NEW DELHI: India A endured a disastrous start to their second unofficial Test against Australia A at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday, losing four wickets inside three overs, including veteran batter KL Rahul for just 4 runs.
All eyes were on Rahul’s form ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, but the 32-year-old failed to make an impact after being promoted to the top of the order.
Opening alongside Abhimanyu Easwaran, Rahul was dismissed by Scott Boland, caught behind after edging the fourth ball he faced. His wicket left India struggling at 9/3 in just 1.3 overs.
India's top order had already crumbled before Rahul’s dismissal, as Australia A pacer Michael Neser struck twice in the first over. Neser removed Easwaran and Sai Sudharsan with back-to-back deliveries, reducing India to 0/2 in 0.4 overs.
Neser claimed his third wicket shortly after, sending India A captain Ruturaj Gaikwad back to the pavilion for 4, leaving the visitors reeling at 11/4 inside the first three overs.
Rahul’s inclusion in the India A side was aimed at preparing him for the Border-Gavaskar series starting November 22 in Perth.
With speculation that India’s regular captain Rohit Sharma may miss the first Test for personal reasons, Rahul is competing with Easwaran for an opening spot. Easwaran’s place in the squad follows a series of strong performances in domestic cricket.
After opting to bowl first, Australia A’s pace duo of Neser and Boland wreaked havoc on India A’s top order, putting the visitors under immense pressure from the outset.
The second unofficial Test continues as India A seek to recover from their early collapse.
