Century to West Australian opener puts tourists in control of four-day match in Chennai
Match Report:
ScorecardBancroft hands Australia A huge lead
A magnificent century from Western Australian Cameron Bancroft has put Australia A in a commanding position at stumps on day two against India A on Chennai.
Bancroft's well-constructed 150, made from 267 balls, anchored the Australians' total of 9-329, giving them a lead of 194 after the home side were yesterday bowled out for 135.
The 22-year-old opening batsman, who brought up three figures with a massive six that meant a replacement ball was required, found support in his captain and opening partner Usman Khawaja (33), Callum Ferguson (54) and tailender Gurinder Sandhu, who added to his three wickets yesterday with an entertaining 36 from 27 that included four sixes.
A CENTURY to @bangas_mash in Chennai! He brings up the milestone with a six so big they've lost the ball! #AusATour pic.twitter.com/0tHyWMguzS
— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) July 30, 2015
Off-spinning allrounder Baba Aparajith was the pick of the India A bowlers, taking 5-74, while fellow spinner Pragyan Ojha chimed in with 3-99.
After Bancroft and Khawaja put on a century opening stand, Australia A lost three wickets for 12 runs before Bancroft and Ferguson steadied the ship, adding another century stand to put the tourists well in control.
Sandhu's late fireworks extended the advantage and barring a declaration, Steve O'Keefe (6no) and Andrew Fekete (0no) will resume in the middle tomorrow.
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