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Australia colts win final match against India

April 21, 2009 15:33 IST

Australia ended the Under-19 series against India on a positive note, winning the final match, a three-day game at the WACA, by six wickets.

But it was India took out the overall honours with a 3-2 series win over the five matches, dominating the Hobart leg of the series.

Australia required just 108 runs to win on the final day at the WACA after moving to 0-19 at stumps on day two. However, Indian speedster Harshal Patel had other ideas on the final morning, snaring 3-32 before Australia eventually got the required runs thanks to Mitchell Marsh's 69 not out.

India's Mayank Agarwal, a 17-year-old from Karnataka was named Player of the Series after a terrific tour that saw him compile 379 runs at an average of 75.8 in six innings.

Australia Under-19 captain Marsh said he was pleased to finish the series with a couple of wins after finding conditions tough in Hobart.

"Coming over to Perth we knew we were 0-3 and we really wanted to get a win on the board and the boys came together well," 17-year-old Marsh said.

"The wicket was a lot bouncier and Kane Richardson bowled extremely well in the first innings of this match taking five wickets which was a great reward for him. He worked hard in Hobart but things just didn't quite go his way."

Australia found themselves in a little bit of trouble early at 4-40 but the team rallied, thanks to Marsh and South Australian Joel Garrett (25 not out) who put on 90 for the partnership closing out the match.

"When we were 4-40 we were in a bit of strife but Joel (Garrett) and I put on a good partnership and it got us over the line in the end," Marsh said.

"It's been a great tour for everyone and that's why we have these types of series so we can learn and adapt to different situations."

Kane Richardson was named Player of the Match for his spell in the first innings that reaped five wickets and helped put India on the back-foot from the outset.

"It definitely felt good to get a few wickets. It was good to get out there on the first day and walk out to the middle and see a bit of grass on the wicket and to bowl first up was great because our attack was really looking forward to bowling at the WACA," 18-year-old Richardson said.

Source: REUTERS
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