Sam Harper Enters Australia Test Frame After Unbeaten Century

Victorian wicketkeeper batter Sam Harper has pushed his case to be a last-minute addition to Australia’s Test squad in South Africa after scoring an unbeaten century on day one of Australia A’s four-day game against India A in Puducherry.

Australia A reached stumps at 7/282 after captain Peter Handscomb won the toss and elected to bat first, with Harper’s knock of 101 not out turning the game on its head after the visitors slumped to 5/104.

Walking out at No.7 in his first appearance for Australia A and his first first-class match on foreign soil, Harper hit seven fours and three sixes from 146 deliveries to secure his sixth first-class century.

The 29-year-old gloveman shared an 84-run partnership with Liam Scott and an 89-run stand with Todd Murphy, and will resume his innings on day two alongside fast bowler Jhye Richardson.

With Josh Inglis's fractured finger casting doubt on his place in the Test squad following the first ODI in South Africa, Harper stands as a direct like-for-like replacement who can provide wicketkeeping cover and batting flexibility.