Manoj Tiwary and Naman Ojha lead India A recovery against Australia A

Manoj Tiwary

Brisbane, July 6 (IANS): Play is evenly poised after Day 1 of India A's first four-day match against Australia A at the Allan Border Field with the tourists consolidating after a shaky start to reach 304/6 at stumps here on Sunday.

Australia A captain James Faulkner lost the toss, and the team were sent into the field by India A captain Manoj Tiwary on a good batting track.

Pacer Ben Cutting (2/65) struck within the first hour, trapping Lokesh Rahul (15) leg before.

All-rounder Mitchell Marsh (2/46) chipped in with quick two wickets in consecutive overs (Robin Uthappa 23, Ambati Rayudu 0), and India A headed into the lunch break at 76/3.

The Indian side then consolidated after lunch with a 134-run partnership between Jiwanjot Singh and Manoj. Cutting made the breakthrough and took the only wicket to fall in the second session -- Jiwanjot (56) -- getting him caught down the leg-side by Sam Whiteman before the visitors went to tea at 187/4.

Spinner Cameron Boyce (2/84) took the first over after tea and had an immediate impact with his second ball. Tiwary went after a well-flighted delivery and missed, sharply stumped by Whiteman for a good knock of 83 from 118 balls.

Boyce snared his second wicket in the last over before the new ball was due and had Karun Nair (26) caught in the deep by a diving Chris Lynn.

At the close of play, the not-out batsmen were Naman Ojha (82) and Dhawal Kulkarni (12).

Brief scores: India A 306/4 (Manoj Tiwary 83, Naman Ojha not out 82, Jiwanjot Singh 56; Mitchell Marsh 2/46, Ben Cutting 2/65, Cameron Boyce 2/84).