Young guns ton up in India

The next generation of Australian cricketers have stood up in India, with Alexander Keath and Will Bosisto reaching centuries by lunch on day two against an India National Cricket Academy XI.

At the main break, the National Performance Squad is 4-410, with Keath 160 not out and Bosisto 101 also undefeated. 

Yesterday, Test incumbent No.3 Alex Doolan impressed in his maiden innings in the subcontinent, scoring an assured 83. 

The batsman had never taken guard on the subcontinent previously, and Cricket Australia were keen for him to experience the conditions ahead of October's tour to the United Arab Emirates to face Pakistan and Saeed Ajmal.

Batting alongside 22-year-old Victorian allrounder Alex Keath, the pair added 156 for the third wicket in 32 overs.

CA's National Talent Manager and Test legend Greg Chappell is with the squad and was impressed with Doolan's innings but lamented his dismissal late in the day.

"Doolan and Keath played very well once the bowlers had destroyed the NCA batting in the first session," said Chappell.

"Having given the NPS the ascendancy in the game it was necessary for one or both of them to go on to make sure that we could assure ourselves of a big first-innings lead.

"Doolan never appeared to be troubled by the bowlers so it was surprise to see him give his wicket away late in the day."

"It is to be hoped that Keath can go on and that he gets some support from (Will) Bosisto, (Sean) Abbott and the bowlers to build a big lead."

The Australians bowled India's academy players for 108 in 34 overs, with Sam Rainbird the pick of the bowlers with 3-14 from six overs.

Simon Mackin (2-26), Abbott (2-26) and James Muirhead (2-22) all collected multiple wickets while Keath chimed in with one wicket from his four overs.

Promising young Western Australian wicketkeeper Sam Whiteman, fresh from a maiden first-class century with Australia A in Brisbane last month, took four catches and made 13 before he was the fourth Australian wicket to fall.