Mukesh Kumar's sensational 6 for 46 helps India A bowl Australia A out for 195
Pacer Mukesh Kumar spearheaded the Indian bowling attack with an impressive 6 for 46, helping India A restrict Australia A to 195 in their first innings in the ongoing unofficial Test. Despite his heroics, Australia A managed to secure an 88-run lead, leaving India A with a challenging task as they moved into their second innings.
After India A’s initial score of 107, Australia A ended Day 1 with a slight upper hand at 99 for 4, but Mukesh’s skillful spell brought India A back into the game on Day 2. The Bengal pacer tore through the Australian batting lineup, his 18-over spell wreaking havoc among the hosts’ ranks. Supported by Prasidh Krishna’s incisive 3 for 59, Mukesh led India A’s efforts to keep Australia A from building a substantial lead.
Mukesh’s attack began early, dismissing 19-year-old Sam Konstas for a duck in the opening over and then claiming Cameron Bancroft in quick succession. The Australian top order found it difficult to counter Mukesh’s precision and pace, with Marcus Harris falling to Prasidh Krishna after a gritty 17. Mukesh struck again to remove Beau Webster for 37, further stalling Australia A’s progress.
On Day 2, Australia A resumed with overnight batsmen Nathan McSweeney (39) and Cooper Connolly (37), who held steady for a 51-run fifth-wicket partnership, the only fifty-run stand of the match. However, Mukesh once again broke through, removing Connolly to end their resistance. Josh Philippe and skipper McSweeney fell soon after, reducing Australia A to 136 for 7.
Todd Murphy provided a late boost with a quick 33 off 47 balls, sharing a 41-run ninth-wicket partnership with Fergus O’Neill, before Prasidh Krishna picked up his third wicket. Mukesh wrapped up the innings by claiming Murphy, leaving Australia A all out for 197, securing a lead of just 90.
India A’s batters now face the challenge of overcoming their first-innings collapse and mounting a more competitive score in the second innings. With Mukesh Kumar’s standout six-wicket haul offering hope, India A will aim to make the most of this opening created by their bowlers.
