Confidence growing that Cummins will play 'major part' in Ashes

Chair of selectors George Bailey played down concerns over Cameron Green’s fitness while lauding the form of Marnus Labuschagne early season

Alex Malcolm and Tristan Lavalette18-Oct-20251:14

Mitchell Starc: Smith ‘has been a great sounding board’ for Cummins

There is growing optimism among Australia’s selectors that captain Pat Cummins will “play a major part” in the Ashes but there is still no decision on his availability with less than five weeks to go before the opening day of the series.Chair of selectors George Bailey was also very confident that Cameron Green would be fully fit and available as an allrounder for the first Test after “conservative” management of his side soreness saw him ruled out of the ODI series against India and he also confirmed that Beau Webster was a lock for the first Test squad after equally careful management of his rolled ankle.Related

  • Cummins says he's 'less likely than likely' to play in the first Ashes Test

  • Green ruled out of ODI series against India with side soreness, Labuschagne called up

  • Konstas wins the battle, Boland wins the match for Victoria

There was no update on Cummins’ progression despite coach Andrew McDonald suggesting late last week that a decision would be made on Friday regarding the skipper’s fitness for the first Test. Cummins then spoke on Monday and said he was “less likely than likely” to be fit for Perth and would need a minimum of four weeks of bowling to be ready.Bailey had no further information on whether Cummins had started bowling, but suggested there were positive signs in his training progression over the past week.”I actually have no further update on that from when I think the last time Pat spoke,” Bailey told reporters in Perth on Saturday. “It’s progressing. He’s building up. He’s optimistic about it. I think actually the more he’s done over the last few days, the more optimistic he’s become but I categorically don’t know if he’s bowled a ball.”We know time is getting short and there’s permutations around that, not just around the back, but other factors as well. It’s positive. [We’re] really confident that he’s going to play a major part. Hopefully it’s the first Test. If not, then we’ll pick it up.”Bailey confirmed that Steven Smith would captain Australia if Cummins were to be unavailable. Smith has arrived in Sydney from his home in New York and is set to play the next two Sheffield Shield games for New South Wales after missing the opening two rounds.Bailey added he would catch up with Smith when Australia’s ODI squad reaches Sydney on Friday but noted that discussions on the batting positions of Smith and Green in the Test XI would be had at a later date.Cameron Green remains on track to play two more rounds of Sheffield Shield cricket•Getty Images

Allrounder questions

Green’s withdrawal from the ODI squad after experiencing side soreness raised concerns, but Bailey said that scans had cleared him of injury and played down any worries about his availability to play as an allrounder in the first Test.”It is minor and it’s conservative, and I think this decision probably ensures that we do have enough time to make sure,” Bailey said. “We put so much time and energy into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an allrounder. So for the sake of, he was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway, the way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively.He’ll keep his plan of playing Shield [round] three and Shield four. I’m not across what overs there will be in that, but the plan will remain, and that should provide pretty good time that he’d in a good place to be ready to bowl.”Green’s minor injury aside, his return to bowling and the form of Marnus Labuschagne and Jake Weatherald had led to public conversation about whether Webster could be squeezed out of Australia’s XI for the Ashes.Webster has missed Tasmania’s opening two Shield matches due to a rolled ankle, although he wanted to play in the second game against Western Australia. He was urged not to by Bailey who gave the strongest endorsement yet that Webster would be a key part of Australia’s Ashes plans.”Last time he rolled his ankle, I think about five weeks later, he had a bit of a soft tissue injury,” Bailey said. “[We] just sort of [took] Beau through the journey of let’s work back from Sydney, rather than up to Perth. For the sake of one extra week, get it right, launch yourself into into Shield three.”I think [his] allround package has been really important. He’ll be in Perth. Everyone can relax.”Marnus Labuschagne is primed for a recall but debates over the batting order will continue•Getty Images

Signs positive for Labuschagne

Bailey stopped short of guaranteeing Labuschagne’s return to the Test side but he had seen both his Shield centuries in person this summer and was impressed by what he watched.”I thought out of everything that he’s played, I really liked the innings in Adelaide,” Bailey said. “I liked the intent, I liked the movement, liked the way he built the partnerships. It’s a nice bowling attack South Australia have got, so he’s batting nicely. We know he’s a quality player. We know there’s a hell of a lot of class there.”To see him putting the runs up that has been really pleasing. And long may it continue.”Bailey noted Weatherald’s match-winning innings of 94 on a difficult surface in Hobart as another sign of his quality. He also thought there were positive signs in Sam Konstas’ 53 against Victoria on a tricky pitch at Junction Oval and added that the intense scrutiny on his domestic returns were “probably not helpful” given he’s in a “learning” phase of his career.Bailey also confirmed that Australia’s squad for the last three matches of the T20I series against India was still being finalised but there was a strong possibility that Travis Head, Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott will all be released to play in the fourth Shield round.Josh Inglis looks set to miss the entire ODI series against India after suffering a setback with his calf injury eight days ago as he ramped up his running but there is confidence he will be fit for the entire T20I series. There are no plans at this stage to send him to play Shield cricket despite being in the Ashes frame as a reserve batter and reserve wicketkeeper.The squad for the first Test will be named in early November after the conclusion of the third round of Shield matches.

Portland Pickles Invite Fan to Take At-Bat And He Unleashed Surreal Two-Run Homer

The Portland Pickles do baseball differently, and it results in some incredible theater.

On Saturday, the collegiate summer baseball wooden bat team was holding its Fan Appreciation Night at Walker Stadium in Portland. As part of the event, a fan was invited to get on the field and take a legitimate at-bat during the game.

The fan stepped into the batter's box, looking surprisingly confident, and unloaded an absolute moonshot of a two-run home run, sending the crowd and Pickles faithful into an absolute frenzy.

The fan was given a jersey––that didn't even match the ones the Pickles were wearing that night––and put on a helmet, stepping into the batter's box still wearing his sneakers and shorts. In his first at-bat, the fan, "Dixie," drew a walk and came around to score. His home run came in his next plate appearance during the eighth inning, and it was a truly surreal moment.

There's not many places you'll find fans actively getting the chance to participate in games, but Walker Stadium is home to some of the most bonkers shenanigans in sports, and Dixie's two-run blast showed exactly why the Portland-based team loves to go all out with its themed events.

It's not all jokes from the Pickles, either, who have rostered a few players currently in MLB, including Cleveland Guardians slugger Kyle Manzardo.

Perrin, 18, showcases sparkling talent in Superchargers thrashing

Eighteen-year-old Davina Perrin continued her impressive domestic form with a sparkling 42-ball 70 to overpower Trent Rockets in The Hundred.It was Perrin’s first half-century in The Hundred, and the second-highest score by a female English player uncapped at international level. More importantly for Perrin and Northern Superchargers, it took them to the top of the table with two wins from two.”I had a conversation with one of the coaches before and he said: ‘What are you going to do when you go out?’ And I was like: ‘have fun,'” Perrin said. “It was a pretty decent deck, it was coming onto the bat nicely, so it allowed me to lean into it and just try and play strong shots. It’s nice to do it front of so many people and on a decent ground, so happy days.”It was a dominant performance from the team in purple, who were on top straight away and rarely let their foot off the gas, save some customary excellence from Trent Rockets skipper Ash Gardner.The Superchargers had Rockets at 5 for 3 after 18 balls and right up against it, Gardner did her thing to fight back with a 32-ball 61 but it was essentially a lone hand and her side’s eventual total of 128 felt light at a sun-dappled Trent Bridge.Ash Gardner forces one away through the off side•Warren Little/Getty Images

Perrin dominated the opening partnership of 62 with Alice Davidson-Richards and entertained the crowd throughout, with strong shots all around the wicket and even a one-handed scoop. Phoebe Litchfield matched her stroke for stroke with her 10-ball 22 and Annabel Sutherland finished things off in a fittingly creative way, reverse-sweeping through the off-side.It was a performance of great promise from the Superchargers who will feel they’re laying down a marker, for Rockets the need to get a win on the board is getting ever greater.

VIDEO: Alisha Lehmann wades into heated handball row as MVPs United fall to Baller League defeat – after her team is walked out by UK rapper Wohdee

Alisha Lehmann was happy to “back her boys” when wading into a heated handball argument during the latest round of Baller League fixtures. The Swiss forward, who is plying her club trade in Italy for Como Women, has teamed up with Maya Jama again – the Love Island-presenting partner of Manchester City defender Ruben Dias – to oversee events at MVPs United.

  • Baller League UK: Big personalities involved

    Emotions can run high at the Copper Box Arena in London when Baller League action takes centre stage. With ultra-fast six-a-side competition pitting former Premier League players and ambitious semi-professionals against one another, tempers can boil over at times.

    Nobody is willing to take a backwards step, with wins and points the ultimate goal. There are some big personalities involved – on and off the pitch – with few of those looking to bite their tongue when lively debates are sparked.

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  • Watch Lehmann join handball argument at Baller League

  • Controversial call: MVPs United slipped to defeat

    Lehmann is one of the more reserved characters, but the former WSL star – who represented the likes of West Ham and Aston Villa before heading to Italy – is prepared to fight her corner when required.

    That was the case during a meeting with Wembley Rangers for MVPs United. A controversial handball call, in what turned out to be a 3-2 defeat for Lehmann and Co, led to words being exchanged on the field. Lehmann, who was back in England for said encounter, made sure to get her point across.

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  • Back for more? Lehmann and Jama could reunite in 2026

    Lehmann, with Jama not by her side on this occasion, led MVPs United out at the Copper Box. She was joined by Birmingham-raised rapper Wohdee – who is famed for her viral freestyle performances on TikTok.

    MVPs United are in danger of missing out on a place in the final four of Baller League, meaning that the ultimate prize will elude them. Interest in season two has, however, remained high – with I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here winner Angry Ginge among the celebrity managers – and it could be that Lehmann and Jama reunite for a third campaign in 2026.

فيديو | فهد الهاجري يسجل هدف الكويت الأول أمام مصر في كأس العرب

تقدم منتخب الكويت بالهدف الأول أمام مصر في المواجهة التي تجمع بينهما الآن ضمن لقاءات بطولة كأس العرب 2025.

وتُقام مباراة مصر والكويت، على أرضية استاد لوسيل ضمن لقاءات الجولة الأولى من المجموعة الثالثة بـ كأس العرب.

ويشارك المنتخب المصري إلى جانب الكويت في المجموعة نفسها، والتي تضم أيضًا الإمارات والأردن، ضمن النسخة التي تحتضنها قطر في الفترة من 1 إلى 18 ديسمبر.

طالع.. فيديو | عمرو السولية يهدر ركلة جزاء في مباراة مصر والكويت

وجاء هدف الكويت، عن طريق فهد الهاجري، في الدقيقة 65، بعد عرضية متقنة بعد تنفيذ الركلة الركنية حولها فهد الهاجري رأسية قوية على يسار الحارس محمد بسام داخل المرمى. هدف الكويت الأول أمام مصر في كأس العرب

The new Rodgers: Celtic make "incredible" manager their new No.1 target

It remains difficult to piece together just where the blame lies for Celtic’s current slump – is it the board, is it Brendan Rodgers, or is it a period of dismal recruitment?

Of course, it is likely a mixture of all of those factors, with the latter point particularly key. Indeed, of those signed amid Rodgers’ return in the summer of 2023, only Paulo Bernardo and Yang Hyun-jun remain part of the current first-team squad.

Far too many deals have backfired over the past two years, although that’s not to say that the departed coach is himself free of criticism, having not exactly got the best out of those at his disposal.

You only have to look at the case of Callum Osmand, a player largely ignored by the Northern Irishman, to see where Rodgers was misguided. While now cruelly struck down by injury, the Wales youth international was the hero at Hampden, before winning a penalty during his lively, albeit brief cameo at FC Midtjylland.

Although Rodgers’ return did see two further Premiership titles secured, prior to him walking away for the second time, the magic of his first spell in charge didn’t appear to be there.

The Hoops, hopefully, will be targeting a figure who can replicate that first version of the former Liverpool boss at Parkhead.

Celtic's ongoing manager search

A clear frontrunner has yet to truly emerge with regard to Celtic’s managerial vacancy, with a romantic return for Ange Postecoglou having been deemed ‘very unlikely’, despite the Greek-Aussie now out of work following his dismissal from Nottingham Forest.

Interim boss Martin O’Neill does remain an option to see out the season, alongside Shaun Maloney, although such a decision would likely be a last resort considering the 73-year-old last took on a top job back in 2019, following his own brief stint at the City Ground.

The nature and timing of Rodgers’ shock resignation has no doubt complicated matters, although with the international break now to come, it presents the perfect time to finally nail down a preferred pick.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

According to Football Insider, one of the current frontrunners is Ipswich Town boss, Kieran McKenna, with the 39-year-old deemed to be the “number-one target”, albeit with a potential obstacle likely to be his “big compensation package”.

As the report notes, it is believed that it would take a fee of around £5m to prise McKenna from Portman Road, with it yet to be seen whether the Glasgow side would be willing to fork out such a figure to get their man.

McKenna, for what it’s worth, did not wholly shut down talk of the move when quizzed on the speculation in recent weeks, having described Celtic as a “really big club”, amid suggestions that he is a rumoured Hoops supporter.

Why Celtic could be targeting the next Brendan Rodgers

An exciting young Northern Irish coach with a potential affinity to the Scottish champions – that certainly sounds familiar?

Yes, there are certainly real similarities between McKenna and his compatriot Rodgers, with Celtic no doubt hoping that the in-demand Ipswich coach can replicate the success that the latter man enjoyed following his first move to Parkhead in 2016.

While the ex-Swansea City, Liverpool, Watford and Reading boss had garnered far more experience at the time of his move north of the border, he had made the first major stride of his coaching career in the youth ranks at Chelsea, having been given the backing of Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge.

McKenna – who initially worked in the youth ranks at Tottenham Hotspur – was also something of a favourite of Mourinho at Manchester United, having eventually become an assistant to the Portuguese coach in 2018.

Like Rodgers, the rising star had seen his own playing career cut short by injury, with the pair seemingly following in Mourinho’s footsteps by trying to make up for that on-field disappointment by shining in the dugout – as McKenna himself has admitted:

While Rodgers first truly made a name for himself by steering Swansea into the Premier League, the 4-2-3-1 coach has enjoyed similar success in the EFL with his current club, having claimed back-to-back promotions in what is his first managerial role.

Days in charge

1419

Games

187

Wins

87

Draws

50

Losses

50

Points per game

1.66

Players used

81

Promotions

2

Relegations

1

Although the Tractor Boys’ stay in the top-flight was short-lived, that hasn’t stopped interest mounting in this “incredible” coach – as hailed by Ipswich’s Wes Burns – with former club Man United believed to have been considering him in the summer of 2024.

That would’ve been like Rodgers’ own Anfield switch, although perhaps McKenna can skip a step and head straight to Celtic instead, with the Glasgow outfit no doubt in need of an exciting, young and fresh voice to try and reinvigorate the current first-team crop.

For all the frustration over his decision to twice leave his post at Celtic Park, it’s worth remembering the glittering success that Rodgers has achieved when at the helm, namely overseeing that invincible domestic season in 2016/17.

With a raft of promising young talents, and with an attractive, front-foot style of play, the now 52-year-old was just what was needed to breathe new life into the club, amid the mixed stint of Ronny Deila.

Now, again, Celtic need to be revitalised. Can the next bright young manager, McKenna, be the man to do just that?

O'Neill upgrade: Mjallby tells Celtic which manager is "the perfect fit"

Former Celtic star Johan Mjällby has told the club which manager would be the perfect fit for the club.

ByDan Emery Nov 8, 2025

Luis Diaz's wastefulness is 'forgivable' after 'world-class' Bayern Munich goal as Bayern Munich legend praises 'sign of strength' from Vincent Kompany's team despite slip up

Luis Diaz's wonder goal against Union Berlin at the weekend has been labelled "world-class" by Bayern Munich icon Lothar Matthaus. The Colombian, signed from Liverpool over the summer, has been brilliant for Die Roten so far. While Matthaus believes that the hard-working left winger "needs to be more clinical in front of goal," he said that his "outstanding" strike compensates for his lack of efficiency.

Union Berlin end Bayern's winning streak

Bayern were brought down to earth this past weekend during a tricky away trip to Union Berlin at the Stadion An der Alten Forsterei, as Kompany's men could only salvage a 2-2 draw, thanks to a 90th minute equaliser from the in-form Harry Kane. 

The game brought an end to the Bavarian giants' record-breaking 16-game winning streak across all competitions since the start of the ongoing 2025-26 season, breaking the 13-game record set by the famous AC Milan outfit from the 1992-93 season. The result also prevented Kompany from matching Pep Guardiola's record of 10 consecutive Bundesliga victories in the first 10 games of the season, with the Belgian managing to guide his team to nine straight wins before the stalemate against Steffen Baumgart's men.

Even though Bayern left Berlin without maximum points, they certainly came out of the match with a few positives. For a team that has dominated on all fronts across all competitions, the encounter against Union Berlin allowed the visitors to equalise twice following goals from centre-back Danilho Doekhi in each half.

AdvertisementAFPMatthaus lauds Diaz for being the overall package

With Bayern trailing, they tightened the screw and switched gears in search of an equaliser as the game progressed towards the end of the first half. In the 38th minute, Diaz collected the ball on the edge of the box on the left side following a clearance. After collecting the ball, the Colombian passed it to Josip Stanisic and then made a run into the box to receive after a one-two. Stanisic seemed to have overhit the ball, his hands on his head out of disappointment as he saw the ball moving beyond the touchline. Just when it seemed Union Berlin would be awarded a goal kick, Diaz slid and somehow kept the ball into play. After sensing pressure from one of Berlin's defenders, the ex-Liverpool winger's daft touch put the ball past the on-rushing defender before striking into the top corner from an extremely acute angle. 

Moments after his equaliser, Diaz fumbled a one-on-one with the Union Berlin goalkeeper. However, former Bayern player Matthaus is of the firm opinion that the Colombian international shouldn't find himself in the crosshairs of the fans and the media thanks to his work ethic and profound ability to create goals out of nothing.

In a column for , Matthaus said: "After 16 consecutive wins, FC Bayern only managed a draw against Union Berlin . Refocusing completely on the Bundesliga and a match at the comparatively smaller Forsterei stadium after their stunning Champions League victory in Paris wasn't easy.

"Their senses might not have been sharp enough at the start, but Bayern came back from behind twice. That was yet another sign of strength.

"Luis Diaz 's goal was world-class. It's great to have a player who works hard for the team, scores goals, and creates clear-cut chances. He needs to be more clinical in front of goal, but his outstanding strike makes him forgivable."

A week to remember for Diaz

It was a memorable week for the 28-year-old. He scored twice in the 2-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes to maintain their perfect record in the Champions League. Against Union Berlin, his goal automatically makes him one of the contenders for the goal of the season.

After the game, Kane was in awe of Diaz's "special" strike. "Incredible to be honest," said the Englishman, who now has 23 goals from 17 games. "The way he kept the ball in and got past his defender and then score was, just a special goal, a really, really special goal. He's been pulling stuff out like that all season but I reckon that's probably his best."

Kompany, the head coach, admitted that Diaz could have bagged another goal, but stated that he was happy for him. ”We really needed that moment of brilliance from Lucho”, Kompany told reporters after the full-time whistle. “Of course he could’ve scored another goal afterwards, but the quality we have in this team is what we need to achieve our goals during the season. 3 goals he’s scored this week, that was good for him.”

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Getty ImagesDiaz to miss Arsenal clash in the Champions League

Bayern will face Freiburg in their first match following the international break, before traveling to the Emirates Stadium for a high-profile clash with Arsenal. Mikel Arteta’s side have emerged as frontrunners in the Premier League title race this season, combining domestic dominance with impressive form in Europe.

Bayern will, however, be without their in-form winger when they make the trip to London – a significant setback for Kompany’s men. Diaz, who has tallied 11 goals and five assists this season, received a straight red card for a reckless challenge on PSG full-back Achraf Hakimi, which left the Moroccan defender nursing an ankle injury. As a result, Diaz will serve a suspension and miss the chance to face his former rivals in a familiar territory.

Lanning's unbeaten 90 sets up Melbourne Stars' victory

The former Australia captain found her stride after a tricky start and Scorchers fell short in a rain-shortened chase

AAP14-Nov-2025Meg Lanning hit top gear in her 100th WBBL game as Melbourne Stars won a rain-hit clash with Perth in Adelaide by 16 runs.The former Australian captain, dropped on 18, went berserk after a slow start to finish unbeaten on 90 off 55 balls as the Stars reached 173 for 4.A storm hit, reducing Scorchers’ chase to 95 off nine overs in a tweak that could have favoured the chasers. But Stars jumped all over them as they finished 78 for 8.Fresh off a century, Beth Mooney reached 14 off six balls with three boundaries before Kim Garth’s clever slower ball brought her undone.Wickets fell regularly, Annabel Sutherland hitting the top of Sophie Devine’s off stump to further stall momentum. Scorchers kept swinging but were never truly in the hunt, Sophie Day taking 3 for 7 from her only over.Earlier Lanning, coming off a brisk 60 in a rain-spoiled affair earlier this week, made the most of the life given to her when Ebony Hoskin spilled a chance at short third. She cruised to 35 before exploding with three boundaries and a six to go to 50 off 35 balls.The boundaries kept coming – Devine punished in particular – before Lilly Mills pegged Stars back with late wickets that starved Lanning of the strike in the final three overs.”I couldn’t get it off the square in the last two overs, fell off a cliff there,” Lanning, who has retired from international cricket, said. “But I found my rhythm and was nice to be able to go on with it. I’ve got an idea of how much I need to train to be ready and … I’m certainly enjoying myself.”

São Paulo x Fortaleza: onde assistir, horário e escalações do jogo pelo Brasileirão

MatériaMais Notícias

O São Paulo recebe o Fortaleza neste sábado (13), pela primeira rodada do Brasileirão 2024. A bola vai rolar a partir das 21h (de Brasília), no Morumbis, em São Paulo (SP) com transmissão do SporTV e Premiere (pay-per-view).

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➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

➡️ Aposte R$200 no Lance! Betting e ganhe R$388 para vitória simples do São Paulo sobre o Fortaleza

Confira abaixo todas as informações que você precisa saber sobre o confronto entre São Paulo e Fortaleza (onde assistir, horário, escalações e local).

✅ FICHA TÉCNICA
São Paulo x Fortaleza
1ª rodada – Brasileirão

🗓️ Data e horário: sábado, 13 de março de 2024, às 21h (de Brasília)
📍 Local: Morumbis, em São Paulo (SP)
📺 Onde assistir: SporTV e Premiere
🟨 Árbitro: Alex Gomes Stefano (RJ)
🚩Assistentes: Luiz Claudio Regazone (RJ) e Daniel de Oliveira Alves Pereira (RJ)

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⚽ PROVÁVEIS ESCALAÇÕES
SÃO PAULO (Técnico: Thiago Carpini)
Rafael; Igor Vinícius, Diego Costa, Arboleda, Welington; Pablo Maia e Alisson; Erick, Luciano, Michel Araújo e André Silva.

FORTALEZA (Técnico: Juan Pablo Vojvoda)
João Ricardo; Tinga, Britez, Titi e Bruno Pacheco; Zé Welison, Pochettino e Hércules; Yago Pikachu, Lucero e Moisés.

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BrasileirãoCampeonato BrasileiroFortalezaOnde assistirSão Paulo

Philippe's rapid hundred powers Australia A to 532

India A made a steady start to their innings before rain brought an early end to the second day in Lucknow

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Sep-2025Josh Philippe’s unbeaten 123 off 87 balls and Liam Scott’s 81 continued Australia A’s dominance on day two of the first four-day game against India A in Lucknow.With Sam Konstas also making a century on the first day, Australia A declared their innings on 532 for 6 in just 98 overs, having scored at a run rate of 5.43. In reply, India A lost opener Abhimanyu Easwaran for 44, but N Jagadeesan remained unbeaten on 50 before rain brought an early end to the day.Resuming on 337 for 5, Australia A went into overdrive on the second day. Play started half an hour early at 9am to make up for overs lost to rain on the opening day. Philippe was dropped on 26 by wicketkeeper Jagadeesan off Khaleel Ahmed and cashed in, bringing up his half-century off 55 balls. He added 81 runs for the sixth wicket with Scott, who hit 81 off 122 deliveries before falling to fast bowler Gurnoor Brar.Philippe then had an unbroken 118-run stand off 62 balls with Xavier Bartlett, contributing 78 off 38 to the partnership. He smashed left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey for a six and three fours in the 93rd over and then went after offspinner Tanush Kotian in the 94th, taking him for two fours and a six. He took 77 balls to reach his century, getting there with a quick single to cover”I just looked to be positive. It was a pretty good wicket and Scotty batted beautifully, Philippe said after play. “Then, Xavier came in and we had a nice little partnership at the end. And when we’re told we’re probably declaring soon, it requires attacking against the spinners. I played them naturally. I like to try and take the game on and look to put pressure back on them straight away.”While Philippe hit 18 fours and four sixes in his century, Bartlett smashed five fours and two sixes in his unbeaten 24-ball 39. Australia A thrashed 195 runs in just 25 overs on the second day before declaring their innings.India A openers Easwaran and Jagadeesan responded quickly too, adding 88 runs for the first wicket in 21.1 overs. Easwaran was bowled by Scott but Jagadeesan reached his fifty and had B Sai Sudharsan for company on 20 when stumps were called. Only 55 overs were bowled on the second day, with no play possible after tea.”I think it’s still a pretty good wicket,” Philippe said. “There’s some signs that there’s a bit of spin from us today. Not sure what’s going on with the weather, but hopefully as the game gets on, it continues to deteriorate and our spinners can take charge and get some poles.”

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