Thu Oct 31 06:59:12 UTC 2024: ## India A Collapses in First Innings, Doggett Takes Six Wickets
**Mackay, Australia:** India A suffered a humiliating defeat in their first innings of the opening unofficial Test match against Australia A at the Great Barrier Reef Arena on Thursday. Brendan Doggett wreaked havoc, claiming six wickets as India A were bundled out for a paltry 107 runs.
The Indian batting line-up crumbled under pressure, with only Sai Sudharsan (21), Devdutt Padikkal (36), and Navdeep Saini (23) managing double-digit scores. The rest of the team struggled to cope with the Australian pace attack, with key players like Abhimanyu Easwaran (7), Ruturaj Gaikwad (0), and Ishan Kishan (4) dismissed for single-digit scores.
The first innings was a significant setback for India A, particularly for Easwaran and Nitish Reddy, two uncapped players selected for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Their disappointing performances raised concerns about their readiness for the series.
Australia, who won the toss and elected to bowl, began the match with Jordan Buckingham dismissing both openers Easwaran and Gaikwad early on. Doggett then took over, running through the Indian batting order with ease. He even dismissed Sudharsan, who was attempting to rally the team, before dismissing Kishan on his return to the side.
The match served as a screening opportunity for all-rounder Nitish, but he was dismissed for a duck by Doggett, further adding to India A’s woes.
As the match progresses, India A will be hoping for a strong comeback in their second innings, while Australia A will be looking to capitalize on their dominant performance and secure a convincing victory.
First Piper 