IND A vs AUS A: Sam Konstas smashes a century on day one at the Ekana Stadium

Sam Konstas

Teenager Sam Konstas made the most of his first outing on Indian soil with a fine century against India ‘A' on Day One of the first four-day match at the Ekana Stadium here on Tuesday.

After the start was delayed till the lunch interval due to overnight rain, Konstas, 19, shone on a cloudy day to collect a well-compiled 109, his third first-class century, and first outside Australia.

Despite only 73 overs being bowled, the visitors batted positively to end the day at 337-5. The Indian bowling, led by pacers Arshdeep Singh and Khaleed Ahmed, struggled in the first session before left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey (3-88) fought back.

However, Konstas (109 in 144 balls, 10x4, 3x6) put on a quickfire 198 with fellow opener Campbell Kellaway (88 in 97 balls, 10x4, 2x6). Konstas got to his first 50 off 86 balls, but needed just 36 more to race to his century. He completed his ton by hammering off-spinner Tanush Kotian for a straight six. He fell while trying to hit Dubey over square-leg, missing the line of the delivery.

Clearly, the Australia ‘A' team management are focusing on Konstas, who, after a fairly promising home Test debut against India in January (he made 60 and 8 at Melbourne, and 23 and 22 at Sydney), failed miserably in the three-match Test series in the Caribbean, aggregating just 50 runs in six innings.

With Australia hosting the Ashes this year, they desperately need a stable opener to partner Usman Khawaja.