This is an important game from the Australian point of view to get ready ahead of the important Test series against India. Australia hoped their batsman get a good run in the middle, most of them did so, barring David Warner. Steve Smith, Shaun Marsh got hundreds to pile on 469 before declaring the innings. The pick of the Indian bowlers was Saini who picked up two wickets and Hardik Pandya had to be satisfied with a solitary wicket.
India A started their innings woefully losing Herwadkar early in the piece, Nathan Lyon dismissed both the Indian openers. Shreyas Iyer showed some spine and resistance remaining unbeaten on 85 of just 93 balls, he hit five sixes and gave the Indian innings some respectability. Young Rishabh Pant is giving Iyer company and Hardik Pandya who got out at the end of the days play will be pinning his hopes on the two youngsters to see India to a comfortable position.
Day 3 will be important from the Australian point of view because Steve Smith will want his spinners to bowl as much as possible to get match ready before the first Test. The spinners will be required to play a huge role throughout the two months hence Steve would want them to get some confidence and rhythm going. Getting wickets will surely boost their confidence ahead of the crucial tie against India.
India trail by 293 runs with six wickets in hand.
Axeing, ailment bring Marsh some good https://t.co/hBoQH82Tml pic.twitter.com/tOwSopFZsU
— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) February 19, 2017
Brief scores
India A 176/4 (Shreyas Iyer 85, Priynak Panchal 36; Jackson Bird 2 for 15, Nathan Lyon 2 for 72) trail Australia 469 for 5 (Steven Smith 107, Shaun Marsh 104; Navdeep Amarjeet Saini 2 for 42, Akhil Herwadkar 1 for 64) by 293 runs.
