McSweeney, Edwards Fifties Keep Australia A Afloat on Day 1 as Suthar Shines with Five-for

Half-centuries from Jack Edwards and Nathan McSweeney helped Australia A post a competitive 350 for 9 on the opening day of the second unofficial Test against India A, as Manav Suthar starred with the ball, claiming a five-wicket haul on a mixed-soil surface in Lucknow.

In a see-saw day of cricket, Australia A's innings was anchored by Edwards’ blazing 88 off 78 balls and McSweeney’s composed 74. Both batters capitalised on a surface that offered decent pace and occasional swing, despite testing spells from India A’s bowlers.

Australia A’s Top Order Holds Firm

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Australia A got off to a steady start. Sam Konstas, fresh off a century in the first unofficial Test, continued his strong form with a composed 49 off 91 balls. His innings, however, was cut short by Mohammed Siraj, who had been added to the India A squad alongside KL Rahul ahead of the senior team’s West Indies Test series.

Siraj found movement and drew an edge from Konstas, with N Jagadeesan taking the catch moments after switching wicketkeeping duties with new captain Dhruv Jurel—a swap the pair had also made during the previous match.

McSweeney Anchors, Edwards Counterattacks

Australia A captain Nathan McSweeney played through the middle overs, crafting a well-paced 74 in humid conditions. His partnership with Konstas had laid the foundation for a solid total, but a quick double-strike from left-arm spinner Manav Suthar—removing Ollie Peake (29) and Cooper Connolly (0)—briefly derailed the visitors’ momentum.

McSweeney’s dismissal, caught by Ayush Badoni off pacer Gurnoor Brar, left Australia A at 220 for 6. That’s when Jack Edwards took charge.

Edwards launched a spirited counterattack, scoring an aggressive 88 off just 78 deliveries, laced with 11 boundaries and a six. His positive intent shifted pressure back onto the hosts, especially during a 55-run ninth-wicket stand with Todd Murphy, who offered stoic support.

Suthar Leads India A’s Bowling

The day, however, belonged to Manav Suthar, who was entrusted as India A’s sole specialist spinner. The left-armer delivered with figures of 5 for 93, maintaining control with his consistent lines and clever pace variations.

“I thought their left-arm spinner bowled beautifully,” McSweeney said at stumps. “He changed pace really well and built pressure. It’s a great template for us to learn from.”

Suthar's economy of 3.32 stood out against India’s seamers, who all conceded at over four runs an over. His crucial breakthroughs ensured Australia A couldn’t run away with the game after looking set for a total beyond 400.

What Lies Ahead

By stumps, Murphy and Henry Thornton had weathered the final overs to take Australia A to 350 for 9. With India A yet to bat, the match remains finely poised heading into day two.

Australia A will be buoyed by the resilience shown by their lower order, while India A will look to capitalise early on day two and avoid chasing a mammoth total.