Joe Carter (197 runs) missed out on a double century by just three runs but his memorable innings put New Zealand A in a strong position on the second day of the first unofficial Test against India A here on Friday.

Joe Carter started with 73 runs and batted 305 balls

Joe Carter started with 73 and batted for 305 balls as New Zealand A were reduced to 400 in the first innings. The team came out to play 153 runs for five wickets in the morning. Joe Carter remained at one end while none of the other players could score more than 40 runs.

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In reply, India A made 156 runs for the loss of one wicket in 37 overs. Opener Abhimanyu Easwaran (87 not out off 120 balls) has reached his century. Captain Priyank Panchal was the only player to be dismissed, scoring 47 off 83 balls.

Ruturaj Gaikwad was supporting God by scoring 20 runs in 19 balls till the stumps

Till the stumps, Ruturaj Gaikwad was supporting God by scoring 20 runs in 19 balls. India A’s team is still trailing by 244 runs. In his debut, fast bowler Mukesh Kumar took five wickets for 86 runs, he had taken three wickets on the opening day.

Indian bowling did not look as effective as it was on the first day due to rain. Mukesh though impressed again but other bowlers could have done better. Mukesh ended an 87-run partnership between Joe Carter and Sean Solia (32).

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The Indian players got off to a good start with Easwaran and Panchal putting on a 123-run partnership for the first wicket. After Panchal’s dismissal, Gaikwad showed aggression by hitting two fours and a six.