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On Day 2 of the unofficial first Test against Shreyas Iyer's India A, Australia A middle-order batters launched a brutal onslaught. After teenager Sam Konstas’ ton on Day 1, snubbed wicketkeeper-batter Josh Philippe who once played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), smashed an unbeaten 87-ball 123. Phillippe switched to T20 mode as he hit fours and sixes at Ekana Cricket Stadium as if it is an Indian Premier League (IPL) match. Australia A put on 532/6 on the board before captain Nathan McSweeney declared the innings.
Brar strikes twice
Starting at an overnight score of 337/5, Liam Scott did not take much time to reach his fifty. Philippe played himself in and then looked to attack. He got an early reprieve when his catch was dropped by Narayan Jagadeesan who replaced Dhruv Jurel as wicketkeeper on Day 2. In the 88th over, Gurnoor Brar got rid of Scott. The 24-year-old scored 81 runs from 122 balls, including eight fours and two sixes.
Philippe switches to T20 mode
Philippe wasn't affected by wicket falling at the other end. He was joined by Xavier Bartlett in the middle. Brar would have gotten another wicket but Bartlett's catch was dropped at fine leg by Khaleel Ahmed. The wicketkeeper-batter took on Harsh Dubey, hitting him for a six and three consecutive fours in an over. He reached his century from just 80 deliveries.
Philippe and Bartlett continued to attack. After the 98th over, McSweeney declared the innings. Philippe's knock of 123 from 87 balls studded with 18 fours and four sixes. Bartlett remained unbeaten for a 24-ball 39, featuring five fours and two sixes. They shared an unbeaten 118-run partnership for the seventh wicket from 62 balls.
No wickets for Krishna, Kotian
For India A, Dubey picked up three wickets. Brar claimed two whereas Khaleel got one on Day 1. Prasidh Krishna and Kotian wremained wicketless. Krishna bowled 16 overs and conceded 86 runs. Kotian's 21 overs included two maidens but he conceded 119 runs.
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