Philippe, Hardie lead Australia ‘A’ comeback

Josh Phillippe and Aaron Hardie led the comeback for Australia ‘A’ on day one of the first four day’ match against Sri Lanka ‘A’ at the Sooriyawewa Stadium on Tuesday.

The duo came to the rescue when the visitors were struggling on 98 for 5 cracking half tons and associating in a valuable sixth wicket partnership for Australia ‘A’ which paved the way for them to end their innings making a formidable score of 379 runs.

Phillippe was unfortunate to miss out on a ton scoring 96 in 102 balls that comprised seven boundaries and three sixes while Hardie made 62 in 83 balls inclusive of five boundaries as the pair shared a 125 runs stand for the sixth wicket.

This followed with Nathan McAndrew who made 92 off 132 balls with five boundaries and Mark Steketee who chipped in with 47 further frustrating the Sri Lanka ‘A’ bowlers with the pair sharing another century stand of 118 runs for the seventh wicket.

For Sri Lanka ‘A’ left arm seamer Dilshan Madusanka who made the early breakthrough ended with a four wicket haul while Lakshitha Manasinghe and Suminda Lakshan shared six wickets between them.

Chief scores:
Australia A 379 (J Philippe 94, N McAndrew 92, A Hardie 62, L Manasinghe 3-115, S Lakshan 3-59, D Madushanka 4-62

Photo: Josh Philippe top scored for Australia 'A' with 94 (Pic courtesy Sri Lanka Cricket)