India A bowlers shine before Green ton rescues Australia A

Sydney, December 7

Umesh Yadav and Ravichandran Ashwin staked strong claims to be included in India’s playing XI for the first Test with impressive performances against Australia A.

The hosts scored 286/8 on the second day, riding on Cameron Green’s unbeaten century. Australia A have a 39-run lead after India A declared their innings at 247/9 in the first hour of the second day, with skipper Ajinkya Rahane remaining unbeaten on 117.

With Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah being automatic choices, Umesh (18-3-44-3) is fighting for the third pacer’s slot. He looked more dangerous compared to Mohammed Siraj (19-4-71-2) with the new ball.

Umesh removed both the openers — Will Pucovski (1) and Joe Burns (4) — with the new ball.

Ashwin (19-2-58-2) also did his Test chances no harm. Ashwin reminded old timers of Australian off-spinner of 1980s, Greg Mathews, as he bowled with his cap on.

For Australia A, all-rounder Green continued his rich vein of form from Sheffield Shield with an unbeaten 114 off 173 that had 10 fours and a six.

He showed good temperament against the Indian attack while adding 104 runs for the sixth wicket with his Australia skipper Tim Paine (44) after the team was reduced to 98/5.

Another 49 for the eighth wicket with paceman Michael Neser (33) ensured that Australia A recovered well from a batting collapse. — PTI