Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
The Quadrangular ‘A’ series in India has provided a good insight into the bench strength of India, Australia and South Africa.
Weather aside, it has been a good test of temperament as much as talent from players looking to breakthrough consistently into their respective national sides.
Now, it is a rematch of the final game – India B v Australia A, after Jack Wildermuth hit a six to win the match off the final ball on Monday. The second take should be very interesting, indeed.
Without a doubt, India B’s success in this series showcases the depth of talent in India, despite the disappointment of India A missing out on a spot in the final. Manish Pandey, a player who has disappointed throughout his career, could not have timed his run better. With the Asia Cup fast approaching, his 233 runs in three innings without being dismissed is sure to have selectors interested. Can he, along with other hopefuls, pick up a win against an Australian side looking to continue its quest for improvement in Asian conditions?
Australia A began their series in awful fashion, suffering a heavy loss at the hands of India A. However, two good wins under pressure is an encouraging sign for a team full of players looking to enter or cement their places in the national side. Usman Khawaja and Jack Wildermuth were excellent under pressure to get the Australians to the final, but can the batsmen, along with the bowlers, put in a complete show against a side with strong knowledge of the conditions?
Key to an India B win
Manish Pandey has been superb for his team in his series, and he again holds the key in the final. The rest of his teammates could step up a little more, with the next best score to Pandey’s 117 on Monday being 36 by Mayank Agarwal.
In the likes of Ishan Kishan, Shubman Gill, Kedar Jadhav and Deepak Hooda, India B have players they can count on to do well in the final. Can they stand up?
Also, India B’s bowling and fielding in the last game v Australia A was cause for defeat. With the Australians tottering at 155/5 in their chase of 247 in 40 overs, the Indians let Jack Wildermuth in particular off the hook. Missed stumpings, poor length bowling and dropped catches need to be rectified in the final.
Key to an Australia A win
Conceding 270 odd in a limited overs game these days is a decent result, and I reckon the Aussies would have been mostly pleased with their efforts on Monday.
This was despite Pandey’s efforts, and this represents a significant opportunity for the Aussies. If they can break the opening partnership early and get to Manish Pandey as soon as possible, I think it gives them the best chance of getting his wicket early, with him possibly having to rebuild things a little. Of course, there are other players in the India B side that require careful attention, so the Aussie bowlers and fielders need to be switched on.
Also, something Australia A need to guard against is losing wickets in clumps. Usman Khawaja’s century in these conditions is highly encouraging, but partnerships are vital, and fortunately Jack Wildermuth was able to take advantage of India B’s sloppiness on Monday. Who else will put their hand up in the final?
Possible teams:
India B possible XI: 1. Ishan Kishan (wk), 2. Mayank Agarwal, 3. Shubman Gill, 4. Manish Pandey (c), 5. Kedar Jadhav, 6. Deepak Hooda, 7. Jalaj S Saxena, 8. Shreyas Gopal, 9. Kulwant Khejroliya, 10. Prasidh Krishna, 11. Siddarth Kaul
Australia A possible XI: 1. Alex Carey (wk), 2. Usman Khawaja, 3. Travis Head (c), 4. Peter Handscomb, 5. Marnus Labuschagne, 6. Jack Wildermuth, 7. Ashton Agar, 8. Jhye Richardson, 9. Mitchell Swepson, 10. Michael Neser, 11. Billy Stanlake
Stats and Facts
- Jack Wildermuth’s remarkable fifty on Monday was his first List A fifty.
- Australia A qualified for the final with a negative net run rate (-0.204).
- Manish Pandey has hit 233 runs in three innings, without being dismissed.
Prediction
Really keen to see Australia A do well in the final after matches in this series and hopefully win the series.
That is my heart talking.
My head says that India B deserve to be favourites in this game, with their strong know-how of the conditions, as well as their desire to right the wrongs of Monday. If I had to put money on this one, I’d say India B will get the job done.
Thanks for reading!
