Australia A pacer Brendan Doggett bowled a superb spell, taking six wickets to skittle India A out for a mere 107 runs on the opening day of the 1st unofficial Test in Mackay. Opting to bowl first, Australia A capitalized on the favorable conditions, with Doggett spearheading the attack and causing significant damage to India’s batting lineup.
India A, who took to the crease under overcast skies, struggled from the outset. Doggett struck early by dismissing opener Ruturaj Gaikwad for a first-ball duck, caught brilliantly by wicketkeeper Josh Philippe down the leg side. This early dismissal set the tone for a relentless onslaught from Doggett, who proceeded to claim five more scalps, including key wickets of Ishan Kishan, Devdutt Padikkal, and Prasidh Krishna.
With the Indian top and middle order under immense pressure, Doggett maintained accuracy and pace, ensuring no batter settled. Sai Sudharsan and Abhimanyu Easwaran tried to stabilize the innings briefly but succumbed to the disciplined line and length of Doggett and his counterparts, Todd Murphy and Jordan Buckingham, who supported him with key breakthroughs. Doggett’s final figures of 6 for 29 underscored his dominance, making him the standout performer on the opening day.
In a desperate bid to lift their score past 100, Saini launched a few late boundaries, but the innings quickly folded as Murphy and Buckingham cleaned up the tail. Saini’s valiant 23 off 43 deliveries was the highest score for India A, highlighting their batting struggles.
Doggett’s wicket-taking spree proved critical in giving Australia A the early momentum, ensuring India A never settled into a rhythm. With India A bowled out for 107, Australia A has set a commanding tone in the first unofficial Test, with all eyes now on their batters to capitalize on this early advantage.
Published By:
Saurabh Kumar
Published On:
Oct 31, 2024