Fotia shines but Aussies come up short

Having guided the hosts to a 19-run victory against New Zealand on Sunday courtesy of a five-wicket haul, Fotia claimed 2-46 from his 10 overs to help restrict India to 221.

Australia’s run chase failed to take flight, however, as Commonwealth Bank Bushrangers rookie Matt Short fell for 30 from 38 balls including three boundaries and a six, while a string of other batsmen failed to convert starts.

Queensland young gun Ben McDermott, the son of former Test quick Craig, top-scored with 50 from 90 balls and was supported by Damien Mortimer (28) and Jake Doran (21) before a collapse of 6-19 saw Australia dismissed 47 runs shy of their opponents for 174.

“We batted really well in our first game on this wicket when we scored 226 and thought we could chase India’s score down,” McDermott said.

“We thought it was very gettable but it got away from us and we were a bit below par where we need to be with the bat today.

“Their spinners bowled really well and varied their pace, but given it was a second-day wicket and it was really hot, it was the right choice to bowl first. There’s a lot for us to take out of this game, and on other day we can have a red-hot crack and try and get a win back against India.”

India are the reigning Under-19 World Champions after defeating Australia in the World Cup final in Townsville last year.

Australia will look to regroup tomorrow when it plays Papua New Guinea in a friendly.

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