26 Sep 2017

Tough start for cricketers in India

6:38 am on 26 September 2017

The New Zealand A cricketers have been crushed by India A by an innings and 31 runs in their opening Indian tour match in Vijayawada.

New Zealand A batting against India A

New Zealand A batting against India A Photo: Supplied

The New Zealand side had resumed on day three at 64-2, still trailing by 109 runs, after India posted 320 in response to the touritsts first innings of 147.

However India's spin duo of Karn Sharma and Shahbaz Naveem proved too much to handle with the New Zealanders all out before lunch for 142.

The two teams begin their second four day match at the weekend and then compete in five 50 over matches, with six players to be selected for the Black Caps one-day side to play in India next month.

Shane Bond (right) during his time at Black Caps bowling coach alongside Mike Hesson.

Shane Bond (right) with Black Caps coach Mike Hesson Photo: Photosport

New Zealand A coach Shane Bond concedes Sharma and Naveem proved too good with both bowlers claiming eight wicket bags for India A.

"It was a tough introduction," said Bond.

"We came across a very disciplined and well organised Indian team who were methodical in the way they went about their business and were just too good for us in their own conditions.

"We had two good opening partnerships, but lost wickets in clumps and that's something you see a lot with teams touring here. We need to have a look at our plans and see where our scoring zones are, while with the ball we just weren't quite accurate enough to apply the same pressure they did."

Bond said the mid 30 degree temperatures of Vijayawada proved a significant transition for many of the players but it was important to gain experience in sub-continent conditions.

"Stinking hot, low and slow with a bit of turn and a bit up and down - it was great to expose them to those sorts of conditions.

Bond still remained positive ahead of the second First-Class match on Saturday.

"We can't expect guys to turn around overnight and become completely different players, but we know we're a strong team, a capable team and we go into the next game preparing and planning to win the match.