Ajinkya Rahane's resilient hundred helped Indians stay afloat on Day 1 of the first warm-up game against Australia A at the Drummoyne Oval in Sydney this Sunday (December 6).
Rahane grafted his way to an admirable ton (108*) on return to red-ball cricket despite walking into a precarious situation.
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The visitors lost both their openers Prithvi Shaw (0) and Shubman Gill (0) without opening their account, while Hanuma Vihari (15) departed early too.
It is then, Rahane joined No.3 Cheteshwar Pujara and the two stalwarts put the team back on track with a 76-run fourth-wicket stand.
In his first first-class match since March, Pujara spent decent enough time in the middle and made a fine half-century (54), which shall hold him in good stead leading into the Test matches.
Once Pujara departed, however, the Indians suffered a mini-collapse with wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha (0) and Ravichandran Ashwin (5) falling in quick succession.
Tailender Kuldeep Yadav then showed good resolve from one end and stuck with Rahane for a 69-run partnership. Kuldeep defended the ball comfortable against the pacemen and faced 78 balls for his 15.
The captain then found another able ally in Umesh Yadav (24), who attacked the bowling for some crucial runs before being given out LBW near the close of play.
Pacers James Pattinson (3/58), Michael Neser (2/51) and Jackson Bird (1/34) bowled very well for Australia A. Even skipper Travis Head (2/24) chipped in with breakthroughs through his handy off-spin.
Brief scores:
India A 237/8 in 90 overs (Ajinkya Rahane 108*, Cheteshwar Pujara 54; James Pattinson 3/58, Michael Neser 2/51) versus Australia A after Day 1.
