Exuberant Konstas slams a ton for Australia-A

 Sam Konstas is sort of a personality. On his maiden go to to India, the 19-year-old opener stayed true to his unorthodox methods, trying a reverse scoop off simply his fifth supply within the opening over.

Two hours later, he charged down the monitor to off-spinner Tanush Kotian and launched him over long-on. Before the ball had even landed, Konstas had his helmet off and arms raised, celebrating a century off simply 122 balls.

His adventurous 109, in tandem with Campbell Kellaway’s fluent 88 (97 balls), gave Australia-A the proper launchpad on a roller-coaster opening day of the primary unofficial Test in opposition to India-A on the Ekana Cricket Stadium right here on Tuesday.

The guests have been cruising at 198 for no loss when India-A lastly broke via after Tea. Kellaway, the extra assured of the 2 openers, miscued a pull off Gurnoor Brar to overlook his century by 12 runs. That wicket sparked a collapse as Harsh Dubey trapped captain Nathan McSweeney and bowled Konstas with a slog sweep gone fallacious. Khaleel Ahmed then pinned Oliver Peake, leaving Australia-A all of a sudden tottering at 224 for 4 after shedding 4 wickets for 26 runs.

But the guests fought again. Cooper Connolly countered with drives, flicks, and pulls, whereas Liam Scott took the aerial route in opposition to Dubey. Connolly struck 12 fours and a six in his 70 off 84 deliveries earlier than falling late, caught at slip trying a reduce. His 109-run stand with Scott steadied the innings, guaranteeing Australia closed at 337 for 5 in 73 overs.

Earlier, the play started late on account of in a single day rain. Kellaway set the early tone with orthodox strokeplay, mentioning his fifty off 53 balls. At the identical time, Konstas accelerated after a gentle begin — racing from fifty in 86 balls to his hundred in simply 36.

The scores: Australia-A 337/5 in 73 overs (Sam Konstas 109, Campbell Kellaway 88, Cooper Connolly 70, Liam Scott 47 batting, Harsh Dubey 3/88) vs India-A.