Christchurch: India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has been added to the India A squad for the second four-day match against New Zealand A, scheduled to begin on October 31 at Hagley Oval. The move is aimed at giving the experienced pacer valuable match practice ahead of India’s upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand.

Siraj’s inclusion comes as India adjust their preparations for the red-ball leg of the tour. Several players from the senior Test set-up are part of the India A programme, which features three four-day matches against New Zealand A.

The second fixture in Christchurch will provide Siraj with an opportunity to get back into competitive red-ball action before the senior Test series begins on November 19.

Siraj joins India A for second four-day match

Siraj has been included in the squad led by wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel. The fast bowler will join a group that already features established international players such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal and Washington Sundar.

India A’s second match against New Zealand A begins on October 31 and will continue until November 3. The fixture is an important part of India’s preparation programme, allowing players to build match rhythm and assess their readiness for the longer format.

Siraj’s participation is particularly relevant as India prepare for the Test series. His experience in international cricket and ability to bowl extended spells make him an important part of India’s pace-bowling plans.

India A seek a strong response after opening match

India A will be looking to make the most of the Christchurch fixture after the opening four-day match against New Zealand A ended in a draw.

India came close to securing victory in the first match at Lincoln, but New Zealand A held on as fading light brought the contest to a close. The result meant that India A missed an opportunity to take an early lead in the unofficial series.

The second match offers the visitors another chance to test their batting and bowling combinations against New Zealand’s emerging players and those preparing for the senior side.

Prasidh Krishna ruled out of ODI series

The latest squad changes also come amid an injury setback for India. Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna has been ruled out of the five-match ODI series against New Zealand as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.

The pacer was initially named in the ODI squad subject to fitness clearance. However, he requires additional time to build the bowling workload needed to return to competitive cricket.

Prasidh is expected to join India A for the third and final four-day match against New Zealand A, scheduled to begin on November 7 at Lincoln, subject to clearing his Return to Play assessment.

The development means India will be without Prasidh for the ODI series, which begins on November 4 in Auckland. The selectors have not announced a replacement for him in the available squad update.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to join India A after first ODI

India all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy will remain with the senior ODI squad for the opening match against New Zealand on November 4. He will then join India A for the third and final four-day fixture against New Zealand A.

The arrangement is intended to provide Reddy with red-ball match practice ahead of the Test series. His participation in the India A match will allow him to prepare for the demands of the longer format.

The team management is therefore using the India A fixtures to give selected players competitive opportunities before the two-Test assignment.

India A squad for second four-day match

India A’s updated squad for the Christchurch fixture includes:

  • Yashasvi Jaiswal
  • Sai Sudharsan
  • Devdutt Padikkal
  • Yash Rathod
  • R. Smaran
  • Dhruv Jurel (captain and wicketkeeper)
  • Washington Sundar
  • Mohammed Siraj
  • Akash Deep
  • Shikhar Mohan
  • Mukesh Choudhary
  • Mukesh Kumar
  • Manav Suthar
  • Kumar Kushagra (wicketkeeper)

Focus shifts to the Test series

India’s two-match Test series against New Zealand begins on November 19 in Wellington. The India A fixtures are expected to play an important role in preparing the squad for the challenge.

With Siraj joining the second match and Reddy scheduled to feature in the third, India are giving key players opportunities to build their red-ball readiness. Prasidh Krishna’s possible participation in the final fixture will depend on his fitness clearance.

The Christchurch match will therefore be significant not only for India A’s campaign but also for the senior team’s preparations ahead of the Test series.