Philippe’s flowing century leads Australia A fightback
New Zealand A 277 and 20 for 0 lead Australia A 275 (Philippe 105, McSweeney 56, Dwarshuis 50) by 22 runs
Josh Philippe struck a counterattacking century to rescue Australia A on the second day of the pink-ball encounter with New Zealand A.
The hosts had been in hassle on 150 for 7 and threatening to concede a considerable deficit however Philippe registered a 109-ball hundred, his third in first-class cricket, alongside help from Ben Dwarshuis who struck a half-century to get Australia inside two runs.
Philippe, having changed Jimmy Peirson within the XI, got here to the crease with Australia wobbling on 65 for 4 shortly after the dinner break. He was quickly scoring at higher than a run-a-ball and added 72 for the fifth wicket with captain Nathan McSweeney.
But when McSweeney edged a lifting supply from William O’Rourke to second slip, Australia A misplaced 3 for 13 with Sean Solia once more discovering success with two wickets.
Philippe, who solely averaged 14 within the Sheffield Shield for Western Australia final season, stood agency though was given a life at slip as he approached his century. It was his finest rating in first-class cricket since he made 94 for Australia A towards Sri Lanka in Hambantota in June 2022.
Earlier, Australia A’s high order had struggled towards some probing bowling from the guests. Cameron Bancroft was caught on the crease by a supply that nipped again from Jacob Duffy and Caleb Jewell was caught low down at first slip, though didn’t seem satisfied the prospect had carried to Dean Foxcroft.
Tim Ward fell in legspinner Adithya Ashok’s first over, edging to slide, and Campbell Kellaway edged Duffy after the primary break with Cam Fletcher taking the catch having changed Mitch Hay behind the stumps after he picked up a finger harm.