India, Nov. 11 -- For a two-Test series, India have now played three unofficial Tests in New Zealand. This in itself is some achievement as rarely have practice games aligned so well for India on overseas tours. Either the gaps between tour games and the Test series have been too wide or, like on the 2024-25 Australia tour, the final practice game at Perth was called off in favour of targeted nets preparation.

This time, no stone was left unturned. Yet, there is a sneaking feeling that India still haven't got all bases covered.

As has become routine, Jasprit Bumrah has been given considerable time off but not exactly the lengthiest run - he bowled just six overs in the rain-curtailed third unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand...