AUS-A vs IND-A 2024/25, 2nd Unofficial Test Match Report of AUS-A vs IND-A, November 7-10, 2024


India A 65 for 5 (Padikkal 26, Trevally 24*, Neser 4-16, Boland 1-22) vs. Australia A

KL Rahul’s hopes of a Test recall as an opener suffered a blow, as did the hopes of several other India A candidates, when Australia’s stand-in Test seamer Michael Neser broke his lineup in the morning opening four-day clash with Australia A at the MCG.

After being sent out on a green, bouncy pitch, India fell to 65 for 5 at lunch on the first day and Neser claimed 4 for 16 in eight overs, including a double-wicket maiden in the first over of the day.

As expected, Rahul opened the batting but watched from non-striker as Neser had India Test hopeful Abhimanyu Easwaran trapped in the gully. He was square trying to defend off the back foot against a rising pitch that was not fast but closed and bounced to catch the shoulder of the bat.

Next ball, Sai Sudharsan, fresh from a century at Mackay, was caught at second slip in similar fashion. He was standing at the crease clumsily defending himself from a ball that soared towards him. Again, it was not the fast pace but rather the bounce and movement of the seam that caused the error.

Rahul then attacked another of Australia’s back-up Test quicks in Scott Boland. Rahul scored with a beautiful first ball. Three balls later, Boland backed the length a little, angled and pulled away to catch the edge and send Rahul on his way for four.

Neser then threw a peach at Ruturaj Gaikwad. From deep at the crease, he leaned out, the right-hander had to play, it seemed too late to take the lead and Cameron Bancroft took his second catch at second slip diving forward.

India A had fallen to 11 for 4 after 2.4 overs. Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel steadied some quality seam bowling in the face. When Neser and Boland were given a break, they were not under as much pressure from Nathan McAndrew and Beau Webster, who were not as full with their lengths as the new pair of balls. Offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli was given two overs early but didn’t cause too much trouble.

Australia captain Nathan McSweeney turned to Neser and Boland before lunch and Neser broke the 43-run barrier with another magnificent delivery. Rounding the wicket towards Padikkal, he bowled short and wide left-handed thinking there was a cut shot. The ball deflected towards him late to flatten him completely and clipped a thick edge to Rocchiccioli in the gully.



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