India A’s hopes of a Test recall for KL Rahul and other candidates suffered a setback as Australia A’s Michael Neser wreaked havoc on their batting lineup on the opening day of their four-day clash at the MCG.
Sent in on a green, bouncy pitch, India A collapsed to 65 for 5 at lunch, with Neser claiming 4 for 16 from eight overs. The damage began in the opening over when Neser dismissed Abhimanyu Easwaran and Sai Sudharsan in consecutive deliveries.
Rahul, who was hoping to impress as an opener, was caught behind for four by Scott Boland. Ruturaj Gaikwad also fell cheaply, edging Neser to second slip.
Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel steadied the innings with a 43-run partnership, but Neser broke the stand with a superb delivery that induced Padikkal to slice a catch to gully.
Australia A captain Nathan McSweeney rotated his bowlers effectively, with Nathan McAndrew, Beau Webster, and Corey Rocchiccioli providing support to Neser and Boland.
India A’s batting woes continued after lunch, with Jurel (24*) and Sarfaraz Khan (12*) holding on amidst the carnage. However, the visitors still face an uphill battle to recover from their disastrous start.
