The battle for the vacant top-order spot in Australia’s Test team has taken another turn with contenders Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft both dismissed for golden ducks in Australia A’s second innings against India A.

The Aussies are chasing a 168-run target for victory against India after the tourists were all bowled out for 229 in 77.5 overs on Saturday afternoon.

A lower-order fightback earlier saw Dhruv Jurel and Nitish Kumar Reddy combined for a 94-run partnership for the sixth wicket.

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But in a dramatic first over to the run chase, Indian seamer Prasidh Krishna took two wickets to remove Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft for a pair of golden ducks.

First, Harris’ inside edge was caught by wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel as he tried to drive through the offside before Bancroft, with the very next ball, was given out LBW with a stunning yorker.

Arriving at the crease much earlier than he had probably expected, Sam Konstas survived the hat-trick delivery to revive his Test selection hopes.

Opener Nathan McSweeney also remains unbeaten.

Harris had made 73 in the first innings after dominating the MCG on Friday.

The Australian squad for the first Test is expected to be named after the Australia A tour has concluded, meaning the news could come as soon as Saturday.

MORE TO COME.