AU-A vs IND-A 1st Test Preview: Key Players And Stats, Live Streaming, Pitch Report, Probable XIs

AU-A vs IND-A 1st Test Preview [Source: @BCCI/x.com]

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is just around the corner, but before that, India A and Australia A will go head-to-head in a two-match unofficial Test series. The action kicks off on Thursday, October 31 with the first Test at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay. This series is a real chance for both teams to get into form and fine-tune their strategies before the big Test series.

AU-A vs IND-A 1st Test: Match Details & Live Streaming

AU-A vs IND-A 1st Test Preview: Australia A’s Line-Up and Selection Battles

Nathan McSweeney will lead Australia A. The main focus for the Aussies will be to find the right opening partner for Usman Khawaja ahead of the main series. Four players are fighting for that spot—Sam Konstas, Nathan McSweeney himself, Cameron Bancroft, and Marcus Harris. A strong performance here could help them grab that opening slot.

Furthermore, players like Scott Boland, Michael Neser, and Todd Murphy will also want to put up a strong show. They’re not just looking at this series, but also eyeing future series like the one against Sri Lanka and the Ashes next summer. The selectors will be watching closely as the home team looks to make a mark against a formidable India A team.

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AU-A vs IND-A 1st Test Preview: India A Looking to Bounce Back

India A, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, will be looking to bounce back after their disappointing exit in the Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024. They’ll be eager to redeem themselves here. Players like Abhimanyu Easwaran and Nitish Reddy, who are already part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad, have a big opportunity to adjust to the conditions and make an impacr.

The batting line-up has some exciting names like Ishan Kishan, Sai Sudharsan, and Devdutt Padikkal. The bowling unit will be led by Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Yash Dayal, and Tanush Kotian. For Abhimanyu Easwaran and Nitish Reddy, this series is extremely critical as a strong showing here will bolster their case to make it to India’s playing XI for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

AU-A vs IND-A Pitch Report: What to Expect from the Great Barrier Reef Arena Surface?

The pitch at the Great Barrier Reef Arena is expected to be good for batting, offering plenty of runs. The pacers might enjoy the bounce, while spinners will have to be accurate to get anything out of the track. The surface is fresh, so batters who settle in can expect to score big. The captain winning the toss will likely choose to bat first and take advantage of the favourable conditions on offer.

AU-A vs IND-A 1st Test : Key Players And Stats

• Josh Philippe: 309 runs in the last 4 matches, Average: 38.63, SR: 91.69
• Jimmy Peirson: 276 runs in the last 4 matches, Average: 92, SR: 65.24
• Abhimanyu Easwaran: 417 runs in the last 7 matches, Average: 41.7, SR: 55.82
• Sai Sudharsan: 393 runs in the last 5 matches, Average: 49.13, SR: 50.25
• Mark Steketee: 30 wickets in the last 7 matches, ER: 3.25, SR: 40.26
• Michael Neser: 11 wickets in the last 3 matches, ER: 2.97, SR: 49.36
• Navdeep Saini: 14 wickets in the last 5 matches, ER: 3.17, SR: 58.71
• Yash Dayal: 11 wickets in the last 3 matches, ER: 2.81, SR: 42.18

AU-A vs IND-A 1st Test: Probable Playing XIs

Australia A’s Probable Playing XI: Cameron Bancroft (wk), Marcus Harris, Nathan McSweeney (c), Sam Konstas, Oliver Davies, Joshua Philippe, Todd Murphy, Beau Webster, Michael Neser, Scott Boland, Mark Steketee

India A’s Probable Playing XI: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Abhimanyu Easwaran (vc), Devdutt Padikkal, Sai Sudharsan, Ishan Kishan (wk), Baba Indrajith, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Tanush Kotian, Navdeep Saini, Yash Dayal, Mukesh Kumar

AU-A vs IND-A 1st Test: Winner Prediction

Considering the home advantage and familiarity with the conditions, Australia A start as favourites to win this clash.

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