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Sri Lanka A ended Day 1 strongly at 263/4 against Australia A, thanks to a solid century by Nuwanidu Fernando. The 25-year-old No. 3 batter scored 102 off 234 balls, hitting seven fours and a six. He was eventually dismissed by Mitch Perry, edging to Jason Sangha at second slip. While it was Fernando’s second straight hundred, most of the attention went to Kamil Mishara, who fell for 81 in one of the strangest moments of the day. Looking well set for a ton, Mishara ducked under a short ball from Henry Thornton, but left his bat hanging in the air. The ball struck the bat, took flight, and was caught easily by Kurtis Patterson, giving Thornton his first wicket. Australia A bowlers found wickets hard to come by on the slow pitch. Scott, Perry, Thornton and Zanden Jeh took a wicket each but had to work hard for their breakthroughs. Earlier in the day, there was surprise after it was announced that Nathan McSweeney will be sent out to open for Australia A. He had batted at No. 3 in the previous match. The move is seen as part of Australia’s plans to test top-order options ahead of the upcoming Ashes, with head coach Andrew McDonald stating recently that the batting order is not yet settled.
Poll
Will Australia A be able to turn the match around on Day 2?
With Sri Lanka A in a strong position and their middle order finding their groove, Australia A will need quick wickets on Day 2 to stay in the contest. The first unofficial Test between the two sides was drawn.
