AU-A vs IND-A 2nd Test Preview: Key Players And Stats, Live Streaming, Pitch Report, Probable XIs

AU-A vs IND-A 2nd Test Preview [Source: @ragav_x/x.com]

Australia A and India A are all set to face off in the second and final unofficial Test on Thursday, November 7, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). With the hosts leading 1-0, Australia A will be looking to clinch the series, while India A will aim to level things up in this last game of the series.

AU-A vs IND-A 2nd Test: Match Details & Live Streaming

AU-A vs IND-A 2nd Test Preview: Australia A Ready to Seal the Series

Australia A had a strong start, winning the first Test by seven wickets. Their captain, Nathan McSweeny, showed his class with scores of 39 and an unbeaten 88. McSweeny, a contender for the national team in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, is proving his worth.

Beau Webster also contributed well with scores of 33 and 61*, adding depth to the Aussie batting. Players like Sam Konstas, Marcus Harris, and Cameron Bancroft had quiet games last time and will be hoping to make their mark in this match.

In the bowling department, Brendan Doggett was outstanding, picking up six wickets in the first innings. Fergus O’Neill and Todd Murphy also came through in the second innings, grabbing four and three wickets, respectively. Australia A’s bowlers will be keen to replicate their performance and help the team take the series.

---

ALSO READ

David Warner Accuses Cricket Australia of Covering Up India A Ball Change Incident Because of BGT 2024-25

---

AU-A vs IND-A 2nd Test Preview: India A Looking to Level the Series

India A will need a strong response in this final game. The opening pair of Abhimanyu Easwaran and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad couldn’t make a big impact in the first Test, and they’ll be looking to lay a solid foundation this time around.

Sai Sudharsan shone with a brilliant century in the second innings, while Devdutt Padikkal looked promising, scoring 36 and 88 across the two innings. However, Babar Indrajith, Ishan Kishan, and Nitish Kumar had outings they’d likely want to forget, and they’ll be aiming for better performances in this match.

On the bowling side, Mukesh Kumar was a standout with six wickets in the first innings, with Prasidh Krishna supporting him well by taking three. Navdeep Saini, Manav Suthar, and Reddy will need to step up if India A is to win and even out the series.

AU-A vs IND-A 2nd Test Pitch Report: What To Expect From The MCG Surface?

The MCG pitch usually offers a good balance for bat and ball. Pacers can expect some movement, especially with the new ball, while spinners typically don’t play a major role here. As the game goes on, the pitch tends to settle down, making it easier for batters to play their shots. With a true bounce, stroke-makers can get value for their shots once they settle in. Teams batting first have historically had an edge, with 57 wins compared to 42 for teams batting second. An average first-innings score of 306 means there’s potential for runs if the batters apply themselves. Expect captain winning the toss to bat first.

AU-A vs IND-A 2nd Test : Key Players And Stats

• Nathan McSweeney: 331 runs in the last 4 matches, Average: 55.17, SR: 50.07
• Josh Philippe: 313 runs in the last 5 matches, Average: 34.78, SR: 91.52
• Sai Sudharsan: 517 runs in the last 6 matches, Average: 51.7, SR: 50.83
• Devdutt Padikkal: 438 runs in the last 5 matches, Average: 54.75, SR: 63.38
• Mark Steketee: 26 wickets in the last 6 matches, ER: 3.41
• Jordan Buckingham: 13 wickets in the last 3 matches, ER: 3.31
• Yash Dayal: 11 wickets in the last 3 matches, ER: 2.81
• Tanush Kotian: 10 wickets in the last 3 matches, ER: 2.89

AU-A vs IND-A 2nd Test: Probable Playing XIs

Australia A’s Probable Playing XI: Marcus Harris, Nathan McSweeney (c), Cameron Bancroft (wk), Sam Konstas, Beau Webster, Cooper Connolly, Joshua Philippe, Fergus O Neill, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Scott Boland

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

AU-A vs IND-A 2nd Test: Winner Prediction

Considering the current form and familiarity with the conditions, Australia A start as favourites to win this contest.

---

ALSO READ

Ishan Kishan Not Guilty As Cricket Australia Rule Out 'Ball Tampering'; Cite Another Reason For Ball Change

---