Exuberant Konstas slams a ton for Australia-A

 Sam Konstas is quite a character. On his maiden visit to India, the 19-year-old opener stayed true to his unorthodox ways, attempting a reverse scoop off just his fifth delivery in the opening over.

Two hours later, he charged down the track 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 just 122 balls.

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

The visitors were cruising at 198 for no loss when India-A finally broke through after Tea. Kellaway, the more assured of the two openers, miscued a pull off Gurnoor Brar to miss 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 wrong. Khaleel Ahmed then pinned Oliver Peake, leaving Australia-A suddenly tottering at 224 for four after losing four wickets for 26 runs.

But the visitors fought back. Cooper Connolly countered with drives, flicks, and pulls, while Liam Scott took the aerial route against Dubey. Connolly struck 12 fours and a six in his 70 off 84 deliveries before falling late, caught at slip attempting a cut. His 109-run stand with Scott steadied the innings, ensuring Australia closed at 337 for five in 73 overs.

Earlier, the play began late due to overnight rain. Kellaway set the early tone with orthodox strokeplay, bringing up his fifty off 53 balls. At the same time, Konstas accelerated after a steady start — racing from fifty in 86 balls to his hundred in just 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.