Mohammed Siraj finds his bowling rhythm with India A against New Zealand A

Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj picked up four wickets for 118 runs from 35 overs while playing for India A against New Zealand A in Christchurch, gaining much-needed bowling workload ahead of India's upcoming Test matches. Siraj previously admitted that long breaks between tours affect his rhythm and that he needs extended spells to get his body moving.

Match Action

Siraj needed just one ball on the third morning to dismiss Matthew Boyle for 110, ending a 208-run fourth-wicket partnership with Dean Foxcroft. Siraj then trapped Foxcroft lbw for 93 and later bowled Brett Randell for five, finishing his spell with figures of 4/118. At the other end, Bengal seamer Mukesh Kumar claimed 5/87 from 29 overs, taking his 12th first-class five-wicket haul by removing Mitchell Hay, Kristian Clarke, and Fraser Sheat.

Innings Finish

New Zealand A was eventually bowled out for 424 in 132.5 overs, securing a 78-run first-innings lead over India A's total of 346. Despite early breakthroughs, India A was frustrated by the lower order as Clarke and Sheat added 47 runs, followed by a 55-run last-wicket stand before Washington Sundar removed Jarrod McKay. In their second innings, India A reached 32/0 in 11 overs at stumps, with Yashasvi Jaiswal on 20 and Sai Sudharsan on 11.

Context

India A tours provide a vital bridge for international cricketers to gain match practice and physical conditioning before major series. Fast bowlers often rely on domestic and tour matches to build stamina and fine-tune their action after extended gaps in the international calendar.