SL A v AUS A: In a match where the bowlers struggled with little gain, Jason Sangha was the man of the moment with a career-best effort, scoring a double century that could do a great deal for his prospects of getting a Test call-up in the future. The second unofficial Test between Australia A (AUS A) and Sri Lanka A (SL A) was a flat draw, but it was full of individual feats for Australia’s young guns.
Sangha’s Unbeaten 202 Steals the Spotlight
Australia A skipper Jason Sangha delivered a marathon 202 off 379 deliveries* as his team was anchored to 558/4 declared in reply to Sri Lanka A’s 485/6 declared. Only 10 wickets fell on four days of action at Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin, and the match fizzled out into a draw, wrapping up the SL A vs AUS A series at 0-0.
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This was Sangha’s first double century in first-class cricket, a career best beating his 151. The 25-year-old batted on into day four at 121* and reached the match without being dismissed, demonstrating temperament and shot choice deserving of greater honours.
Sangha’s Consistent Rise Toward a Baggy Green
Sangha has been making waves for a while now. He contributed match-winning innings in the Sheffield Shield final last year, hitting 126* to secure South Australia’s victory after a 29-year title wait. His Shield average of 78.2 from six games and three hundreds in his final five first-class innings highlights his standing as a prime candidate for Australia’s next Test team.
Ollie Peake Impresses Again with 92
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One of the bright sparks for Australia A was 18-year-old Oliver Peake, who added an assured 92 from 178 balls. The Victorian youngster put on a 165-run partnership with Sangha, showing that he too is ready to be developed for long-form cricket. It was Peake’s second first-class match after making his debut in March, and he continues to make waves after a 55* style quickfire in the one-day leg last week.
Jake Weatherald Puts Ashes Hopes on the Rise with 183
Earlier during the game, Jake Weatherald made an authoritative 183, capitalizing on his Shield-leading season in which he made 906 runs at 50.3. With the current openers of Australia, Usman Khawaja and Sam Konstas, not performing well in recent Test performances, Weatherald’s form may pave the way for an Ashes position later this year.
“If he keeps this up, Weatherald may be the shot in the arm Australia needs at the top,” analysts say.
SL A v AUS A Match Lacks Result But Not Talent
Despite the SL A vs AUS A second unofficial Test ending in a no-result, it was successful in its intent of scouting out developing talent. Sri Lanka A’s 485/6 declared was underpinned by clinical batting performances of their own, but the bowling line failed to breach the Australian A top order.
Though the SL A vs AUS A series might have ended with no winner, Jason Sangha’s unbeaten 202 made sure that the match was by no means forgettable.
His brilliant, measured innings, coupled with capable efforts from Peake and Weatherald, are an indication of the preparedness of Australia’s next generation of cricketers. For selectors looking on towards the Ashes and beyond, the message is clear as Sangha is pounding at the Test door.
ALSO READ: SL A vs AUS A: Jake Weatherald Stakes Ashes Claim With Blistering 183
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