INDA vs NZA: India’s Test stars falter as New Zealand A take control on Day 1

New Delhi: India’s Test regulars endured a difficult start to their New Zealand tour as the A team bundled out for just 133 runs on the opening day of the first unofficial Test at Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln on Saturday, October 24. After opting to bowl first on a green pitch, New Zealand A pacers exploited the conditions to dismiss the visitors in 39.2 overs, although India struck thrice close to stumps to regain some momentum.

Openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal struggled in the challenging conditions and were beaten on multiple occasions. Rahul departed for a duck, while Zak Gibson dismissed Jaiswal for 17. Simon Keene then removed Sai Sudharsan for a duck before quickly dismissing captain Dhruv Jurel for 1.

Devdutt Padikkal stood firm amid the collapse, batting at No.2 ahead of Sudharsan, which is perhaps an indication of India’s plans for the two-match Test series. He was unbeaten on 32 at lunch but edged behind off the first ball after the break, leaving India A reeling at 56/5. The wickets continued to tumble as Washington Sundar departed for a duck while the lower order failed to offer much resistance.

more to follow…