Tiwary, Ojha slam fifties

Captain Manoj Tiwary (83) and Naman Ojha (82 batting) hit aggressive half-centuries to rescue India ‘A’ from initial wobble and take them to a comfortable 304 for six on the opening day of the first four-day match against Australia ‘A’ here on Sunday.

India ‘A’ lost their three top batsmen midway into the opening session for just 43 runs but Tiwary and Ojha rescued them with fine innings. One-down Jiwanjot Singh also played a part with a 56 after India elected to bat.

Tiwary shared a 134-run stand for the fourth wicket with Jiwanjot to take the visitors out of the wood. After Tiwary was out at 191 for five, his 118-ball innings laced with 12 fours and a six, Ojha steadied the Indian innings and took them to 304/6 at stumps at Allan Border Field here.

Brief scores: India A: 304/6 in 89.1 overs (Jiwanjot Singh 56, Manoj Tiwary 83, Naman Ojha 82 batting; Mitchell Marsh 2-46).