KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel failed as India A were bowled out for 113 in first unofficial Test

India A suffered a batting blow in their unofficial Test against New Zealand A, being bowled out for just 113 in 39.3 overs as Simon Keene took five wickets on a grass-covered pitch. The collapse comes during India’s ongoing full-format tour of New Zealand, which features five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests.

With the tour underway, the unofficial Test offers India’s Test hopefuls an opportunity to acclimatise to New Zealand conditions ahead of the two-match Test series. However, India A’s struggles against the seamers provided a timely reminder of the challenges that lie ahead when the ball gets moving.

PROBLEMS WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL

New Zealand A decided to bowl first and immediately took advantage of the conditions. Fraser Sheat struck early and dismissed KL Rahul for a duck after the opener faced just eight deliveries. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal tried to rebuild the innings but their partnership was short-lived as Zak Gibson removed Jaiswal for 17 off 45 balls.

Padikkal provided some resistance with 32 deliveries off 77, but Gibson came back to dismiss him as the innings began to unravel. Sai Sudharsan fell for a duck to Keene which then meant just one for Dhruv Jurel. Washington Sundar also departed without scoring, leaving India A struggling to arrest the slide.

Keene was an outstanding performer and finished with figures of 5/24 in 11.3 overs. He got movement off the surface and repeatedly troubled the batsmen while Gibson claimed three wickets. Sheat picked up one as New Zealand A’s pace attack kept India A under pressure throughout the innings.

Amidst the collapse, Yash Rathod stood out with an unbeaten 44 off 49 balls, hitting three fours and three sixes. He went the attacking route as wickets fell at the other end, with Anshul Kamboj contributing 10. Rathod’s counter attack helped India A cross the 100-run mark before the innings ended on 113.

The grass on the surface clearly favored the bowlers and New Zealand A made great use of it. However, the ease with which India A lost wickets and the lack of substantial partnerships will concern the team management.

The unofficial Test series is an important opportunity for India’s Test hopefuls to acclimatise to local conditions before the senior side takes on New Zealand in the longest format. While one innings on a bowler-friendly pitch cannot create a wider pattern, India A will need a stronger response to prove they can withstand sustained pressure from quality seamers.

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