Brisbane, Nov 29: The touring Indians lost three wickets in seven balls after their bowlers were put on the rack by a second-grade Queensland side on the opening day of a three-day side game here today. The ragged Indian bowling attack once again let a batting reputation grow at their expense and their batsmen did little better in the seven possible overs to crumble to 17 for 3 at close against Queensland Academy of Sports XI.

Lee Carseldine, playing his first game of the season after recovering from a knee injury, smashed a brilliant century as the home team cheekily declared at 304 for 6, half an hour before close of play.

The hosts backed their decision sensationally, removing Indian openers and wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta in the space of seven balls. Scott Bryant, a left-arm paceman of Zimbabwe-origin, removed Akash Chopra and Deep Dasgupta off successive deliveries in his second over though the Indian stumper was unlucky as he had played fully stretched forward.


India suffered another blow at the other end when Virender Sehwag (6) edged a flick down the legside off Joe Dawes for wicketkeeper Chris Hartley to complete a very good catch. Bureau Report