Cricket

Former Australian wicket-keeper Ian Healy has raised suspicions about the India A team's involvement in the controversial ball change incident during their four-day match against Australia A. Healy believes that India A may have been attempting to manipulate the ball for reverse swing, which could have given them an advantage in the match.The incident occurred on day four of the match when umpires changed the ball due to a scratch. India A wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan expressed his disapproval of the decision, leading to a warning from the umpire. However, Cricket Australia later stated that the ball was changed due to deterioration and no action would be taken.Healy, however, remains skeptical. He believes that India A's complaints about the ball change and their subsequent refusal to attend a post-match press conference are suspicious. He also criticized India A's decision to skip an intra-squad game at the WACA in Perth and instead opt for center wicket stimulation practice.Healy believes that Australia A captain Nathan McSweeney should open the batting for Australia in the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test against India. McSweeney scored 39 and 88 not out in the seven-wicket win over India A and has been in impressive form.Healy also expressed concern about India's preparation for the Test series, especially after their 3-0 defeat to New Zealand at home. He believes that India should have played more competitive matches in the lead-up to the series.

Australia A emerged victorious in the first unofficial Test against India A, securing a seven-wicket win at Mackay on Sunday. The triumph gives Australia a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.India A, after winning the toss and electing to bat, were dismissed for a paltry 107 runs in their first innings. Devdutt Padikkal (36), Sai Sudharsan (21), and Navdeep Saini (23) were the only batsmen to reach double figures. Brendan Doggett was the star performer for Australia A with a six-wicket haul, while Jordan Buckingham, Todd Murphy, and Fergus O'Neill chipped in with one wicket each.In response, Australia A posted 195 runs, taking an 88-run lead. Nathan McSweeney (39), Beau Webster (33), and Cooper Connolly (37) made significant contributions. Mukesh Kumar and Prasidh Krishna were the tormentors for India A, claiming six and three wickets, respectively.India A's second innings saw a resurgence as Sai Sudharsan (103) and Devdutt Padikkal (88) forged a 200-run partnership. Ishan Kishan also contributed with a solid 32. India A was eventually bowled out for 312, setting Australia A a target of 225 runs.Australia A's chase got off to a shaky start as they lost three early wickets. However, McSweeney (88) and Webster (61) steadied the ship with a crucial partnership. McSweeney's innings was particularly impressive, lasting 178 balls and featuring nine boundaries. Webster's contribution of 61 runs in 117 balls helped Australia A secure the victory with seven wickets to spare.

Captain Pat Cummins has downplayed the significance of the "bat off" for the final spot in Australia's Test team, but acknowledges its value as a "final piece of information." The four contenders for the vacant opening spot, Marcus Harris, Nathan McSweeney, Sam Konstas, and Cameron Bancroft, have been showcasing their skills in the Australia A game against India A.While McSweeney has emerged as the standout performer, Cummins emphasizes that the Australia A games are not the sole determinant for selection. He notes that some players have limited Shield cricket experience, while others have played for over a decade. The quartet is expected to get another chance to impress in the second four-day game at the MCG.Cummins is not concerned about making a late decision, as the current selection panel and leadership group prioritize giving players certainty. He believes that whoever is selected will have gained valuable experience and be well-prepared for the pressure of a Test debut.Regarding the batting order, Cummins suggests that Marnus Labuschagne could potentially open the batting to accommodate McSweeney at No. 3, his usual position in first-class cricket. However, he emphasizes that the batting order will be determined based on the overall functionality of the team.Cummins feels physically refreshed after skipping the UK tour to focus on training. He explains that he opted out of a Shield game to prioritize gym work and build up his fitness. He believes the ODIs against Pakistan will provide him with a good lead-in to the first Test.It remains uncertain whether Cummins will play all three ODIs against Pakistan. He has confirmed his participation in the first two, but may miss the final game in Perth to avoid unnecessary travel. If he does miss the Perth match, Australia will need to find a captain, with Mitchell Marsh unavailable due to paternity leave.

Australia A emerged victorious in the four-day match against India A in Mackay, despite a controversial ball-change incident that marred the start of the final day.India A were left fuming after umpire Shawn Craig announced that the ball had been replaced due to scratches, a decision that wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan labeled as "stupid." Craig explained that the ball had been changed to prevent further damage, but Kishan's dissent earned him a report for inappropriate behavior.Despite the controversy, Australia A resumed their chase with Nathan McSweeney and Beau Webster at the crease. McSweeney, who is vying for a spot in Australia's Test squad, played a composed innings, finishing unbeaten on 88. Webster provided solid support, scoring 61 not out as the pair put on an unbroken 141-run partnership for the fourth wicket.India A's bowlers struggled to make inroads on the final morning, with Sai Sudharsan's six overs of spin proving particularly ineffective. The match ended with Australia A securing a comfortable victory, having bowled out India A for 107 and 312 in their two innings.The ball-change incident has raised questions about the umpiring decisions in the match. According to Law 41.3.4, umpires are required to award five penalty runs to the opposing side if they believe the ball has been unfairly changed. However, no such penalty was imposed in this case.Cricket Australia has been contacted for comment on the incident, which has added an unexpected layer of drama to the closing stages of the match.

Australia A, chasing 225, are on the cusp of victory against India A, needing just 86 more runs with seven wickets in hand. Nathan McSweeney, batting at No. 4, has impressed with an unbeaten 47, bolstering his case for a Test debut.Ricky Ponting, Australia's former captain, has endorsed McSweeney for the vacant opening spot in the Test line-up, citing his experience and adaptability. McSweeney has faced over 200 deliveries in the ongoing match, showcasing his ability to handle challenging conditions.Despite starts from Sam Konstas, Cameron Bancroft, and Marcus Harris, none could convert them into substantial scores. Konstas was dismissed for 15, while Bancroft and Harris fell for 18 and 36, respectively.India A's innings ended on 312, with Sai Sudharsan scoring a century and Devdutt Padikkal contributing 88. Todd Murphy was the standout bowler for Australia A, claiming three wickets, including Sudharsan and Padikkal.Fergus O'Neill also impressed with three wickets, while Beau Webster and Murphy picked up one each. India A lost their last eight wickets for 86 runs, handing Australia A the advantage.With the second match of the series set to take place in Melbourne next week, the performance of McSweeney and the other opening contenders will be closely scrutinized as Australia seeks to finalize their Test squad.

Tanush Kotian, a lanky all-rounder from Mumbai's Vikhroli suburb, has emerged as a rising star in Indian cricket. His journey has been marked by challenges and triumphs, shaping him into a determined and versatile player.Kotian's passion for cricket began at a young age, influenced by his father, a legend in tennis-ball cricket. Initially a pacer, he gradually developed a fondness for spin bowling. His talent was evident early on, as he helped Mumbai win the Ranji Trophy in 2023.However, a setback occurred in 2022 when Kotian's bowling action was deemed "suspect" during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Despite never being reported in any domestic game, this incident raised doubts about his future.Undeterred, Kotian used this episode as motivation to prove his worth. He worked tirelessly to refine his action and regain his confidence. His determination paid off when he was selected for India-A's shadow tour of Australia ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.Kotian's versatility as a batting and bowling all-rounder has been a subject of debate. He believes in developing both aspects of his game equally, aiming to be a complete cricketer. This approach has been influenced by his coaches, who have emphasized the importance of thinking like a batter while bowling and vice versa.Kotian's success has not come without sacrifices. He spends countless hours away from home, honing his skills and pursuing his dream. His father's unwavering support has been a constant source of encouragement.In the 2024 Ranji Trophy, Kotian played a pivotal role in Mumbai's victory, earning the Player of the Tournament award. His impressive performance, including 502 runs and 29 wickets, catapulted him into national reckoning.Kotian's journey is a testament to his resilience, determination, and unwavering belief in his abilities. As he continues to navigate the challenges of professional cricket, he remains focused on achieving his ultimate goal of representing India at the highest level.

Australia A's opening batting woes continued on the first day of their four-day match against India A in Mackay, with Sam Konstas, Cameron Bancroft, and Marcus Harris all failing to make a significant impact. Konstas and Bancroft were dismissed for ducks, while Harris reached 14 before being caught behind.Nathan McSweeney, batting at No. 4, provided some stability with a solid 29 off 110 balls, further fueling speculation that he could be the solution to Australia's top-order problems.India A, after being inserted by McSweeney, were bowled out for 107, thanks to a career-best 6 for 15 from South Australia quick Brendan Doggett. Doggett, who was only in the side as a second reserve, troubled the batters with his full length and accuracy.India A captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was brilliantly caught down the leg side first ball by Josh Philippe, while Jordan Buckingham removed Abhimanyu Easwaran with a lovely delivery. Sai Sudharsan made a promising start before edging behind against Doggett, who then went on to dismiss Ishan Kishan, Devdutt Padikkal, Manav Suthar, and Prasidh Krishna.Navdeep Saini (23) managed to lift the total into three figures, but India A were ultimately bowled out for a below-par score.Australia A will resume their innings on day two, trailing by eight runs. The match is being played as a warm-up for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between Australia and India.

India A's tour of Australia commenced with a disappointing start in Mackay on Thursday. The two uncapped players selected for the Border Gavaskar Trophy, Abhimanyu Easwaran and Nitish Kumar Reddy, failed to make an impact on the opening day of their four-day match against Australia A at the Great Barrier Reef Arena.Australia A captain Alex Carey won the toss and elected to field, a decision that proved fruitful. Right-arm fast bowler Jordan Buckingham dismissed openers Easwaran and Ruturaj Gaikwad for 7 and a golden duck, respectively. Brendan Doggett then wreaked havoc on the Indian batting lineup, claiming a five-wicket haul.Easwaran, who has been picked as a backup opener for the five-Test series against Australia, failed to justify his selection. Sai Sudharsan (21) showed some promise, but Doggett ended his innings. Ishan Kishan (9), who is vying for a spot in the Indian team, also fell victim to Doggett.Devdutt Padikkal (36) provided some stability, but he witnessed the dismissal of Baba Indrajith (9) to Australia's Test off-spinner Todd Murphy. Nitish Kumar Reddy, an all-rounder selected for the Border Gavaskar Trophy, had a forgettable outing, dismissed for a six-ball duck by Doggett.Padikkal's dismissal for 36 left India A reeling at 78 for 6. Doggett continued his dominance, claiming the wickets of Manav Suthar (1) and Rajat Patidar (1). At the time of writing, India A were struggling at 86 for 8, with only two wickets remaining.The match serves as a crucial test for the Indian players hoping to impress the selectors ahead of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. The performance of Easwaran and Reddy, in particular, will be closely scrutinized.

Baba Indrajith's journey to the India A squad has been a testament to perseverance and unwavering determination. After missing out on the U-19 World Cup squad 12 years ago, Indrajith toiled tirelessly in the domestic circuit, amassing runs for Tamil Nadu season after season. Despite consistent performances, the elusive India call-up remained elusive.However, Indrajith's patience and hard work finally paid off when he was named in the India A squad for the tour of Australia. The selection marked a significant milestone in his career, bringing him closer to his ultimate dream of representing India.Reflecting on his long journey, Indrajith acknowledged the desperation he felt to receive the call-up. "I was actually desperate to get this opportunity because being in the domestic circuit for so long, that expectation of getting the break would be there," he said.Indrajith's preparations for the Australia tour have been meticulous. He has sought guidance from his brother, Aparajith, who has extensive experience playing in Australia. Indrajith has also been working on his mental and physical fitness, recognizing the importance of adapting quickly to the different conditions Down Under.The support of his senior state-mates, Dinesh Karthik and R Ashwin, has been invaluable. Karthik has provided guidance on preparation and technique, while Ashwin has shared his vast experience and helped Indrajith develop confidence in facing world-class bowlers.Indrajith's family has also been a source of unwavering support. His parents and brother are overjoyed at his selection and eager for him to succeed. However, they also acknowledge the challenges he faces, having witnessed his struggles over the years.Despite the challenges, Indrajith remains focused on his goal. He understands that the Australia tour is just one step in his journey and that his ultimate dream of playing for India still lies ahead. With his determination and unwavering belief, Indrajith is poised to make the most of this opportunity and take his career to new heights.