Sam Konstas is truly a remarkable player. Making his debut on Indian soil, the 19-year-old opening batsman immediately showcased his unconventional style, even attempting a reverse scoop on only his fifth ball of the match.
Just a couple of hours later, with incredible confidence, he stepped out of his crease to confront off-spinner Tanush Kotian, sending the ball soaring over long-on. Before it had even touched down, Konstas had already whipped off his helmet, arms raised in triumph, celebrating a magnificent century achieved in just 122 deliveries.
His dynamic innings of 109 runs, combined with Campbell Kellaway’s fluent 88 from 97 balls, provided Australia-A with a dream start on a whirlwind opening day of the first unofficial Test against India-A at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
Australia-A seemed to be cruising comfortably at 198 without loss when India-A finally managed to break through after the tea interval. Kellaway, who had been the more composed of the two openers, unfortunately mistimed a pull shot off Gurnoor Brar, falling tantalizingly short of his century by 12 runs. This dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse; Harsh Dubey quickly dismissed captain Nathan McSweeney caught behind and then bowled Konstas, who mistimed a reckless slog sweep. Khaleel Ahmed compounded the visitors’ woes by trapping Oliver Peake leg before wicket, leaving Australia-A reeling at 224 for four, having lost four quick wickets for a mere 26 runs.
However, the Australian-A side demonstrated impressive resilience. Cooper Connolly launched a superb counter-attack with an array of elegant drives, deft flicks, and powerful pulls, while Liam Scott fearlessly attacked Dubey with aerial shots. Connolly’s brilliant knock of 70 runs off 84 deliveries, which included 12 fours and a six, came to an end late in the day when he was caught at slip attempting a cut. His crucial 109-run partnership with Scott helped stabilize the innings, ensuring Australia-A concluded the day at a respectable 337 for five after 73 overs.
The day’s play commenced later than scheduled due to overnight rain. Kellaway initially set a steady pace with his classical strokeplay, reaching his fifty in 53 balls. Konstas, on the other hand, truly hit his stride after a cautious start, transforming his fifty (achieved in 86 balls) into a blistering century in just 36 additional deliveries.
Brief Scores: Australia-A posted 337 for five in 73 overs (Sam Konstas 109, Campbell Kellaway 88, Cooper Connolly 70, Liam Scott 47 not out; Harsh Dubey 3/88) against India-A.