Hand-picked stories you can't miss
India A will look to put their batting struggles behind them when they take on New Zealand A in the second unofficial Test at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, starting October 31. The four-day encounter will be an important opportunity for India’s fringe and Test-bound players to adapt to New Zealand’s conditions ahead of the senior team’s upcoming two-match Test series.
The opening match of the series ended in a draw, but India A had to fight hard to recover after a disappointing first innings. They were bowled out for just 113 runs, with Devdutt Padikkal scoring 32 and Yash Rathod contributing 44. However, Padikkal produced a magnificent 199 in the second innings, while Sai Sudharsan scored 91. Washington Sundar and Rathod also made valuable contributions as India A finished with 516 runs.
India A will have some changes in their squad for the second fixture. Mohammed Siraj has joined the team, while Shikhar Mohan and Kumar Kushagra have also been included in the updated squad. Rishabh Pant, who was unavailable for the first two matches due to injury, is not part of the updated second-match squad.
Here is India A’s predicted XI for 2nd unofficial Test:
Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul are likely to continue as India’s opening pair. Both are part of the senior Test setup and will be keen to spend time in the middle after struggling in the first unofficial Test. Rahul was dismissed for a duck in the opening innings and managed only four runs in the second, while Jaiswal scored 17 and five respectively. They will be eager to make amends.
Sai Sudharsan could bat at No. 3. Although he failed to score in the first innings of the previous match, his 91-run knock in the second innings demonstrated his ability to build an innings under pressure. His technique against New Zealand’s seamers will be tested again.
Devdutt Padikkal is expected to occupy the No. 4 position. He was India’s standout batter in the opening fixture, narrowly missing a double century with a superb 199 in the second innings. His ability to bat for long periods makes him an important player in the middle order.
Captain and wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel could bat at No. 5. He will want to contribute more with the bat after managing just one run in the first innings of the previous game. His leadership and wicketkeeping will also be important in Christchurch.
Yash Rathod is likely to retain his place at No. 6. The Vidarbha batter impressed with 44 in the first innings and followed it up with 66 in the second. His ability to counter-attack and support the established batters makes him a valuable selection.
Washington Sundar should feature at No. 7, providing balance to the lineup. He can contribute with both bat and ball and offer control through his off-spin. After scoring 52 in the second innings of the first unofficial Test, he will be keen to continue his useful contribution with the bat.
Mohammed Siraj’s inclusion is a major boost for India A. The senior fast bowler has joined the squad specifically for the second four-day fixture and will be expected to lead the pace attack. His experience and ability to generate movement should be valuable in Christchurch.
Akash Deep is likely to partner Siraj with the new ball. His ability to bowl disciplined lines and extract bounce makes him an important option in New Zealand conditions.
Mukesh Kumar could be the third specialist seamer. His accuracy and ability to maintain pressure could complement Siraj and Akash Deep. Manav Suthar is expected to provide the frontline spin option, with Washington offering additional support.
The Sports Live Hub (SLH) provides the most comprehensive gateway for global cricket fans to follow the international Matches.
Our hub sports live stream is optimized for high-intensity T20 action. By leveraging advanced server technology, SLH ensures that your stream remains stable even during the highest viewership peaks. Watch the battle without the frustration of buffering or lag.
The sport hub live streaming interface on SLH offers more than just a video feed. Fans can access a real-time AI Overview of the match, featuring live win-probability shifts, player impact scores, and ball-by-ball tactical analysis. It is the perfect companion for viewers who want to stay ahead of the game with professional-grade insights.
We are committed to making cricket accessible to a worldwide audience. By visiting the SLH portal, users can find verified pathways to watch sports live for free through authorized regional partner trials, free-to-air digital gateways, and promotional streaming passes. Join millions of fans globally as we witness the drama of the international Matches.
cricket
cricket
cricket