Indian pacers excel against New Zealand XI in warm-up game
After managing just 263 on Day of the practice match against New Zealand XI, the Indian cricket team fought back to take a substantial 87-run lead. Indian pacers shared nine wickets between them to bowl out NZ XI for just 235. Post that, the Indian openers shared an unbeaten 59-run opening stand. Here's further details on the same.
Shami and Bumrah shine with their qualities on offer
India fielded all four pacers in the practice match and the response was good. Mohammed Shami (3/17) was pick of the Indian pacers. He showed why he will be the biggest wicket-taking threat against the Kiwis. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah, who had a poor outing in the ODIs, showed his authority with two scalps. He got the crucial wicket of Will Young early on.
India will have to choose between Saini and Umesh
If Ishant Sharma misses out, then the choice for Team India regarding the third pacer in the side will be between Umesh Yadav and Navdeep Saini. Both these fast bowlers impressed on Day 2 against New Zealand XI. The picked up four scalps between them. Saini was on the costlier side after conceding at a rate of 3.87. Umesh got figures of 2/49.
Indian openers learn an important lesson, fare better
On Day 1, the likes of Mayank Agarwal and Prithvi Shaw managed 1 and 0 respectively. They were bothered by the seam and bounce on offer at Seddon Park. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill, who is also vying for a berth, managed a duck. However, on Day 2, Agarwal (35*) and Shaw (23*) showed a better approach and played positively. Both had strike-rates of over 100.
India bowlers do not allow NZ XI to get away
For New Zealand XI, nobody went on to get past the 50-run mark. Several batsmen threatened after getting positive starts, however, Indian bowlers managed to hit back at crucial junctures and claim wickets. This derailed the NZ XI side. Henry Cooper (40) led the show.
