Shreyas Iyer-led India A had a tough start on Day 1 of the first unofficial Test against Australia A, but spinner Harsh Dubey tried to shift the momentum back, picking three important wickets after a strong Australian opening partnership at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.
Australia's young opener Sam Konstas helped the side to get the early momentum with a brilliant knock of 109 runs, including 10 fours and 3 sixes. He stitched a 198-run opening stand with Campbell Kellaway, who also played a solid hand with 88 runs.
The first session was in favour of visitors as the bowlers struggled to get wickets, even Prasidh Krishna going wicketless in his 11 overs, conceding 47 runs. But once Gurnoor Brar dismissed Kellaway, India A slowly started pulling things back.
Harsh Dubey who was rewarded selection in the squad after his impressive performance in the Ranji Trophy dismissed Nathan McSweeney for just 1 and later cleaned up Konstas, giving India A a much-needed breakthrough.
Khaleel Ahmed added the momentum by trapping Oliver Peake's leg before, leaving Australia A at 224 for 4. But then Cooper Connolly and Liam Scott steadied the ship for the visitors with a 109-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
When Australia again tried to shift the momentum of the game, Dubey struck once more, getting Connolly caught by Devdutt Padikkal for a well-made 70 off 84 balls, which included 12 boundaries and a six.
At stumps, Australia A were 337 for 5 in 73 overs. While the visitors had a great start, India A fought back strongly thanks to Dubey’s efforts.
For India A, while Dubey was the pick among bowlers, Gurnoor and Khaleel claimed one wicket each, but Prasidh remained wicketless while giving away 47 runs in his 11 overs.
Brief scores: Australia A 337/5 in 73 overs (Sam Konstas 109, Campbell Kellaway 88, Cooper Connolly 70, Liam Scott 47 not out; Harsh Dubey 3/88, Khalil Ahmed 1/46, Gurnoor Brar 1/47) vs India A.