The battle for the vacant top-order spot in Australia’s Test team took another turn on Saturday with contenders Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft both dismissed for golden ducks in Australia A’s second innings against India A.
The hosts successfully chased down their 168-run target for a six-wicket victory over India — largely off the back of teen sensation Sam Konstas’ unbeaten 73.
Earlier, the tourists were all bowled out for 229 in 77.5 overs after a lower-order fightback saw Dhruv Jurel and Nitish Kumar Reddy combine for a 94-run partnership.
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Prasidh Krishna also dismissed Marcus Harris for a first-ball duck. Getty
But in a dramatic first over to the Aussies’ run chase, Indian seamer Prasidh Krishna took two wickets to remove Harris and Bancroft for a pair of golden ducks.
Harris’ inside edge was caught by keeper Jurel as he tried to drive through the offside before Bancroft, with the very next ball, was given out LBW with a stunning yorker.
Arriving at the crease much earlier than he had probably expected, Konstas survived the hat-trick delivery to revive his Test selection hopes.
The 19-year-old brought up his half-century in the last session.
Sam Konstas and Beau Webster walk off after Australia A’s victory. Getty
Also in the mix for Test selection, Nathan McSweeney’s final audition ended early following another catch from Jurel.
The skipper nicked the most inconspicuous of edges to finish with 25 from 69 balls.
Oliver Davies also added 21 before spinner Tanush Kotian broke through.
Beau Webster added 46 as Australia overcame its earlier wobble.
Harris had made 73 in the first innings after dominating the MCG on Friday.
On day one, McSweeney fell for just 14 off 30 deliveries while Bancroft was out for three runs in another performance to forget.
It was thought that Harris’ strong showing had left things open for the previous opener to return to the Test arena but that door may have now slammed shut.
Marcus Harris raises his bat during the first innings. Getty
Following the opening tour match, McSweeney appeared most likely to snare the second opener spot alongside Usman Khawaja after top-scoring in each of Australia A’s innings with 47 and 39 at No.4.
The Australian squad for the first Test is expected to be named after the Australia A tour has concluded, meaning the news could come as soon as Saturday.
The Test summer gets underway in Perth on November 22.
