The Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow crackled with anticipation as India A and Australia A locked horns on September 16, 2025, for the first unofficial Test of a much-anticipated two-match series. With the senior Indian squad prepping for a packed home season, this four-day clash has emerged as a golden ticket for rising stars on both sides to stake their claims for national selection. And judging by the action-packed opening day, nobody’s holding back.
Australia A, led by Nathan McSweeney, won the toss and wasted no time in electing to bat first. The visitors put on a show of grit and flair, posting a commanding 337 for 5 wickets after 73 overs. The foundation was laid by a spectacular opening partnership, as Sam Konstas and Campbell Kellaway combined for a mammoth 198-run stand that left the Indian bowlers searching for answers early on.
Konstas, the 21-year-old opener, stole the spotlight with a dazzling century, showing poise beyond his years. His innings was a statement—one that will surely catch the eye of selectors back home. Not to be outdone, Kellaway crafted a composed half-century, anchoring the innings with maturity. Cooper Connolly added his own half-century to the mix, ensuring that the run rate never dipped and the pressure stayed firmly on the hosts.
As the day wore on, the Indian bowlers found their rhythm. Harsh Dubey emerged as the pick of the attack, snaring three crucial wickets in his 21 overs. His spell was a turning point, reining in Australia A just as they threatened to run away with the contest. Dubey’s ability to extract turn and bounce from the Lucknow surface brought India A right back into the game. "We just focused on hitting good areas and being patient. Once the ball started gripping, things changed quickly," Dubey reflected after stumps, according to local broadcasters.
The rest of the Indian attack featured a blend of pace and spin. Prasidh Krishna and Khaleel Ahmed, both known for their ability to generate movement with the new ball, bowled probing spells but were made to toil by the Australian openers. Gurnoor Brar and Tanush Kotian offered support, with Kotian’s off-spin providing a useful change of pace as the pitch slowed down in the afternoon session.
India A’s lineup, captained by Shreyas Iyer, brims with promise. Iyer himself is under the microscope, eager to force his way back into the senior Test side. The top order—Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sai Sudharsan, N Jagadeesan, and Devdutt Padikkal—has been in the spotlight, each batter keen to make a mark and push their case for higher honors. Behind the stumps, the team boasts two wicketkeeping options: the experienced Jagadeesan and vice-captain Dhruv Jurel, whose youthful energy has already impressed in domestic circles.
All-rounders Nitish Kumar Reddy and Ayush Badoni round out the squad, offering balance and depth. While neither featured in the playing XI for the opening day, their presence underscores the selectors’ focus on versatility—a trait increasingly prized in modern cricket. The bowling department, meanwhile, is stacked with options. Alongside Dubey, spinners Manav Suthar and Kotian are in the mix, while the pace battery includes Krishna, Ahmed, and the promising Yash Thakur.
Australia A’s squad, on the other hand, reflects a youth movement in Australian cricket. Captain Nathan McSweeney is central to their batting fortunes, and his leadership style has drawn praise for its calm assurance. Sam Konstas, with his opening-day heroics, has placed himself firmly on the radar, while Campbell Kellaway and Josh Philippe (the wicketkeeper) provide further firepower. Philippe, in particular, is known for his aggressive strokeplay and ability to turn matches in a session.
The visitors’ bowling attack is spearheaded by fast bowler Lance Morris, whose raw pace has already made waves in Australian domestic cricket. While Morris did not feature in the first Test’s playing XI, medium pacers Xavier Bartlett and Fergus O’Neill took up the mantle, supported by Corey Rocchiccioli and spinner Todd Murphy. Murphy, having already tasted senior Test cricket, brings valuable experience and control to the side. All-rounders Aaron Hardie and Jack Edwards offer flexibility, capable of contributing with both bat and ball as the series progresses.
The significance of this series goes beyond just the numbers on the scoreboard. With both nations’ senior teams eyeing future tours and major tournaments, the performances here could well shape the composition of their respective Test squads in the months ahead. For India A, the focus is on identifying the next generation of Test talent, especially as veterans approach the twilight of their careers. For Australia A, it’s about building depth and resilience, ensuring that the pipeline remains strong.
The opening day’s play was not without its twists. After the blistering start by Konstas and Kellaway, India A’s bowlers showed character to claw their way back. Harsh Dubey’s triple strike removed key batsmen and shifted the momentum, while the fielders backed up the bowlers with sharp catches and energetic ground work. The visitors, however, remained resolute, with Cooper Connolly’s half-century ensuring they ended the day in a strong position.
Looking ahead, all eyes will be on how India A responds with the bat. The pitch at Ekana Cricket Stadium has offered something for everyone—early movement for the seamers, turn for the spinners, and value for shots for the batters. The home side’s top order will need to show patience and application to match Australia A’s first-innings effort. With Shreyas Iyer at the helm, expect a positive approach as India A seeks to stamp its authority on the contest.
This unofficial Test is also a showcase for leadership. Iyer’s captaincy will be under scrutiny, both for his tactical decisions and his ability to inspire a relatively inexperienced side. On the Australian side, Nathan McSweeney’s calm demeanor and sharp cricketing brain have already won him admirers. The duel between these two young leaders could set the tone for the rest of the series.
As the sun set over Lucknow, Australia A’s 337 for 5 after 73 overs set the stage for a fascinating contest. The match remains finely poised, with both teams having landed their punches on a surface that promises more drama. With three days of play still to come, the opportunity is ripe for new heroes to emerge and for reputations to be made or broken. The cricketing world will be watching closely as the battle between India A and Australia A continues to unfold.
For now, the scoreboard tells only part of the story. The real intrigue lies in how these young cricketers seize their moment, under the watchful eyes of selectors and fans alike. The series opener at Ekana Cricket Stadium has already delivered compelling cricket—and the best, it seems, is yet to come.
