Thu Nov 07 09:38:06 UTC 2024: ## India A Struggles in Melbourne as Australia A Dominates Day 1
**Melbourne, November 7, 2024:** The second unofficial Test between India A and Australia A got off to a disastrous start for the visitors, with India A losing four wickets inside the first 16 overs. Australia A, having won the toss and elected to bowl, took immediate control of the match thanks to a brilliant opening spell from Michael Neser and Scott Boland.
Neser was the destroyer, taking three wickets including a hat-trick, while Boland claimed the other. KL Rahul, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, and Abhimanyu Easwaran all fell cheaply, leaving India A reeling at 4/15.
Dhruv Jurel and Devdutt Padikkal then steadied the ship, putting on a 50-run partnership and showing resilience against the Australian attack. However, Padikkal fell just before lunch, caught by Neser for his fourth wicket of the day.
India A went into the break at 5/88, with Jurel still at the crease on 39.
The second session continued in the same vein, with Australia A keeping the pressure on and limiting India A’s scoring opportunities. Jurel continued to fight valiantly, reaching his 50 shortly before tea, but India A’s struggles continued.
Despite a few flashes of resistance, the Indian batsmen were unable to build any significant partnerships, and wickets fell steadily throughout the afternoon. By the time the day’s play ended, India A had been bowled out for 161, with Jurel the top scorer on 80.
Australia A’s bowlers were relentless, with Neser, Boland, and Beau Webster taking multiple wickets. India A will need a much improved performance on Day 2 if they are to avoid a heavy defeat.
**Key Highlights:**
* Australia A wins the toss and elects to bowl first.
* Neser takes a hat-trick and claims 4 wickets in the first session.
* Jurel top scores for India A with 80 runs.
* India A bowled out for 161 on Day 1.
**The match continues on Friday, November 8th, with play set to commence at 5:00 AM IST.**
First Piper 