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India, led by Devdutt Padikkal, dominated Australia in the first unofficial Test as they thrashed the tourists by 162 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series at the Siechem Cricket Stadium in Puducherry.
Chasing 363 runs in the fourth innings, Australia A were bowled out for 200 on Day 4. India A dominated the first unofficial Test from the start in Puducherry.
India A crush Australia A by 162 runs in Puducherry
They scored 334 in their first innings and then dismissed Australia A for only 171, with Shams Mulani taking 4 wickets for 46 runs. Amid this, “Have to beat India”: Daren Sammy eyes first series win in 24 years.
They avoided enforcing the follow-on and returned to bat with Padikkal playing a crucial knock of 59 from 88 balls as they posted 199 in their second innings. The Indian bowlers then delivered a stunning performance on the final day to help the team secure a commanding win over Australia.
Australia A collapse on the final day
Australia resumed Day 4 on 55/2, but their chase quickly went downhill. Anshul Kamboj gave India A a flying start by removing Nathan McSweeney (35) and captain Peter Handscomb (16). McSweeney edged a rising delivery to gully, while Handscomb was bowled by a low ball that moved sharply off the pitch.
Tushar Deshpande then produced a brilliant spell of reverse swing. He first dismissed Josh Phillippe (7) by beating his defense and hitting the off stump. He struck again with the very next ball when Liam Scott (0) was late against a delivery that came sharply back in.
Deshpande finished with 3/14 in the second innings and played a key role in Australia's collapse. Fergus O'Neill was the top scorer with 47 runs during the unsuccessful chase against India. Amid this, Praful Hinge reveals love for Virat Kohli, names Rohit Sharma dream wicket.
Shams Mulani’s spin magic in Puducherry
After lunch, Shams Mulani destroyed the lower order. O'Neill was caught at deep midwicket, Murphy was taken sharply at leg gully by B. Sai Sudharsan, and Brendan Doggett was caught brilliantly by Shaikh Rasheed at long-off.
Mulani took all three wickets after lunch in the second innings and finished the match with an impressive 7/124 as Australia A were bowled out for exactly 200 in 55.1 overs, 162 runs short of the target.
Earlier, Kumar Kushagra smashed a stunning century, while Tanush Kotian and Sai Sudharsan smashed fifties as India A posted 334 runs in the first innings. Corey Rocchiccioli (4/95) and Todd Murphy (3/77) starred with the ball for Australia A.
In the second innings, Devdutt Padikkal smashed a fifty, taking his team to 199, with Todd Murphy taking four wickets. For India, Mulani was the star performer, as he finished with seven wickets. It was a tough surface for the batters on the final day, and India's fast bowlers and spinners made full use of the conditions in Puducherry.
Schedule for the remaining games:
- 2nd unofficial Test: September 29 to October 2, 9:30 AM IST
- 1st unofficial ODI: October 6, 9:30 AM IST
- 2nd unofficial ODI: October 9, 9:30 AM IST
- 3rd unofficial ODI: October 11, 9:30 AM IST
