From correspondents in Karnataka, India, 09:00 PM IST

Australia A managed to escape with a draw against India A in the three-day cricket Test at the Chinnaswamy stadium here Thursday.

Following on, Australia A put in an improved performance and were 263 for seven at the end of play on the third and final day. Australia were all out for 116 in their first innings, chasing India's 284. The visitors were asked to follow on after falling short of the mark by 13 runs.

Starting the day at a precarious 113 for eight, Australia A could add only three runs to their overnight score. Mohnish Parmar (4-37) and Piyush Chawla (3-39) added one wicket each to their tally.

Australia A made a good start of their second innings with skipper Simon Katich (56) and Phillip Hughes (43) putting on a solid 88 runs for the opening stand. Parmar broke the stand when he got rid of Katich and then quickly removed Adam Voges to raise hopes of a victory for the hosts.

Marcus North, who was the saving grace for the visitors in the first inings, added 88 runs to dash India's chances of taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. Pacer Sudip Tyagi was the most successful India bowler in the second innings taking four for 42.

Australia A tackled the spin duo of Chawla and Parmar well in the second innings. Chawla went wicketless in his 25 overs. Parmar finished with match figures of six for 92.

Brief scores: India A Ist innings: 284 (Mohammad Kaif 94, Piyush Chawla 66, Virat Kohli 49; Doug Bollinger 4-59, Bryce McGain 3-51)

Australia A Ist innings 116 all out (Marcus North 41, George Bailey 38; Mohnish Parmar 4-37, Piyush Chawla 3-39) and 263 for seven (Phillip Hughes 43, Simon Katich 56, Marcus North 88; Sudip Tyagi 4-42, Mohnish Parmar 2-55)

(Staff Writer, © IANS)