Devdutt Padikkal and B Sai Sudharsan struggled to carry their momentum from the previous day, contributing to India’s collapse for 312. With a target of 225 runs in the fourth innings, Mukesh Kumar dismissed Sam Konstas early.
Cameron Bancroft and Marcus Harris managed a brief 41-run partnership before faltering. An unusual event drew attention as the groundsman was called onto the field near the end of the innings.
Footage captured Mukesh Kumar receiving a hammer from the groundsman, who rushed in to assist. He positioned himself near the leg stump of a right-handed batsman while India A players gathered around him.
Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad offered encouragement, and the groundsman later took Manav Suthar with him in a golf cart. As they drove away, Suthar’s cap flew off the back, and the groundsman dropped him near the boundary ropes to resume fielding.
Anything goes in Mackay! 😆😆😆#AUSAvINDA pic.twitter.com/S4eV5LjXCK
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 2, 2024
This amusing incident from Mackay quickly circulated on social media, becoming a highlight of the third day.