Brisbane, July 8 (IANS): A record 371-run partnership between Mitchell Marsh and Sam Whiteman rescued Australia A from the brink of a collapse to 522/9 at stumps on Day 3 of their four-day match against India A at the Allan Border Field here Tuesday.
The Western Australia teammates came together Monday evening with the hosts reeling at 99/6 and resumed play Tuesday at 126/6. The partnership ended at 470/7, having set the second-highest partnership for the seventh wicket in first class cricket history.
With India A declaring at 475/9 and ending Day 2 with the home team down at 126/6, the visitors were in total command of the match before Marsh and Whiteman changed the course.
The pair batted through the first two sessions without losing a wicket as they continued Australia A's rescue mission and recording their own personal milestones.
Wicketkeeper batsman Whiteman raised his bat for his maiden first class century before finally departing for 174 off the spin of Karun Nair. He hammered 26 boundaries and a six in his 278-ball knock.
Right-handed batsman Marsh celebrated his first double-ton in style, smashing a six to bring up the milestone. He was eventually run out for 211 with only five overs remaining in the day. The 22-year-old smashed a remarkable 21 boundaries and 10 sixes in his 294-ball innings.
Ben Cutting wasted no time adding to the home side's total. He hit the first ball for a boundary and scored 11 from 14 balls before being bowled by Jasprit Bumrah.
At the close of play, Australia A were on 522/9 with Cameron Boyce (16 not out) and Chadd Sayers (3 not out) at the crease.
Brief scores: India A 475/9 declared trail Australia A 522/9 (Mitchell Marsh 211, Sam Whiteman 174; Jasprit Bumrah 4/128).