Australia A 223 (Harris 74, Prasidh 4-50, Mukesh 3-41) and 169 for 4 (Konstas 73*, Webster 46*) India A 161 (Mackerel 90, Neser 4-27, Webster 3-19) and 229 (Mackerel 68, Rocchiccioli 4-74, Webster 3-49) for six wickets
Australia’s A chase got off to a disastrous start with Australia’s selectors not getting the final feedback they expected from Harris and McSweeney. Harris played a committed medium drive towards a very full ball and was caught behind the inside edge. His luck from the second day could have evened out, as it was not entirely clear whether he got it right. Bancroft’s horror run continued when a yorker hit him on the toe and gave him lbw. It was tight to the leg but it probably hit. Bancroft has scored 29 runs in eight first-class innings so far this season, including four ducks, and any hopes of a Test withdrawal are completely dashed at the moment.
McSweeney appeared organized in his latest attempt to convince the selectors that he is worthy of opening the batting in the Perth Test. He barely made a mistake in his 25 off 69 balls. But it was undone by a strong delivery from Mukesh Kumar that took a deflection and went wide to reach the boundary.
Konstas, 19, then showed the composure and batting artistry that so many astute judges have in Australian cricket. They weathered the storm with determined defense and then began to expand as the ball became softer and Kotian went on attack. He launched a powerful shot at Prasidh and then jumped towards Kotian several times to hit him above the ground. He also leaned back and punched him on the opposite side. He didn’t get caught up in playing balls outside his leg stump when he was set up for short leg and gully.
He lost Ollie Davies for a spirited 21 when his NSW teammate misjudged Kotian’s length completely and was bowled attempting an ambitious cut.
Webster calmed down after a nervous start and hit the ball with his trademark power to help relieve the pressure of the chase. The pair soldiered on, hitting 13 boundaries and six between them. They scored quickly enough for the referees to extend the game with an extra half hour to win the game on the third night. Konstas only gave one life, with substitute Abishek Porel bowling him in a deep wicket with 15 runs to win.
However, unlike the first innings, it needed a huge stroke of luck. Early in the morning, on the 25th, he absentmindedly shot Scott Boland to deep third with a fielder positioned there for that exact throw. Ollie Davies had to run forward and dive but squandered the difficult opportunity that presented itself to him despite having both hands. Had it been held, India A would have been 85 for 6, leading by just 23 and in danger of losing before lunch.
Thereafter, the momentum swung in favor of India A. Jurel and Reddy shared a crucial 94-run stand to give their team a chance. Horse mackerel’s class shined again. He pounced on anything short or overly thrown and was rock solid on defense. While his teammates seemed to be at sea with the extra bounce at the MCG, Jurel looked right at home with a game tailor-made for Australian conditions.
Reddy played his best innings of the tour to date, hitting five fours and a six in a key supporting role. Australia A struggled to penetrate as they were losing after the loss of Michael Neser on day one.
But just as Jurel took control of the game, he holed out to square deep in front of Rocchiccioli and open the door to the tail. Three overs later, Reddy fell to Webster for the third time in four innings. It was also the third time he was sent off, hitting the goalkeeper who was trying to hook the fine leg.
That left India A 162 for 7 with a lead of just 100. But the last three wickets added 67 to ensure Australia had a tough chase. Kotian and Prasidh frustrated the bowlers with an entertaining and vital 49-run stand. They hit nine fours and a six between them. Kotian recorded the fourth highest score of the match with 44. Prasidh’s innings was baffling. He backed away steadily but hit the ball with power on either side of the wicket on a breezy 29. He finally fell to a sensational diving catch at deep mid-wicket by Konstas.
Kotian added 28 with Mukesh Kumar, who scored just 1 before losing one midway through the game. Rocchiccioli concluded the innings with his fourth wicket, pinning Mukesh plumb.
