On day one in Mackay, Australia A reached 99 for 4 in response to India A’s 107 all-out, trailing by eight runs. Despite the opportunity, the match provided little clarity on Australia’s opener selection, leaving selectors with more questions. Both Sam Konstas and Cameron Bancroft failed to score, while Marcus Harris couldn’t build on his start, making Nathan McSweeney’s composed performance stand out.
After winning the toss, McSweeney chose to field, expecting a lengthy wait to bat. However, Brendan Doggett's career-best 6 for 15 quickly dismantled India A’s lineup in challenging conditions, forcing potential openers to the crease before tea. Unfortunately, two of them fell before the interval—Konstas edged to slip in the first over, and Bancroft, caught down the leg side, was left frustrated as replays suggested it came off his thigh pad.
Harris, though reaching double digits, looked unsettled, surviving an appeal and a dropped catch before edging to Prasidh Krishna, part of India’s Test squad. Meanwhile, McSweeney, batting at No. 4 despite usually playing at three in Sheffield Shield, faced 110 balls for a steady 29, furthering discussions about his potential as a top-order option.
Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald acknowledged that selection uncertainty remains but noted that a single innings wouldn’t be decisive. He pointed out the importance of overall performance and experience, mentioning Harris and Bancroft’s experience versus Konstas’ limited exposure to Shield cricket.
India A’s innings was marked by early breakthroughs, as captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was brilliantly caught on the leg side by Josh Philippe. Doggett, filling in due to injury, found a perfect length to trouble all batsmen, dismissing India’s top-scorer Devdutt Padikkal for 36. His sixth and final wicket ended the innings at 86 for 9, with Navdeep Saini’s 23 pushing India A’s score over 100.