Australia A opener Sam Konstas scored a brilliant century on day one of the first unofficial Test against India A at Lucknow's Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium. The young Australian batter's innings not only provided his team an early grip but also revived his Ashes prospects after a difficult period earlier this year. Konstas and Kellaway Dominate the Morning Once skipper Nathan McSweeney decided to bat first, openers Campbell Kellaway and Sam Konstas gave Australia A a dream start. Konstas came up with his century off 122 balls to remain unbeaten on 101 at the end of the first session. Kellaway too was solid on the other side, scoring an 88 not out by tea. The two added 198 for the first wicket, putting India A's bowlers under pressure. Konstas demonstrated patience in the early stages, crawling to 11 from 43 deliveries. But once established, he opened up his game. He particularly attacked Prasidh Krishna, the same bowler who had got him out earlier in Test cricket. The peak of his innings was when he reached his century with a huge six over long-on, a shot that emphasized both control and aggression. Also Read | Watch: Jaiswal Sledges Konstas with 'Shot Nahi Lag Rahe Kya' A Career at a Turning Point To Konstas, this blow was much more than just runs. Previously in the year, he fared poorly in the West Indies with only 50 runs from six innings. With Usman Khawaja set to retain one opener's position for the Ashes in November, the 21-year-old needed a show of force. His 109 from 144 balls in Lucknow could not have arrived at a better moment. Local journalists admired his mix of attacking shots and patience, commenting on how he combined serene batting with aggressive strokeplay. The display has again propelled his name into the frame for the Ashes team, which the selectors will name ahead of the opener against England at Perth on November 21. Collapse After Bright Start Following tea, India A finally regained some fight. Kellaway was dismissed for 88, after which came rapid wickets of McSweeney and Konstas himself, who was out for 109. From a dominant 198 without loss, Australia A then slipped to 224 for four. Nevertheless, Konstas' hundred is the biggest talking point of the day.