Australia A sweep unofficial Test series against India A
Australia A have sealed a 2-0 win in the unofficial two-match Test series against India A. The win was achieved on Saturday, courtesy of an unbeaten 73 by Sam Konstas. Although Australia A got off to a shaky start with two early wickets in their chase of 168, they turned the tables and won the match in an extended play period on the third day in Melbourne.
Konstas and McSweeney's partnership steadies Australia A
Konstas's steady performance proved vital in stabilizing Australia A's innings. He was well supported by opener Nathan McSweeney (25), with whom he stitched a 47-run partnership for the third wicket. However, the team suffered another setback as it lost both McSweeney and Oliver Davies (21) in quick succession, leaving them at a precarious 73/4.
Konstas and Webster's unbeaten stand seals victory
The match turned on its head when Konstas was joined by Beau Webster (46 not out). The duo added an unbeaten 96-run stand which pushed India A out of the contest. This crucial partnership was instrumental in Australia A's six-wicket victory over their Indian counterparts, emphasizing the importance of resilience and teamwork in cricket.
India A's resistance and Rocchiccioli's 4-wicket haul
Earlier in the day, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Dhruv Jurel added 94 runs for the sixth wicket to take India's lead past the 100-run mark. Jurel scored his second 50 of the game, a solid 68 off 122 balls as India finished at 229/10. However, their resistance was broken by Corey Rocchiccioli who dismissed both the batsmen and ended with figures of 4/74. Earlier in the game, India made 161/10 batting first to which Australia replied with 223/10.
