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