PACER Mohammed Siraj warmed up for the upcoming two-Test series with four wickets in 35 overs for India A but New Zealand A’s lower order showed a lot of grit to earn a 78-run first innings lead on the penultimate day of the second unofficial Test in Christchurch. Replying to India A’s first innings score of 346, New Zealand A, who were reduced to 338 for 8, finished their first innings at 424. The last two wickets yielded 86 runs to provide the hosts a handy lead.

 

Speedster Siraj took 4-118 in 35 overs while seamer Mukesh Kumar grabbed 5 for 87 in 29 overs to share the bulk of the spoils. At stumps, India A reached 32 for no loss in their second innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal (20 batting) and Sai Sudharsan (11 batting) negotiating the remaining 11 overs of the day safely. For the Indian senior team support staff, Siraj adding miles to his legs at a venue where the team will play the second Test against New Zealand is certainly a big positive. The Test series against the Black Caps begins on November 19.