Aus A clinches series after rain prevents fourth day's play

Persistent rain and wet outfield at the Allan Border Field on Sunday prevented final day's play to resume between India A and Australia A. With the draw, the host clinched the series 1-0.

Hilton Cartwright was the player of the match for his 117 in the first innings.

The fourth and final day’s play between India A and Australia A was called off without a ball being bowled due to persistent rain and wet outfield. The draw meant the host clinched the series 1-0 with its three-wicket victory in the earlier match.

India A had >ended the third day at 158 for 4, still 108 behind Australia A’s first innings score of 435. The visitor had been bowled out for 169 in its first innings on the first day. The Australians were well placed to make it 2-0 heading into the fourth and final day on Sunday, needing six wickets to win the match, while India A still required another 109 runs to make the host bat again.

Fast bowler Hardik Pandya made 79 on Day One to prop up the tourist in its disappointing batting performance, while the impressive Shardul Thakur claimed 5 for 101 in Australia A’s first innings.

Akhil Herwadkar saved his best knock of the series for the last, finishing unbeaten on 82 in India’s second innings of 158 for 4. All-rounder Hilton Cartwright was adjudged player of the match for his excellent 117 in Australia’s total of 435, while Nic Maddinson (81), Beau Webster (79) and Sam Whiteman (51) all made impressive contributions for the home side.

On the bowling front, seamer Kane Richardson (4 for 37) and Jon Holland (3 for 59) were the top performers for Australia A.