McSweeney, Webster Seal Comfortable Chase for Australia A

In a commanding performance, Australia A clinched a seven-wicket victory over India A in the first unofficial Test held in Mackay, thanks to an impressive partnership between skipper Nathan McSweeney and Beau Webster. The duo's unbroken 141-run stand propelled Australia A to chase down the target of 225 runs, finishing the day at 226 for 3. McSweeney remained unbeaten on 88, while Webster contributed a steady 61.

Beginning the final day at 139 for 3, McSweeney and Webster approached the chase with composure, effectively neutralizing the threat posed by India A's bowlers. McSweeney, eyeing a potential spot as a Test opener for the senior team’s upcoming series against India, displayed finesse with his stroke play, hitting several elegant boundaries. Meanwhile, Webster played a more measured game, sticking around with McSweeney while scoring just four boundaries in his 117-ball innings.

The day did not proceed without some controversy; an early ball change frustrated the India A players, leading to a heated exchange between wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan and the on-field umpire. However, the match resumed without further incident. While Mukesh Kumar and Prasidh Krishna showed promise with the ball, the rest of India A's attack struggled to penetrate Australia A's batting lineup.

Looking back at India A’s performance, their first innings total of 107 proved to be a significant setback. Brendan Doggett's stunning figures of 6 for 15 dismantled the India A batting order, with only three players managing to reach double figures. The bowler-friendly conditions offered extra bounce and movement that were challenging for the visitors. India A did respond with a strong bowling effort in the second innings, led by Mukesh Kumar, who took 6 for 46, but their batting woes continued.

In the second innings, India A's Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal mounted a fightback, putting together a substantial 196-run partnership. Sudharsan scored a century (103), while Padikkal contributed a solid 88. However, after a strong start at 226 for 2, India A crumbled to a total of 312, with Fergus O’Neill and Todd Murphy wreaking havoc on their batting lineup.

The chase of 225 runs, while challenging, appeared attainable with Australia A's experienced players at the crease. McSweeney and Webster's decisive partnership ultimately sealed the match in Australia A’s favor, highlighting their dominance throughout the encounter.

Brief Scores:

• India A: 107 (Devdutt Padikkal 36; Brendan Doggett 6-15) & 312 (Sai Sudharsan 103, Devdutt Padikkal 88; Fergus O'Neill 4-55, Todd Murphy 3-77)
• Australia A: 195 (Nathan McSweeney 39; Mukesh Kumar 6-46) & 226/3 (Nathan McSweeney 88*, Beau Webster 61*; Prasidh Krishna 1-27)

Australia A won by seven wickets.