Steely Bancroft guides Australia A to three-wicket win

Tenacious opener Cameron Bancroft guided Australia A to a three-wicket victory over India A in the first four-day match at the Allan Border Field in Brisbane on Sunday (September 11). Starting the fourth and final day at 59 for 4 needing 100 runs for victory, Bancroft made a steely unbeaten 58 and combined in a crucial 57-run fifth wicket partnership with Beau Webster (30) to seal a hard-fought victory for the hosts.

After torrential rain ended day three prematurely, play did not start until 1pm local time - four hours after schedule due to a wet outfield with a maximum of 56 overs allotted. Unlike most of the match, sunny conditions bathed the ground but, frustratingly, there was a lengthy delay much to the frustration of the small pockets of fans, many of whom were supporting India A.

With plenty of sunshine around, the pitch transformed into a batting paradise unlike the previous day where the ball moved around testament to a smattering of wickets falling. It was a shame rain intervened on day three at a juncture where there was a swirl of anticipation, as a thrilling last session beckoned.

Close to a Test debut 12 months ago, Bancroft enhanced his national candidacy with typical resoluteness. While his top-order teammates faulted in tricky conditions on day three, Bancroft showcased his stout defence to continually thwart the plucky Indian pacemen. When batting became easier, the Western Australian picked off the pacemen ensuring the scoreboard was ticking over and used his feet deftly to the spinners.

India A surprisingly started the day with offspinner Jayant Yadav, the first time they had used spin all innings. But it was their pacemen who looked most threatening even though conditions had dramatically favoured batting.

Chances were rare and the visitor's needed an ounce of luck but that was not forthcoming as Varun Aaron's sharp bouncer hit Bancroft on the shoulder and ricocheted agonisingly close to the stumps when the opener was on 25. Aaron (2 for 52 from 16 overs) and Shardul Thakar (3 for 42 from 14.1) bowled with hostility and tried to use the short ball as a weapon but with the pitch flattening out, Bancroft and Webster had few worries.

Eventually, Aaron was rewarded for his toil when he trapped Webster on the crease but the bulk of the damage had been done. Jayant picked up wicketkeeper Sam Whiteman first over after tea with Australia A still needing 28 for victory and Chadd Sayers (15) was bowled by a brilliant Thakur yorker but Bancroft, ever composed, ensured there was no late calamity.

The second four-day match between the teams starts on Thursday (September 15) at the Allan Border Field.