London, Australia A team manager Rod Marsh has expressed satisfaction despite his team falling one wicket short of winning the opening match of its England tour.
Australia A set Derbyshire 315 for victory, thanks largely to Steve Smith”s 78, and then took 8-150 to leave the home side struggling at 9-259. Derby”s tailenders survived the last six overs to force the draw.
Test off-spinner Nathan Lyon was the leading wicket-taker in the second innings, claiming 4-115, while enigmatic paceman Mitch Johnson improved from a wicket-less first innings to take 3-47 in the second, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.
Derby’s resistance was led by current Australian Test outcast Usman Khawaja, who made 66 to complement his unbeaten 56 from the first innings.
“He (Khawaja) played really well, no doubt about that. Obviously he was very determined against most of his (usual Australian) teammates,” said Marsh, who is also a national selector.
Marsh said he was pleased with the outcome of the match.
“It could have gone either way at one stage, it was a very good declaration by our captain, Ed,” he said in relation to captain Ed Cowan”s decision to halt Australia A”s second innings at 7-221 early on the final day of the three-day match.
“I think both sides were very happy with the workout. Derby is on top of division two and only a couple of wins away from getting into division one. It was a very good workout. That was important for us.”
Cowan”s bid to buttress his Test opening position was seemingly helped by his performance. He made 109 in the first innings and made an unbeaten 32 in the second when the batting order was shuffled.
