Mukesh Kumar takes 5-87 but NZ A lead India A by 78

Mukesh Kumar took 5 for 87 in 29 overs, but New Zealand A still gained a 78-run first-innings lead over India A on day 3 of the second unofficial Test at Hagley Oval, Christchurch. The hosts were bowled out for 424 in reply to India A’s 346.

India A closed the day on 32/0 in their second innings, 46 runs behind, with Yashasvi Jaiswal unbeaten on 20. The match runs to 3 November, so day 4 is the final day.

How the lead was built

New Zealand A were 338 for 8 before their last two wickets added 86 runs and swung the first innings their way. Matthew Boyle made 110 off 152 balls, and Dean Foxcroft fell seven short of a century with 93 off 226 balls. His near six-hour innings ended after India A took the second new ball, and New Zealand A had added 208 for the fourth wicket.

Foxcroft has since earned a call-up to New Zealand’s ODI squad for the last two games against India, ThePrint reports.

India A’s bowlers

Mohammed Siraj sent down 35 overs for his four wickets as he warmed up for the two-Test series. Akash Deep went wicketless, 0/59 in 23 overs, while Washington Sundar took 1/81 in 29.5 overs to close the New Zealand A innings.

What comes next

India A’s first innings rested largely on captain Dhruv Jurel, who made 105 off 171 balls on day 2 as the side reached 346.

The first Test of the tour was drawn. The third Test against New Zealand A starts on Sunday, 8 November at 3:00 AM IST.