Can Konstas and Kellaway Lead Australia 'A' Against India 'A' After 337/5 on Day 1?
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Synopsis
On a rain-impacted opening day in Lucknow, Sam Konstas's brilliant century and Kellaway's solid contribution propelled Australia A to an impressive 337/5 against India A. With the match's momentum shifting, can the visitors capitalize on their strong start in the ongoing unofficial four-day test?
Key Takeaways
- Sam Konstas scored a stunning century.
- Australia A reached 337/5 despite rain interruptions.
- Partnerships played a vital role in their innings.
- Indian bowlers struggled to maintain control.
- Cooper Connolly and Liam Scott provided late stability.
Lucknow, Sep 16 (NationPress) Opener Sam Konstas delivered an outstanding performance, scoring a magnificent century as Australia A set a formidable score of 337/5 in 73 overs against India A during a rain-affected first day of the inaugural unofficial four-day test at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Tuesday.
The match faced delays due to persistent rain, which postponed the toss for over two hours. Consequently, play commenced only after lunch in the second session. Opting to bat first, the Australian 'A' openers, Sam Konstas and Campbell Kellaway, made an impressive start to the innings.
Konstas notched up a remarkable century, concluding his innings with 109 runs off 144 balls, while Kellaway contributed a solid 88 runs off 97 deliveries. The Indian bowlers faced a challenge, but Harsh Dubey eventually broke through in the 38th over by dismissing Kellaway. Konstas hit 10 boundaries and three sixes in his innings, forming a significant 198-run partnership with Kellaway, whose knock included ten fours and two sixes.
Following this, the Indian bowlers struck back, taking three more wickets in the next 10 overs as Konstas, Nathan McSweeney, and Oliver Peake all were dismissed after Kellaway.
Skipper Nathan McSweeney had a brief stint, scoring just one run from the 13 balls he faced, while Peake managed two runs off 17 balls as the Indian bowlers quickly seized momentum.
Nevertheless, Cooper Connolly and Liam Scott revitalized the innings with a 109-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Connolly scored 70 runs off 84 balls before being dismissed, whereas Scott remained unbeaten at 47 as the first day concluded.
Dubey finished the day with three wickets from the 21 overs he bowled, while Khaleel Ahmed and Gurnoor Brar each took one wicket. Prasidh Krishna and Tanush Kotian were unable to claim any wickets on Day 1.
Scott and wicketkeeper-batter Josh Philippe are set to continue on Wednesday, aiming to help Australia A build a significant total on the second day and apply pressure on the home team.
Brief scores:
Australia 'A' 337/5 in 73 overs (Sam Konstas 109, Campbell Kellaway 88, Cooper Connolly 70, Liam Scott 47 not out; Harsh Dubey 3-88) against India 'A'
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Point of View
It's imperative to recognize the resilience and talent showcased by Australia A on Day 1 against India A. Despite weather interruptions, their ability to adapt and build partnerships demonstrates their potential in this unofficial test. The focus now shifts to maintaining this momentum and strategizing for the forthcoming days.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score at the end of Day 1?
Australia A finished Day 1 with a score of 337/5 in 73 overs against India A.
Who scored the highest runs for Australia A?
Sam Konstas scored the highest runs for Australia A, making a remarkable 109 runs.
What challenges did the match face on Day 1?
The match faced delays due to persistent rain, which postponed the toss for over two hours.
How many wickets did Harsh Dubey take?
Harsh Dubey took three wickets for India A on Day 1.
What partnerships were crucial for Australia A's success?
The 198-run partnership between Sam Konstas and Campbell Kellaway, along with a 109-run partnership between Cooper Connolly and Liam Scott, were crucial for Australia A.
