Ball-Tampering Controversy Clouds Australia A’s 7-Wicket Victory Over India A in 1st Unofficial Test
In India A's second innings, a resilient double-century stand between Sai Sudharsan (103) and Devdutt Padikkal (88) helped the team post a total of 312, setting a challenging target of 225. Ishan Kishan added a quick 32 to extend the lead.
Australia A secured a comfortable seven-wicket win against India A in the first unofficial Test held in Mackay, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The match saw fine half-centuries from skipper Nathan McSweeney and Beau Webster, who were instrumental in chasing down a target of 225 runs.
Opting to bowl first, Australia A made quick work of India A’s first innings, dismissing them for just 107 runs. Devdutt Padikkal’s 36 and Navdeep Saini’s 23 were the top scores as India struggled to build partnerships. Brendan Doggett led Australia’s bowling attack with an impressive 6/15, while Jordan Buckingham, Todd Murphy, and Fergus O'Neill supported with timely breakthroughs.
Australia A’s first innings wasn’t smooth either, as they were bowled out for 195, earning an 88-run lead. Contributions from McSweeney (39), Webster (33), and Cooper Connolly (37) helped stabilize their innings. Mukesh Kumar’s pace proved crucial for India, as he claimed 6/46, with Prasidh Krishna also chipping in with 3/43.
In India A's second innings, a resilient double-century stand between Sai Sudharsan (103) and Devdutt Padikkal (88) helped the team post a total of 312, setting a challenging target of 225. Ishan Kishan added a quick 32 to extend the lead.
Australia A’s chase started shakily, with India A’s bowlers reducing them to 85/3. However, McSweeney (88*) and Webster (61*) steadied the innings, putting together a match-winning partnership and guiding Australia to a seven-wicket win.
The match was marred by a ball-tampering controversy, casting a shadow over an otherwise commendable performance by both teams. As the series moves to the second match, India A will look to bounce back, while Australia A aims to continue their momentum and claim the series.
