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What you don't want when you're 99no

Hilton Cartwright defies India A's bowlers, and a long delay, to post an excellent century at Allan Border Field

As if waiting overnight on 99 not out isn't pressure enough, Australia A debutant Hilton Cartwright was forced to endure a frustrating extra period of tension on the third morning of the first-class clash with India A at Brisbane's Allan Border Field.

Cartwright, who had gone to stumps last night one short of a special milestone, made his way to the middle with batting partner Sam Whiteman at 9am this morning and scratched out his guard, ready to face up and find that one run that would bring up his century.

Report & Highlights: Australia A on top in Brisbane

Cartwright was ready, the bowler Shardul Thakur was ready, India A's fielders were ready and the umpires were ready. Yet there was one problem.

There was no ball.

As confusion ensued, Cartwright was made to sweat.

Umpire Paul Wilson made his way towards the Stuart Law Stand, where both teams' dugouts are stationed, and promptly had two balls rolled to him by the Indian camp.

Hilton checks in with excellent hundred


Between he and fellow umpire Adrian Holdstock, there appeared to be some conjecture as to which – if either – of the two balls was the second new rock India A had taken with 11 overs remaining last night.

Wilson then radioed through to third umpire Greg Davidson, who came onto the field with a briefcase of balls, and eventually there seemed to be a degree of satisfaction with the ball that was chosen.

Eight minutes after Cartwright had taken guard, play was ready to commence.

And despite the tension that had built, the young allrounder reached his hundred with a pull for two behind square from the second ball of the morning.

The wait had been longer that he would have liked, but it was worth it.