McSweeney century and Beardman's new-ball burst steer Australia A to series-opening win in India

Nathan McSweeney answered his Test squad omission in the most direct way possible, striking a match-winning century as Australia A defeated India A by 125 runs in the opening one-day international in Puducherry.

The 27-year-old South Australian, overlooked for the Test tour of South Africa despite three appearances at that level, compiled 123 from 135 deliveries to rescue his side from a precarious 3/30 and set up a commanding total of 274.

How did Australia A recover from a poor start?

Mitch Owen (10), Sam Konstas (14) and Josh Philippe (2) all fell inside the first five overs, and the visitors were still in trouble at 5/87 when Liam Scott and Nikil Chaudhary departed without mounting a substantial partnership.

McSweeney, who spent the Australian winter with English county Northamptonshire under coach Darren Lehmann, found a reliable ally in Victorian captain Will Sutherland. The pair added 141 for the sixth wicket, with Sutherland contributing a brisk 77 from 68 balls including four sixes.

After Sutherland's dismissal, McSweeney accelerated to his century, striking 13 boundaries in total to carry Australia A to 274 all out.

“A little bit of trouble early but Will played really well and we ended up a good total on the board,” McSweeney said. “We just needed to make sure we batted as close to 50 overs as possible. I think their spinners are world class in India, so that was a huge challenge.”

How did Mahli Beardman dismantle India A's top order?

India A's reply never gained traction against 21-year-old West Australian quick Mahli Beardman, who removed the top three within his first 11 balls. Beardman, who made his T20 international debut in Pakistan earlier this year, finished with 4/23 from six overs, bouncing out Test-capped Sai Sudharsan and having Devdutt Padikkal caught at mid off.

Left-arm speedster Spencer Johnson provided able support with 2/36, and the hosts were eventually dismissed for 149 in just 31.4 overs. Rajat Patidar's half-century offered the only meaningful resistance.

Todd Murphy, McSweeney and Owen each claimed a wicket as Australia A sealed a comfortable victory in the first of the one-day series.

“It was very good to bat with Nathan, it was a wonderful innings, and we were able to get a good total,” Sutherland said. “Mahli set the tone beautifully and the other boys followed him.”

What does this mean for McSweeney's Test prospects?

McSweeney was overlooked for the South Africa tour after the four-day matches, with Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper called up as injury cover for Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw and Josh Inglis. Green has since been ruled out of the first Test in Durban, while Renshaw has been cleared to play.

This innings serves as a timely reminder of McSweeney's credentials as one of Australia's most promising young batters, though he will need to await the next opportunity at Test level.

Frequently asked questions

What was the final score in the Australia A vs India A match?

Australia A scored 274 all out and dismissed India A for 149, winning by 125 runs in Puducherry.

How many wickets did Mahli Beardman take?

Beardman took 4/23 from six overs, including the top three India A batters in his first spell.

Why was Nathan McSweeney not selected for the Test tour of South Africa?

McSweeney was overlooked after the two four-day games, with selectors opting for Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper as injury replacements.