IND A vs AUS A, 1st unofficial Test: Konstas hundred helps Australia A end day one on top against India A

Sam Konstas is quite a character. On his maiden visit to India, the 19-year-old opener stayed true to his unorthodox ways, attempting a reverse scoop off just his fifth delivery — in the opening over itself. Fast forward two hours, and he was charging down the track to off-spinner Tanush Kotian and launching him over long-on. Before the ball had even landed and the umpire signalled six, Konstas had his helmet off and arms raised, celebrating a century off just 122 balls.

Konstas’ adventurous 109, in tandem with opening partner Campbell Kellaway’s fluent 88 (97 balls), gave Australia-A the perfect launchpad on a roller-coaster opening day of the first unofficial Test against India-A at the Ekana Cricket Stadium here on Tuesday.

The visitors were cruising at 198 without loss after the first session before India-A finally broke through. Kellaway, who had been the more assured of the two openers, missed out on a century when he miscued a pull off the very first ball after Tea against pacer Gurnoor Brar. 

AS IT HAPPENED – India A vs Australia A HIGHLIGHTS

That wicket sparked a mini-collapse as left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey dismissed captain Nathan McSweeney leg before and then bowled Konstas when the centurion missed a slog sweep. Khaleel Ahmed compounded the slide by trapping Oliver Peake in front, leaving Australia suddenly wobbling at 224 for four after losing four wickets for 26 runs in just 62 balls.

Yet, the visitors refused to retreat. Cooper Connolly countered with drives, flicks, and pulls, while Liam Scott was more adventurous, taking the aerial route against Dubey. Connolly smashed 12 fours and a six enroute his 70 off 84 deliveries before he fell five minutes before the Stumps, caught at first slip, looking to cut a delivery that wasn’t meant to be against Dubey. Their counter-attacking 109-run partnership ensured Australia-A regained control heading into the Stumps at 337 for five. 

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Earlier, play began late after overnight rain left the outfield damp. But once underway, Australia opted to bat. Konstas, despite that audacious attempt, needed time to settle, while Kellaway took the lead. The left-hander was orthodox in approach, playing with soft hands, driving smoothly, and using his feet effectively against the spinners. He brought up his fifty off just 53 deliveries and dictated the tempo of the partnership initially. 

By then, Konstas had adjusted to the surface. Though he repeatedly attempted scoops and reverse scoops — often mistiming them — he ensured the bowlers could not settle into a rhythm, advancing down the pitch to disrupt lengths. He reached his fifty in 86 balls but raced to his century in the next 36 balls, smashing three sixes and 10 fours. 

India-A captain Shreyas Iyer was proactive, keeping close catchers in play throughout: slips and a short leg for the pacers, and short leg or silly point for the spinners. But apart from that brief post-Tea surge that claimed both openers, the bowlers lacked bite and failed to sustain pressure. Australia, led by the exuberance of Konstas and Connolly, and the composure of Kellaway, ended the day on top.

Published on Sep 16, 2025