NZ A vs IND A Test: Prasidh Krishna shines, Bumrah returns as India dominate

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Pacer Prasidh Krishna removed both New Zealand A openers after India A piled up a monumental 464 for five declared on Day 2 of the third four-day match in Lincoln, placing the visitors in total control ahead of their upcoming Test series against New Zealand.

Half-centuries from Dhruv Jurel, Tilak Varma, and Washington Sundar anchored the commanding total, while B Sai Sudharsan and Jurel fell just short of individual centuries.

Resuming his overnight score of 77, Sai Sudharsan added 11 runs before being clean bowled by Zak Gibson for 88 off 255 balls. Jurel reached his half-century with a boundary before departing for 54 after top-edging a short ball to deep backward square.

Tilak Varma and Ravindra Jadeja guided India A to 331 for four at lunch, but Gibson struck again post-break, dismissing Jadeja edge-behind to slip.

Tilak and Washington then built a patient partnership against a depleted New Zealand A bowling attack lacking injured pacers Jarrod McKay and Danru Ferns.

After crossing the 400-run mark post-tea, Tilak completed his half-century and launched Dean Foxcroft for a six. Washington joined the milestone club with his own fifty, prompting India A to declare at 464 for five in the final session.

Prasidh Krishna strikes early and Bumrah returns

Following the declaration, eyes turned to Jasprit Bumrah, featuring in his first competitive red-ball match since the Guwahati Test against South Africa nearly a year ago.

Bumrah bowled a six-over spell without taking a wicket, whereas Prasidh provided an immediate threat.

Prasidh cleaned up Rhys Mariu with an inswinger that breached his defence to shatter the stumps. He then trapped Curtis Heaphy leg-before to complete his double strike.

Heaphy had earlier been dropped by Sai Sudharsan at third slip off Prasidh and took several hits on the body before Prasidh ultimately pinned him with another sharp incoming delivery.

Dean Foxcroft and nightwatchman Zak Gibson remained unbeaten at the close of play as New Zealand A looked to negotiate the remaining overs.

Bumrah, Prasidh, Mukesh Choudhary and Mukesh Kumar all had opportunities to test themselves in match conditions, with India A using the fixture as preparation ahead of the upcoming Test series against New Zealand.

(With inputs from agencies)

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