Anshul Kamboj and Bowlers Power India 'A' to Decisive 162-Run Win over Australia 'A'

PUDUCHERRY — India ‘A’ completed a commanding 162-run victory over Australia ‘A’ in the first unofficial Test at Puducherry on Friday, powered by a disciplined bowling attack that expertly navigated unforgiving heat and a tricky pitch.

Kamboj Sparks Morning Collapse

Despite the surface offering minimal natural movement for pace bowlers under scorching conditions, fast bowler Anshul Kamboj produced crucial early breakthroughs. Kamboj exploited surface cracks and variable bounce in the morning session, removing Nathan McSweeney and Peter Handscomb in consecutive overs.

McSweeney was undone by sharp extra bounce, while Handscomb was beaten by a delivery that kept low and crashed into his off stump. Kamboj finished with economical figures of 2 for 25.

“It was too hot for fast bowling. You have to put in a lot of effort to maintain the intensity. I am very happy that I am able to maintain that,” Kamboj said after the match. Explaining his bowling approach on the surface, he added: “This is whitish soil. So here it was just that we always have to keep the wickets in play and bowl within stumps.”

Deshpande and Mulani Finish the Job

Australia ‘A’ were set a target of 363 in the final innings but folded for just 200. Medium-pacer Tushar Deshpande was devastatingly accurate, claiming 3 for 14, while left-arm spinner Shams Mulani cleaned up the middle and lower order with 3 for 57. Fergus O’Neill top-scored for the visitors with 47.

Reflecting on his journey following his Test debut at Old Trafford, Kamboj maintained an optimistic perspective on his progression: “I am not trying to change anything. If one or two matches go wrong in your career, it doesn’t mean that you are bad. Everyone can see your hard work. If I just keep working hard, the results will fall in favour.”

Hardik Pandya Sidelined with Shin Injury

In other Indian cricket news, all-rounder Hardik Pandya has suffered a fresh right-shin injury. The setback will sideline him for at least three weeks, ruling him out of India’s upcoming white-ball tour of New Zealand. Pandya had previously been selected for the India ‘A’ one-day series against Australia ‘A’.

Brief Scores

India ‘A’: 334 & 199
Australia ‘A’: 171 & 200 (Fergus O’Neill 47; Tushar Deshpande 3-14, Shams Mulani 3-57)
Result: India ‘A’ won by 162 runs.