New Tasmanian recruit scores 130 to help the CA XI take a commanding lead over Bangladesh at stumps on day two
Rising batter Teague Wyllie has notched a statement century for the Cricket Australia XI in his first hit-out since being delisted by Western Australia.
The proactive No.6 helped CA XI take a 73-run lead to stumps on the penultimate day of their three-day tour match against Bangladesh in Darwin.
Things are only set to become more challenging for the tourists, who are playing at near full strength ahead of the two-match Test series that begins next week.
Bangladesh managed 263 runs in their first dig and were 2-19 at stumps in their second after Campbell Thompson (2-10) struck twice in his three overs.
Earlier, Wyllie (130 runs off 177 balls) raised his bat after only 131 deliveries, reaching triple figures with a single just before 4pm local time on Friday.
“It was really nice to be able to contribute to the scoreboard and help put the guys in a very good position,” Wyllie said.
The Tasmanian recruit passed his previous domestic red-ball high score of 104, though this match won’t count towards his first-class statistical record as both teams have fielded 13 players.
He was eventually caught at deep extra cover attempting to slog Syed Khaled Ahmed (1-51) as the CA XI were bowled out for 355.
Given Cameron Green is the only batter in Australia’s Test squad is younger than 31, the 22-year-old’s efforts were a reassuring glimpse into the future.
They also came as a relief after fellow rising stars Campbell Kellaway (0) and Sam Konstas (1) sputtered and consigned Australia to 2-1 late on day one.
Veteran left-hander Kurtis Patterson (53 runs off 91 balls) reprised his brilliant form from last summer, steadying the ship before Hasan Mahmud (4-42) clean bowled him.
Australia took the lead during a 167-run stand for the sixth wicket between Wyllie and Jake Doran (76 off 102), who then edged to fine leg.
But it could hardly have been a stronger start to the summer for Wyllie, who in 2022 became the youngest Sheffield Shield centurion since Ricky Ponting.
Wyllie delayed contract talks with WA in late 2025 given uncertainty around the side’s coach, and a desire to keep his options open.
By the time he was ready to commit, WA had pulled their offer, needing to absorb the returns of Jhye Richardson and Lance Morris from Cricket Australia’s central contract list.
Wyllie played a straight bat on Friday when asked whether he had a point to prove batting for the first time since his exit.
“I try not to go too far into that. I try to focus on the next ball, that’s the most important thing for me,” Wyllie said.
Bangladesh tour of Australia
Warm-up match v Cricket Australia XI, August 6-8, Marrara Cricket Ground, Darwin, 10am (local)
First Test: August 13-17, Marrara Stadium, Darwin, 10am (local)
Second Test: August 22-26, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay, 10am (local)
