Mukesh Takes Five as New Zealand A Post 424 and Take 78-Run Lead in Christchurch

Mukesh Kumar took five wickets as New Zealand A were bowled out for 424 in their first innings on day three of the second unofficial Test in Christchurch, giving the hosts a 78-run lead over India A's 346.

Matthew Boyle and Dean Foxcroft led the recovery with a 208-run stand for the fourth wicket after their side had slipped to 13 for 3, and the lower order stretched the lead further, with Kristian Clarke and Fraser Sheat both passing 40 and a 55-run stand for the last wicket between Jarrod McKay and Jayden Lennox.

India A's 346 had been built on captain Dhruv Jurel's century, along with 80 from Devdutt Padikkal and 68 from Akash Deep, and India A started their second innings late on day three, 78 runs behind with one day left in the match.