India A vs Australia A: Umesh, Ashwin shines, ton up Green stakes a claim for test side
Xtra Time Web Desk: Senior bowlers Umesh Yadav and Ravichandran Ashwin staked strong claims for a place in playing XI for the first test against Australia which starts at the Adelaide Oval from December 17. The duo had a decent outing with the ball on the second day of the three day practice match between India A and Australia A at the Drummoyne Oval. Umesh returned with three wickets while Ashwin and Siraj picked couple of wickets each as Australia A scored 286/8 at stumps. All rounder Cameron Green was the star performer for Australia A, as he scored an unbeaten hundred (117*). India A declared the first innings on 247/9.
With Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah being automatic choices, Umesh (18-3-44-3), fighting for third pacer’s slot, certainly looked more penetrative compared to Mohammed Siraj (19-4-71-2) with the new ball. The ‘Vidarbha Express’ removed both rival Test team openers Will Pucovski (1) and Joe Burns (4) in his third and fourth over with the new ball to make initial inroads.
Ravichandran Ashwin did his Test chances no harm as he returned with figures 19-2-58-2 . With Ravindra Jadeja doubtful for first test match owing to concussion, the off spinner will be the frontline spinner for the Day Night test in Adelaide Oval.
For Australia A, the giant all-rounder Green continued his rich vein of Sheffield Shield form with an unbeaten 114 off 173 that had 10 fours and a six.
