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Scott and Philippe leave Australia with a strong chance of winning
Scott and Philippe leave Australia with a strong chance of winning
Australia A have seized complete control of their four-day match against Sri Lanka A in Darwin, building a commanding 165-run lead with nine second-innings wickets in hand.
Australia A gained control of their four-day match against Sri Lanka A on Day 3 at Darwin’s Marrara Oval, thanks to strong performances from Liam Scott, Josh Philippe, and Mitchell Perry.
The hosts started the day at 241 for 4, chasing Sri Lanka A’s first-innings total of 272. But they lost Nathan McSweeney to the first ball of the morning bowled out for 94 after facing 220 deliveries. He had been hoping to reach a century to impress the national selectors, especially after being left out of the West Indies tour.
Liam Scott, who was on 52 overnight, added 42 more runs and partnered with Philippe for a solid 98-run stand for the sixth wicket. However, Scott was dismissed just short of a century for 94, caught at mid-on by left-arm spinner Sonal Dinusha, who bowled impressively throughout.
Philippe batted aggressively, scoring 85 off 107 balls, including five fours and a six, before being trapped lbw by Nishan Peris. Mitchell Perry played a steadier knock and made 61 before mistiming a shot and getting caught off Dinusha. Australia A’s innings wrapped up just an hour before the day’s end with a strong total of 486, leading by 214 runs quite a turnaround from their position at 127 for 4 on Day 2.
In response, Sri Lanka A started briskly, with Lahiru Udara scoring 12 runs from Perry’s first five balls. But he didn’t last long, getting out for 17 after mistiming a pull shot that was caught by keeper Philippe.
Australia A clearly took control of the match and set themselves up well for the final day’s play.