The India-A side was left fuming on Day 2 of the 2nd unofficial Test against Australia-A as Marcus Harris survive a very close call in Melbourne on November 8, Friday. The incident occurred when Harris, a hopeful for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, was batting on 48 and facing off-spinner Tanush Kotian.
Right-arm off-spinner Kotian came around the wicket to bowl to Harris, delivering a classic off-break that drifted into the left-hander before sharply turning away. The ball ultimately landed in the hands of the fielder at first slip, but there was uncertainty about whether it had come off Harris’ bat or just his thigh guard. India A was visibly frustrated with the umpire’s choice to give no decision, firmly believing the ball had nicked Harris’ bat.
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Harris would then go on to complete his fifty a few balls later and went on to score 74 runs, before he was dismissed by Prasidh Krishna. Australia A would go on to take the lead on Day 2 as India-A were bundled out for just 161 runs in Melbourne.
Harris is one of the players being scouted by the Australia selectors for the opener’s slot as they look for a partner for Usman Khawaja in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar trophy.
Australia-A suffer collapse early
Harris resumed his innings on Friday morning, unbeaten on 26 alongside Sam Konstas at the crease. Konstas was dismissed LBW for three in just the second over of the day, followed by Ollie Davies, who fell for 13 after an ill-timed attempt to clear mid-on.
It was Khaleel Ahmed who open the door for India on Day 2 with the wicket of Konstas before Mukesh Kumar and Prasidh would join in.
All-rounder Beau Webster also had a brief stay, edging to second slip for five. Finally, Jimmy Peirson provided Harris with some stability, adding 68 runs for the sixth wicket with the opener before Peirson was dismissed for 30.
