Kulkarni strikes on truncated day

HYDERABAD: Dhawal Kulkarni set Australia A back in the limited play possible on the opening day of their three-day match against India A on Tuesday.
The outfield at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium had taken a severe beating with rain wreaking havoc on Monday and it is a tribute to the ground staff that the day witnessed some action - 23.1 overs to be precise - after it was decided on a 2.35 pm start; the hosts included Sahil Kukreja at the expense of Ajinkya Rahane while spinners Jason Krejza and Xavier Doherty replaced Beau Casson and Bryce McGain in the Aussie outfit.
The reluctance of the teams to take to the field was discernible and understandable given the conditions. It was after four inspections that the umpires deemed it fit to start the game - an extended session at that with day to be called at 5.35 pm - and visiting skipper Simon Katich decided to bat first. However, less than two hours of action unfolded with bad light playing spoilsport and Australia A were 82 for three when play was called off.
Watched by chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar, Kulkarni did not take long to dent the opposition, having left-handed Phillip Hughes edge to Mohammad Kaif, who took a fine catch low to his left at second slip.
Adam Voges did not last long either, going for an ambitious drive and edging Kulkarni to Parthiv Patel.
Skipper Katich (32) then built his innings brick by brick and looked set for a long haul till he slashed hard at a Sudeep Tyagi delivery and found Mohnish Parmar come up with a smart catch at point.
The visitors' hopes of a decent total now hinge on left-handed Marcus North and George Bailey. The former was seldom in trouble on a wicket where the ball came nicely on to the bat, but where patience still is a virtue.
Brief scores: Australia A (1st Innings) 82/3 (Katich 32, Kulkarni 2/22).