India, Oct. 24 -- India's big batting Test stars had a baptism of fire in the first four-day unofficial Test at Lincoln on Saturday. Representing India A ahead of the two-Test series next month, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Sai Sudharsan, captain Dhruv Jurel, all struggled on the opening day of the game on a lively pitch as the team was bowled out for 113 against New Zealand A in 39.3 overs. At the close of play, the Kiwis were 135/3 in 41 overs.

The Indian seamers - the quartet of Akash Deep, Anshul Kamboj, Mukesh Choudhary and Aquib Nabi -- were expected to get their own back on the Kiwis but they failed to make any impression for a very long time as New Zealand A openers Rhys Mariu and Curtis Heaphy added 131. Captain...