India A tighten screws on Australia A

Bangalore, Sep 4 : India A tightened the noose around Australia A after restricting them to 113 for eight in the first innings of the three-day cricket match at the Chinnaswamy Stadium here.

Piyush Chawla picked two for 36 while off-spinner Mohnish Parmar took three for 37 to eave Australia A 22 runs short of avoiding the follow-on. Chawla also contributed with the bat, hitting 66 earlier in the day to stretch India A to 284.

Starting from overnight 180 for four, Indian lost the wicket of Virat Kohli in the third over of the morning. Kohli could add just add one run to his overnight 48 before giving his wicket to Doug Bollinger (4-59).

Kaif (94) and Chawla added 52 runs before the former fell trying to reach his hundred with a six only to be caught at mid-off.

Chawla smashed part-time spinners Marcus North and Adam Voges to push the hosts to a competitive total.

Australia were in trouble right from the start after opener Philip Hughes and Adam Voges departed in quick succession leaving the visiting team reeling at seven for two.

Parmar then removed Simon Katich with the score on 45. Barring Marcus North (41) and George Bailey (37 not out) none of the batsmen could put up any resistance against the spin dup of Chawla and Parmar who wreaked havoc.

--IANS