India A’s tour of Australia kicked off disastrously as they faced a crushing collapse in their four-day match against Australia A at Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena. With two uncapped players, Abhimanyu Easwaran and Nitish Kumar Reddy, aiming to prove their Test-worthiness for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (India vs Australia), the match was expected to showcase their talent. However, their performances fell well short of expectations, and the Indian side was bowled out for a mere 107 runs in the 1st innings.
Devastating Start for India A
Australia A won the toss and opted to bowl, placing India A’s batting lineup immediately under pressure. Right-arm fast bowler Jordan Buckingham quickly capitalised on the favourable conditions, dismissing both openers, Easwaran and Ruturaj Gaikwad, for 7 and a golden duck respectively.
Abhimanyu Easwaran, selected as a back-up opener for the five-Test series starting on November 22, failed to make an impact in his attempt to solidify his place.
Brendan Doggett then joined the attack, delivering a powerful five-wicket spell that dismantled the Indian lineup further. Sai Sudharsan showed some initial promise, managing to score 21 before Doggett ended his innings. Ishan Kishan, also aiming to impress selectors, managed only 9 runs before falling to Doggett’s spell, further adding to India A’s woes.
Disappointing outing for India vs Austrlia Test Aspirants
Nitish Kumar Reddy, one of the all-rounders chosen for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, was also hoping to make a strong case for his inclusion. However, his debut innings was equally forgettable as he was dismissed for a six-ball duck by Doggett, intensifying concerns about his readiness for Test-level cricket. The experienced Devdutt Padikkal held the innings momentarily, scoring a steady 36, but his dismissal at 78 for 6 marked the point of no return for India A. Brendan Doggett claimed his fifth wicket with the dismissal of Manav Suthar, who scored only a single run.
Doggett and Murphy lead Australia A’s Bowling Charge
Doggett’s remarkable performance, complemented by Todd Murphy’s crucial breakthrough with the wicket of Baba Indrajith (9), left India A reeling. Murphy, Australia’s Test off-spinner, proved difficult to handle and exemplified the challenges the Indian batters faced in adapting to Australian conditions.
India A’s Test Prospects in Question
As India A crumbled to 107 all out after losing the toss, the performances of players like Easwaran, Reddy, and Kishan raised concerns about their readiness for the Test series against Australia.
Abhimanyu Easwaran and Nitish Reddy, in particular, had been given this opportunity to gain valuable experience and showcase their potential as future Test players. Yet, the disappointing start has cast doubt on their ability to handle the intensity of the upcoming Test series.
Wake-Up Call for India A
This rough start highlights the challenges awaiting India’s young talent in Australia, where adaptation to the pace and bounce of Australian pitches is essential. As the series progresses, India A will hope for stronger performances, especially from players with ambitions of representing India at the highest level. The senior Team India management, meanwhile, will be carefully observing, as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy looms closer.
