Mukesh Kumar’s stellar 6 for 46 brought India A back into contention in their unofficial Test against Australia A, as he helped bowl the hosts out for 195. Although Australia A holds an 88-run lead, Mukesh’s impressive spell kept the game within reach for India A, especially after their initial struggle in the first innings where they managed only 107.
Starting Day 2 at 99 for 4, Australia A saw a promising 51-run fifth-wicket stand between Nathan McSweeney and Cooper Connolly, both steadying the innings. However, Mukesh dismantled their efforts, removing Connolly for 37 and swiftly followed by the rest of Australia A’s middle and lower order. Partnering with Prasidh Krishna, who claimed 3 for 59, Mukesh consistently applied pressure, showcasing sharp accuracy and control.
The ninth-wicket partnership between Todd Murphy (33) and Fergus O’Neill provided brief resistance, adding 41 runs before Mukesh wrapped up the innings by dismissing Murphy, sealing Australia A’s total at 195. Now, with a manageable deficit and the momentum from Mukesh’s heroics, India A’s batters will look to post a strong total in their second innings and shift the balance of the match in their favor.
