Mukesh Kumar takes 5, Siraj 4 as New Zealand A bowled out for 424 in second unofficial Test

India A and New Zealand A are playing the second unofficial Test in Christchurch. On the third day, the Indian fast bowlers bowled well and New Zealand A were bowled out for 424 in their first innings, taking a lead of 74 runs over India.

Matthew Boyle scored a century in the New Zealand innings. Dean Foxcroft also came close to a century but fell seven runs short.

Mukesh Kumar's bowling drew the most attention for India. He bowled 29 overs, conceding only 87 runs, and took 5 wickets. Nine of his overs were maidens. The batters he dismissed include Christian Clarke, Fraser Sheat and Mitchell Hay.

Mohammed Siraj also bowled impressively. He sent down 35 overs in the first innings and took 4 wickets for 118 runs, with an economy rate of 3.37 and 8 maiden overs. Siraj is an important part of the Indian Test side, and his return to form before the Test series is a good sign for the team.

At the end of the third day's play, India had scored 32 runs in their second innings without losing a wicket.

Prasidh Krishna has been ruled out of the ODI series against New Zealand with an injury. He was hurt in the second T20 against the West Indies and has been out of the side since. If, as with the ODIs, Prasidh is not fully fit before the Test series, Mukesh Kumar could be included in the team in his place. Mukesh's form could benefit the Indian team.

Mukesh Kumar made his Test debut against the West Indies in July 2023. He has played three Tests since then and taken seven wickets in them.