Don't forget me: Konstas sends reminder to selectors

Young Sam Konstas is not ready to hand back his Test spot just yet.

His answer was loud and clear on the opening day of Australia A's four-day clash with India A at the Ekjana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, where he struck an undefeated 101 before tea.

His century, compiled with another young protege in the making in Campbell Kellaway (88), had taken Australia A to a daunting 0-198 at the second break on Tuesday.

With scores of 3, 5, 25, 0, 17 and 0 against the West Indies, the teenager was sent to the sub-continent to find runs and confidence.

But it was his approach and the manner in which he constructed his knock that would have pleased and impressed chairman of selectors George Bailey.

The New South Welshman bided his time and played second fiddle to the more free-flowing Kellaway, before exploding late to reach his century with a six.

In his first 46 balls faced, Konstas scored just 18 at a strike rate of 39.13, while the 22-year-old Kellaway raced to 45 off 44 balls.

Konstas then progressed to 41 off 68 balls to up his strike rate to 60.29, while Kellaway reached 47 off 52 balls scoring at 90.38.

The 19-year-old got to 50 off 86 balls at 58.14 before raising his bat for his century off 122 balls (81.97).

He was eventually bowled by Harsh Dubey for 109, striking 10 fours and three sixes in his 144-ball innings scored at 75.69.

The left-handed Kellaway failed to add to his tally after tea and was first man out, caught by Tanush Kotian off Gurnoor Singh Brar - 12 shy of what would have been an equally impressive ton.

His skills would also not have gone unnoticed, having shown promise when the left-hander opened the batting at the Under-19 World Cup in 2022.

His innings off 97 balls included 10 boundaries and two maximums.

After their 198-run opening stand, and the demise of both Kellaway and Konstas, Australia A lost quick wickets in Nathan McSweeney (1) and Oliver Peake (2).

Test hopeful McSweeney was trapped leg before by Dubey, ending his quick stay at the crease after a long, long wait to get there.

Australia A finished 5-337 at stumps, losing Cooper Connolly for 70 with Dubey claiming his third scalp.

At the crease are Liam Scott on 47 and Josh Philippe (3).