A nasty collision between wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh and Nishant Sindhu briefly stopped play during the first unofficial ODI between India A and Australia A in Puducherry on Tuesday, October 6. The two India A fielders crashed into each other while attempting to complete a high catch, but Prabhsimran managed to hold on to the ball and complete the dismissal. Australia A won the toss and opted to bat first at the Cricket Association Puducherry Siechem Ground.
India A are being led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, with Devdutt Padikkal serving as his deputy. The hosts entered the one-day series after winning the preceding unofficial Test series 1-0, with India A winning the opening match before the second Test ended in a draw. The incident occurred in only the second over of Australia A’s innings. Yash Thakur bowled a short delivery outside off stump to Mitchell Owen, who attempted to pull the ball but failed to make proper contact. The mistimed shot went high towards the cover-point region.
Prabhsimran immediately moved towards the ball and repeatedly called for the catch. However, Nishant Sindhu also ran in from cover-point in an attempt to take the opportunity. Neither player managed to stop their momentum, resulting in a heavy collision as both went to ground.
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Despite the impact, Prabhsimran kept his eyes on the ball and held on to complete the catch. Mitchell Owen was dismissed for 10 off seven deliveries. After getting back to his feet, Prabhsimran appeared to remind Sindhu that he had called for the catch, while Sindhu smiled, collected his cap and returned to his fielding position.
India A continued their impressive start with the ball. Yash Thakur struck again in the fourth over, removing Sam Konstas after another short delivery. Konstas attempted a pull but mistimed it towards mid-wicket, where Rajat Patidar completed a straightforward catch.
Yash Thakur gets the big fish! 🎣
Mitchell Owen departs as India A get their first wicket.🔥
#INDAvAUSA 👉 Streaming Live Now https://t.co/zk2ABY21JG https://t.co/ptGL7Ho9M1
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 6, 2026
Arshad Khan then joined the wickets column in the fifth over by dismissing Josh Philippe. The Australian batter edged a fuller delivery outside off, with Devdutt Padikkal taking an excellent diving catch at first slip. The third umpire reviewed the dismissal before confirming the catch. Australia A were reduced to 59/3 after 10 overs, with India A’s new-ball attack making early inroads.
Gaikwad revealed that India A would also have preferred to bat first, believing the dry Puducherry surface could become slower as the game progressed. “We were looking to bat first as well. The wicket looks a bit on the drier side and no dew later on. I think it will still play a bit slower in the day. So, hopefully our spinners can make use of it,” Gaikwad said.
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The India A captain also praised the squad’s depth, pointing to the IPL experience within the team. The series was initially expected to mark Hardik Pandya’s return to competitive cricket, but a fresh shin injury ruled him out. Suryansh Shedge was subsequently named as his replacement in the India A squad.
