<p>KL Rahul and keeper-batter Dhruv Jurel are two BGT-bound Indian players flying to Australia a week earlier than the remainder of the Test squad. The duo will feature for India-A, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, in the second unofficial Test, scheduled for November 7 start at the MCG, to get some match practice ahead of the marquee Australia series beginning on November 22 in Perth. &nbsp;</p>

<p>India-A lost the first match in Mackay by seven wickets, with Test hopefuls Abhimanyu Easwaran and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy failing to leave any mark across both innings.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-202425-more-miseries-for-india-rohit-sharma-not-sure-of-his-participation-for-perth-test-773091">BGT 2024/25: More miseries for India? Rohit Sharma 'not sure' of his participation for Perth Test</a></strong></p>

<p>The match, however, made headlines for other reasons; the umpires accused India-A of ball tampering before the start of play on the final day, which led to an altercation between Ishan Kishan and the on-field umpires. Though the officials warned him for showing dissent, Kishan escaped a potential ban for passing a comment.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Team India had dropped KL Rahul after the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, wherein he returned with scores of 0 and 12 across two innings. Shubman Gill replaced Rahul in the batting order for the remaining two Tests; India’s new number three came good with the bat in the first innings in Mumbai, scoring a gritty 90. India, however, lost all three matches, surrendering the Test series to the Kiwis at home for the first time.</p>

<p>On the other hand, Jurel, who made his Test debut against England earlier this year, hasn’t featured in any of the five home Tests this season since Rishabh Pant’s return.&nbsp;Pant and Jurel are the two glovemen for India for the tour Down Under.</p>

<h2>Training and not practice game for India</h2>

<p>Earlier, the BCCI and the team management scheduled an intra-squad game between India and India-A at WACA before the first Test in Perth; however, the board altered the plans at the last minute, reducing Team India's preparation to training in the nets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Captain Rohit Sharma echoed the same feelings after the final Test in Mumbai, which India lost by 25 runs.</p>

<p>"We are travelling with a squad of 19 players, and only three days were allotted to us. I don't know how much workload we can get in those three days in terms of getting everyone prepared," Rohit said on Sunday.</p>

<p>"The management feels that we'd rather have a match simulation where batters can spend more time in the middle, and the bowlers can bowl a lot of balls. That is something that we, as a team, feel more comfortable doing rather than playing a practice game because game time is not a problem,” he continued.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the rest of the BGT-bound Test squad will fly to Australia on November 10 and will train at WACA stadium in Perth, where they will acclimatise to the playing conditions by training in the nets and centre wicket.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


KL Rahul and keeper-batter Dhruv Jurel are two BGT-bound Indian players flying to Australia a week earlier than the remainder of the Test squad. The duo will feature for India-A, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, in the second unofficial Test, scheduled for November 7 start at the MCG, to get some match practice ahead of the marquee Australia series beginning on November 22 in Perth.

KL Rahul and keeper-batter Dhruv Jurel are two BGT-bound Indian players flying to Australia a week earlier than the remainder of the Test squad. The duo will feature for India-A, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, in the second unofficial Test, scheduled for November 7 start at the MCG, to get some match practice ahead of the marquee Australia series beginning on November 22 in Perth. India-A lost the first match in Mackay by seven wickets, with Test hopefuls Abhimanyu Easwaran and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy failing to leave any mark across both innings. ALSO READ: BGT 2024/25: More miseries for India? Rohit Sharma 'not sure' of his participation for Perth Test The match, however, made headlines for other reasons; the umpires accused India-A of ball tampering before the start of play on the final day, which led to an altercation between Ishan Kishan and the on-field umpires. Though the officials warned him for showing dissent, Kishan escaped a potential ban for passing a comment. Meanwhile, Team India had dropped KL Rahul after the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, wherein he returned with scores of 0 and 12 across two innings. Shubman Gill replaced Rahul in the batting order for the remaining two Tests; India’s new number three came good with the bat in the first innings in Mumbai, scoring a gritty 90. India, however, lost all three matches, surrendering the Test series to the Kiwis at home for the first time. On the other hand, Jurel, who made his Test debut against England earlier this year, hasn’t featured in any of the five home Tests this season since Rishabh Pant’s return. Pant and Jurel are the two glovemen for India for the tour Down Under. Training and not practice game for India Earlier, the BCCI and the team management scheduled an intra-squad game between India and India-A at WACA before the first Test in Perth; however, the board altered the plans at the last minute, reducing Team India's preparation to training in the nets. Captain Rohit Sharma echoed the same feelings after the final Test in Mumbai, which India lost by 25 runs. "We are travelling with a squad of 19 players, and only three days were allotted to us. I don't know how much workload we can get in those three days in terms of getting everyone prepared," Rohit said on Sunday. "The management feels that we'd rather have a match simulation where batters can spend more time in the middle, and the bowlers can bowl a lot of balls. That is something that we, as a team, feel more comfortable doing rather than playing a practice game because game time is not a problem,” he continued. Meanwhile, the rest of the BGT-bound Test squad will fly to Australia on November 10 and will train at WACA stadium in Perth, where they will acclimatise to the playing conditions by training in the nets and centre wicket. (With inputs from agencies)

KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel to feature in second India-A game ahead of Australia Tests

<p>The India-A side was accused of ball-tampering ahead of the start of the final day against Australia-A in Mackay. The on-field umpires also warned Ishan Kishan for showing dissent over the decision. The officials decided to change the ball used by the touring side following allegations of scratches on the ball.</p>

<p>Just before the fourth-day play of the 1st unofficial Test between India-A and Australia-A, the umpires were involved in a heated exchange with the visiting side, accusing them of tampering with the ball.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liam-livingstones-career-best-score-helps-england-level-west-indies-odis-after-hopes-heroics-772844">Liam Livingstone’s career-best score helps England level West Indies' ODIs after Hope's heroics</a></strong></p>

<p>When the umpire Shawn Craig informed the players of changing the ball, Ishan found himself in hot waters for calling this decision ‘stupid’. The stump microphone picked up the conversation between the official and the players, which goes,&nbsp;Craig said, "Scratch it, we change the ball...no more discussion, let's play."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kishan replied, "So we are going to play with this ball…that's a very stupid decision."</p>

<p>Craig responded, "Excuse me, you'll be on report for dissent. That's inappropriate behaviour. Because of your actions, we changed the ball."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Kishan, who made headlines late last year for taking an infinite break from cricket for personal reasons and later for not abiding by BCCI’s directives to play Ranji Trophy matches, was eyeing a comeback to the international circuit via this series. And now, following this incident, Ishan could be subject to facing a potential ban should he be found guilty of altering the ball's condition, per Cricket Australia’s code of conduct.</p>

<p>“Any action(s) likely to alter the condition of the ball which are not specifically permitted under Law 41.3.2 may be regarded as unfair,” the code of conduct states.</p>

<h2>Australia-A beat India-A</h2>

<p>Chasing 224, Australia-A completed the run chase with seven wickets remaining, thanks to an incredible 141-run stand for the fourth wicket between captain Nathan McSweeney and Beau Webster. While Webster remained unbeaten on 61 off 117 balls, hitting four fours, McSweeney pressed his case for Australia Test debut against India with a match-winning 88* off 178 balls, smashing nine fours.</p>

<p>The Australia-A captain, however, was present at the scene when the drama surrounding ball-tampering began but admitted not knowing enough about it.</p>

<p>"I was at the striker's end when the umpires said they'd changed the ball, I'm not sure what quite for, I didn't notice any change in the ball personally," he said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Test hopefuls from both sides failed to leave an impression during this game. Those concerned will get another chance to prove their mettle (in the 2nd unofficial Test) before the marquee Border-Gavaskar Trophy gets underway with the Perth Test in Perth on November 22.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The India-A side was accused of ball-tampering ahead of the start of the final day against Australia-A in Mackay. The on-field umpires also warned Ishan Kishan for showing dissent over the decision.

The India-A side was accused of ball-tampering ahead of the start of the final day against Australia-A in Mackay. The on-field umpires also warned Ishan Kishan for showing dissent over the decision. The officials decided to change the ball used by the touring side following allegations of scratches on the ball. Just before the fourth-day play of the 1st unofficial Test between India-A and Australia-A, the umpires were involved in a heated exchange with the visiting side, accusing them of tampering with the ball. ALSO READ: Liam Livingstone’s career-best score helps England level West Indies' ODIs after Hope's heroics When the umpire Shawn Craig informed the players of changing the ball, Ishan found himself in hot waters for calling this decision ‘stupid’. The stump microphone picked up the conversation between the official and the players, which goes, Craig said, "Scratch it, we change the ball...no more discussion, let's play." Kishan replied, "So we are going to play with this ball…that's a very stupid decision." Craig responded, "Excuse me, you'll be on report for dissent. That's inappropriate behaviour. Because of your actions, we changed the ball." Meanwhile, Kishan, who made headlines late last year for taking an infinite break from cricket for personal reasons and later for not abiding by BCCI’s directives to play Ranji Trophy matches, was eyeing a comeback to the international circuit via this series. And now, following this incident, Ishan could be subject to facing a potential ban should he be found guilty of altering the ball's condition, per Cricket Australia’s code of conduct. “Any action(s) likely to alter the condition of the ball which are not specifically permitted under Law 41.3.2 may be regarded as unfair,” the code of conduct states. Australia-A beat India-A Chasing 224, Australia-A completed the run chase with seven wickets remaining, thanks to an incredible 141-run stand for the fourth wicket between captain Nathan McSweeney and Beau Webster. While Webster remained unbeaten on 61 off 117 balls, hitting four fours, McSweeney pressed his case for Australia Test debut against India with a match-winning 88* off 178 balls, smashing nine fours. The Australia-A captain, however, was present at the scene when the drama surrounding ball-tampering began but admitted not knowing enough about it. "I was at the striker's end when the umpires said they'd changed the ball, I'm not sure what quite for, I didn't notice any change in the ball personally," he said. Meanwhile, Test hopefuls from both sides failed to leave an impression during this game. Those concerned will get another chance to prove their mettle (in the 2nd unofficial Test) before the marquee Border-Gavaskar Trophy gets underway with the Perth Test in Perth on November 22. (With inputs from agencies)

Ball-tampering allegations rock India-A as umpires warn Ishan Kishan for showing dissent

<p>India's reserve player for Australia Tests, seamer Mukesh Kumar, picked six wickets in the first innings against Australia-A, and batters Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal remained unbeaten on 96 and 80, respectively, in the second innings to script India-A’s comeback in the first unofficial Test in Mackay.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, the BGT-bound India batter Abhimanyu Easwaran failed to leave any mark even across two innings as he departed on just 12, five more than his first-inning total in the lead-up to the marquee series Down Under.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bgt-no-practice-game-for-india-ahead-of-perth-test-as-bcci-scraps-intra-squad-match-at-waca-772496">BGT: No practice game for India ahead of Perth Test as BCCI scraps intra-squad match at WACA</a></strong></p>

<p>After getting all out on a mere 107 in the first innings, with most players failing to score, barring Padikkal (36) and Sudharsan (21), India-A dismissed Australia-A on 195 in theirs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Australia’s Test hopefuls Sam Konstas (0), Marcus Harris (17) and Cameron Bancroft (0) all departed early, with handy contributions coming from the middle order.</p>

<p>Seamer Mukesh returned with six wickets for India-A, accounting for Konstas, captain Nathan McSweeney (39) and Beau Webster (33) among the batters. Prasidh Krishna picked three wickets, while another member of India’s Test squad for Australia, Nitish Kumar Reddy, bagged one.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Sai, Padikkal save India-A's ship</h2>

<p>The second innings began similarly for the India-A, with openers departing inside the first ten overs. Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad got out chasing an outswinger on five, while Jordan Buckingham affected Easwaran’s run-out on 12.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Bullseye! Jordan Buckingham with the pin-point throw! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSAvINDA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSAvINDA</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ph5CZdnoLN">pic.twitter.com/Ph5CZdnoLN</a></p>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1852190735967150539?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The left-handed pair of Sai and Padikkal saved India’s sinking ship with a remarkable comeback. They took their time before opening their arms during the final two sessions. Both looked composed at the crease, playing through the line without being beaten enough. Their 178-run partnership thus far reminded everyone of how everyone should bat in these conditions, where the ball is bound to do enough any time of the day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Padikkal scored just five fours in 167 balls faced on day two, Sai hit four more in his 96* run-knock.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With two days remaining in this unofficial Test and India leading by 120 runs and eight wickets remaining, the travelling side has their nose in the front.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's reserve player for Australia Tests, seamer Mukesh Kumar, picked six wickets in the first innings against Australia-A, and batters Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal remained unbeaten on 96 and 80, respectively, in the second innings to script India-A’s comeback in the first unofficial Test in Mackay.

India's reserve player for Australia Tests, seamer Mukesh Kumar, picked six wickets in the first innings against Australia-A, and batters Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal remained unbeaten on 96 and 80, respectively, in the second innings to script India-A’s comeback in the first unofficial Test in Mackay. On the other hand, the BGT-bound India batter Abhimanyu Easwaran failed to leave any mark even across two innings as he departed on just 12, five more than his first-inning total in the lead-up to the marquee series Down Under. ALSO READ: BGT: No practice game for India ahead of Perth Test as BCCI scraps intra-squad match at WACA After getting all out on a mere 107 in the first innings, with most players failing to score, barring Padikkal (36) and Sudharsan (21), India-A dismissed Australia-A on 195 in theirs. Australia’s Test hopefuls Sam Konstas (0), Marcus Harris (17) and Cameron Bancroft (0) all departed early, with handy contributions coming from the middle order. Seamer Mukesh returned with six wickets for India-A, accounting for Konstas, captain Nathan McSweeney (39) and Beau Webster (33) among the batters. Prasidh Krishna picked three wickets, while another member of India’s Test squad for Australia, Nitish Kumar Reddy, bagged one. Sai, Padikkal save India-A's ship The second innings began similarly for the India-A, with openers departing inside the first ten overs. Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad got out chasing an outswinger on five, while Jordan Buckingham affected Easwaran’s run-out on 12. Bullseye! Jordan Buckingham with the pin-point throw! #AUSAvINDA pic.twitter.com/Ph5CZdnoLN — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 1, 2024 × The left-handed pair of Sai and Padikkal saved India’s sinking ship with a remarkable comeback. They took their time before opening their arms during the final two sessions. Both looked composed at the crease, playing through the line without being beaten enough. Their 178-run partnership thus far reminded everyone of how everyone should bat in these conditions, where the ball is bound to do enough any time of the day. While Padikkal scored just five fours in 167 balls faced on day two, Sai hit four more in his 96* run-knock. With two days remaining in this unofficial Test and India leading by 120 runs and eight wickets remaining, the travelling side has their nose in the front. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia-A vs India-A: Mukesh Kumar, Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal script comeback, Easwaran fails

<p>The Border-Gavaskar Trophy-bound Indian players, batter Abhimanyu Easwaran and all-rounder Nitish Reddy, flopped in the first innings for India-A against Australia-A during the first unofficial Test in Mackay on Thursday (Oct 31). While opener Easwaran scored just seven runs, Reddy departed on a six-ball duck, as seamer Brendan Doggett returned with 6/15 in 11 overs, dismissing India-A on 107 in the first innings.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH -</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DBxjer8vqzn/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DBxjer8vqzn/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DBxjer8vqzn/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DBxjer8vqzn/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Besides, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad departed on a first-ball duck, with pacer Jordan Buckingham picking his wicket. Australia-A keeper Josh Philippe was kept busy early in the first hour, grabbing four catches, with India-A’s scorecard reading 32 for three at one stage.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ben-stokes-house-robbed-during-pakistan-tour-as-england-captain-appeals-for-return-of-irreplaceable-items-772202">Ben Stokes’ house robbed in his absence, family unhurt but ‘dear items’ stolen</a></strong></p>

<p>Only the left-handed pair of Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal were among the runs, with Sai scoring 21 and Padikkal leading the run-scoring chart with a gritty 36. The India-A middle order failed to put runs on the board, with Baba Inderjit (9), gloveman Ishan Kishan (4) and Reddy (0) falling on single digits.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Though seamer Navdeep Saini did put a price on his wicket, scoring 23, the tail couldn’t hang around to support him, resulting in a shallow batting show.</p>

<h2>Australian openers continue struggling</h2>

<p>Given Cricket Australia is also searching for the right man to replace David Warner at the top, three of their prime options - rookie batter Sam Konstas, Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft failed to get going, with the returning Prasidh Krishna picking two of those three wickets.</p>

<p>With their failure with the bat, the pressure mounts on the selectors to pick between an emerging superstar and experienced ones for the first Test.<br />
Easwaran in Indian Team</p>

<p>Picked as the backup opener for the five-match Test series against Australia, Easwaran might take up Rohit Sharma’s place at the top in one of the two matches, with the India captain reported missing either the first or second game due to personal reasons.</p>

<p>Part of India-A squads over the years, Easwaran, should he debut, will open alongside rookie Yashasvi Jaiswal, with Shubman Gill set to play at number three throughout. Though his rare failure against the new ball could cast doubt over his automatic selection, the selectors look ready to hand him his maiden India cap during this tour.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the first set of Indian players will fly on November 10, while the others will re-link with the squad sooner.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Perth will host the first Test beginning November 22.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Border-Gavaskar Trophy-bound Indian players, batter Abhimanyu Easwaran and all-rounder Nitish Reddy, flopped in the first innings for India-A against Australia-A during the first unofficial Test in Mackay on Thursday (Oct 31).

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy-bound Indian players, batter Abhimanyu Easwaran and all-rounder Nitish Reddy, flopped in the first innings for India-A against Australia-A during the first unofficial Test in Mackay on Thursday (Oct 31). While opener Easwaran scored just seven runs, Reddy departed on a six-ball duck, as seamer Brendan Doggett returned with 6/15 in 11 overs, dismissing India-A on 107 in the first innings. WATCH - View this post on Instagram A post shared by cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) × Besides, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad departed on a first-ball duck, with pacer Jordan Buckingham picking his wicket. Australia-A keeper Josh Philippe was kept busy early in the first hour, grabbing four catches, with India-A’s scorecard reading 32 for three at one stage. ALSO READ: Ben Stokes’ house robbed in his absence, family unhurt but ‘dear items’ stolen Only the left-handed pair of Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal were among the runs, with Sai scoring 21 and Padikkal leading the run-scoring chart with a gritty 36. The India-A middle order failed to put runs on the board, with Baba Inderjit (9), gloveman Ishan Kishan (4) and Reddy (0) falling on single digits. Though seamer Navdeep Saini did put a price on his wicket, scoring 23, the tail couldn’t hang around to support him, resulting in a shallow batting show. Australian openers continue struggling Given Cricket Australia is also searching for the right man to replace David Warner at the top, three of their prime options - rookie batter Sam Konstas, Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft failed to get going, with the returning Prasidh Krishna picking two of those three wickets. With their failure with the bat, the pressure mounts on the selectors to pick between an emerging superstar and experienced ones for the first Test. Easwaran in Indian Team Picked as the backup opener for the five-match Test series against Australia, Easwaran might take up Rohit Sharma’s place at the top in one of the two matches, with the India captain reported missing either the first or second game due to personal reasons. Part of India-A squads over the years, Easwaran, should he debut, will open alongside rookie Yashasvi Jaiswal, with Shubman Gill set to play at number three throughout. Though his rare failure against the new ball could cast doubt over his automatic selection, the selectors look ready to hand him his maiden India cap during this tour. Meanwhile, the first set of Indian players will fly on November 10, while the others will re-link with the squad sooner. Perth will host the first Test beginning November 22. (With inputs from agencies)

Abhimanyu Easwaran, Nitish Reddy flop with bat as Australia-A skittle out India-A on 107 in first innings