'5-0 Loading In BGT' - ICT Fans Worried After Ruturaj Gaikwad-Led India A's 107 Vs AUS A
India A surrenders against Australia A in four-day game at Mackay (@cricketcomau/X.com)
India A, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, had a horrendous start to the first four-day game against Australia A in Mackay. Batting first, the visitors were bowled out for just 107 runs, courtesy of Brendan Doggett’s 6-wicket-haul. Meanwhile, fans back home spotted worrying signs ahead of India’s five-game Test series against Australia.
As a part of India’s extensive red ball tour to Australia, both nations’ junior teams, India A and Australia A, were scheduled to participate in the two four-day game series. The first game went on floors at Mackay earlier today, and Ruturaj Gaikwad and Co were put in trouble early.
India A surrenders in Australian conditions
Australia A won the toss and opted to bowl first in seaming conditions that tormented India A. The visitors couldn’t weather Brendan Doggett’s fiery spell and collapsed brutally on single-digit scores. Skipper Gaikwad and Nitish Reddy were sent packing on ducks, whereas Abhimanyu Easwaran, Baba Indrajth, and Ishan Kishan were dismissed on single digits.
Devdutt Padikkal was the highest scorer with 36 off 77 balls, and tailender Navdeep Saini also contributed with 23 runs, including two boundaries and a six. The valiant fightback couldn’t last long as India A were bundled for 107/10 in 47.4 overs.
That being said, fans in India were largely concerned about India A’s collapse in the context of the upcoming Test series against Australia. Recently, the Indian Test team lost a home series against New Zealand which raised questions on their readiness for the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Now, India A’s underwhelming show has further fuelled the narrative of India not being good enough to challenge Australia in away conditions.
Notably, the Tests series will commence on November 22 at Perth and before that, the same India A team will play an intra squad practice game with the senior players to prepare them for the tedious challenge.