six wickets in hand after a bowler-friendly day saw 14 wickets fall.
Brendan Doggett emerged as the star of the day, taking a career-best 6 for 15 after being called up as a reserve due to injuries. His lethal full-length deliveries, aided by the lively pitch, dismantled India A’s lineup. India A were bowled out for just 107, with only Devdutt Padikkal (36) and Sai Sudharsan (21) offering any resistance. Doggett’s disciplined length and movement through the air made life difficult for the Indian batters, who struggled to handle the pace and bounce.
In reply, Australia A also faced a challenging start. Young Sam Konstas, the season’s breakout player, fell in the first over, edging a Mukesh Kumar delivery. Despite losing early wickets, Australia A’s captain Nathan McSweeney played a steady innings, scoring 29 off 110 balls in difficult conditions. McSweeney’s resilience, combined with Beau Webster’s quick 33, helped Australia A near the modest target set by India A.
India A’s pacers Mukesh Kumar and Prasidh Krishna bowled well, each claiming two wickets and keeping Australia A at 99 for 4 by stumps.
Brief scores: India A 107 all out (Padikkal 36, Sudarshan 21; Doggett 6-15, Buckingham 2-18)
Australia A 99/4 (Webster 33, McSweeney 29; Krishna 2-18, Kumar 2-30).
