Published: Feb 17, 2017, 02:21 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 17, 2017, 03:44 PM (IST)
Australia captain Steven Smith completed a century as the visitors reached 211 for 2 at tea on the opening day of their tour match against India A. The hosts continued to search for a breakthrough in the post-lunch session but had no success. Australia added more than 100 runs, with Smith and Shaun Marsh adding more than 100 runs in the post-lunch session for the third wicket. Smith was batting on 107 at tea, while Shaun Marsh, who came in at No. 4, reached 59 not out off 114 balls. For India A, Navdeep Saini had taken 2 wickets in the first session but Australia continued to keep the hosts at bay. FULL CRICKET UPDATES: India A vs Australia tour match at Mumbai, Day 1
The tour match is the only chance for the Australian cricketers to find their rhythm, and Smith was able to accomplish that first. David Warner had missed out an opportunity earlier when he fell for a 30-ball 25 in the first session, while his partner Matthew Renshaw scored a 41-ball 11. Both the batsmen were able to get a few runs as well as spend time at the wicket, but they failed to convert their starts into big score. India A pacer Saini got both Warner and Renshaw caught behind through to the wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan.
Smith and Shaun Marsh began the second session with a six each, which made Australia’s intention clear that they would look to attack the spinners. They finished the session at 211 for 2, with Smith striking 12 boundaries and 1 six to reach 107 not out off 161 balls. Shaun Marsh cracked 5 fours and 1 six to score 59 not out off 114 balls. Shahbaz Nadeem bowled 16 overs in the session but failed to take a wicket.
