IND A vs AUS A, 1st Unofficial Test, Day 1 Review: Konstas, Kellaway, Connolly dominate India A on opening day

Australia A held the upper hand for much of Day 1 of the first unofficial Test against India A, before the hosts clawed back late in the evening session at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Tuesday, September 16.

Winning the toss, Australia A skipper Nathan McSweeney opted to bat first on a surface that offered little early assistance to the bowlers. Openers Sam Konstas and Campbell Kellaway capitalised, putting on a commanding 198-run opening partnership that set the tone for the visitors.

Kellaway compiled 88 off 97 balls, striking boundaries at will before falling just short of a deserved century. His partner Konstas was more measured, but equally effective. The 19-year-old right-hander reached his maiden century off 122 deliveries, bringing it up in style with a towering six over long-off against offspinner Tanush Kotian. Konstas eventually fell for 109 off 144 balls, laced with 10 fours and three sixes. His innings was a timely boost after struggling in the Caribbean earlier this year.

India A then hit back, with left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey making crucial inroads. He removed Konstas and later claimed McSweeney, sparking a collapse that saw Australia slip from a commanding 198/0 to 224/4. Dubey finished with impressive figures of 3 for 88 in 21 overs, leading India A’s fightback.

However, Australia A recovered once again through a resilient stand between Cooper Connolly and Liam Scott. The duo stitched together a century partnership to steady the innings. Connolly batted aggressively for his 70 off 84 balls, while Scott remained unbeaten on 47 at stumps.

By the close of play, Australia A had reached 337/5 in 73 overs, with wicketkeeper Josh Philippe (3*) alongside Scott. For India A, apart from Dubey’s three wickets, Khaleel Ahmed and Gurnoor Brar chipped in with one wicket apiece. Australia A will aim to push past 400 and set a strong first-innings platform, while India A will hope for quick breakthroughs to bring the visitors’ momentum to a halt.