Neser dominates early but succumbs to injury as Australia A make strong start on Day 1

Australia A have made a strong start to their four-day clash against India A at the MCG, bowling the visitors out for 161 on Day 1.

While India A’s first innings total appears unders, the touring side did well to recover from a horror start after Australia A had them reeling at 4-11 from just 2.4 overs.

Michael Neser (4-27 off 12.2 overs) was the chief destroyer at the top with three wickets inside his first two overs. The Queenslander also almost nabbed a hat-trick in the first over of the day.

Unfortunately for the home side, Neser left the field just before Tea after pulling up lame following a delivery, with his concern appearing to be in the lower leg/foot.

As for India A, Dhruv Jurel was the star with the bat as he made 80 from 186 balls until he was caught in the deep off the bowling of captain Nathan McSweeney.

Devdutt Padikkal (26) was the only other India A batter to pass 20 runs, six of the side’s batters were removed for fewer than five.

For the fielding side, Neser was backed up well by Scott Boland (1/51 off 15 overs) who also had the visitors in trouble early, while spinner Corey Rocchiccioli (1/21 off 7.5 overs) and all-rounders Beau Webster (3/19 from 9 overs) and McSweeney (1/5 from 2 overs) found themselves in the wickets as well.

Australia A now head to the crease with McSweeney opening the batting in what many expect to be a dress rehearsal for the first Test against India in Perth, he’ll be partnered by Victoria’s Marcus Harris.