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Brisbane: Captain James Faulkner and middle-order batsman Peter Forrest played the lead hands for Australia A on day one of their second four-day match against India A at Allan Border Field, leading the home side to 7-287 at stumps.
Australia A lost three wickets in the opening session after Faulkner won the toss and elected to bat, and it was up to he and Forrest to steady the ship, which they did so in the middle session without losing a wicket.
The hosts were 3-66 at lunch, with Phil Hughes (12) and Alex Doolan (18) both losing their wickets to India A speedster Umesh Yadav, before Chris Lynn (12) departed just prior to the interval, edging off the leg spin of Amit Mishra.
In the afternoon session, Faulkner played the aggressor, upping the run rate and posting his 50 from 80 deliveries while a more sedate Forrest found his feet and set about taking control of the innings.
Forrest was out after tea for 77, looking to push his score along, while Faulkner lasted longer and came within one lusty blow of his maiden first-class hundred.
Indeed, he attempted to reach the milestone with one heave when on 94, succeeding only in getting a top edge from Mishra which was comfortably taken.
Mitch Marsh (14) and Sam Whiteman (12) came shuddering back to earth after their lofty deeds last week, and at the close of play it was Queensland pair Ben Cutting (23) and Cameron Boyce (2) still at the crease.
