Watch: Mohammed Siraj announces his return with a four-wicket haul in India A vs New Zealand A second Test

Mohammed Siraj delivered a strong performance for India A in the second unofficial Test against New Zealand A at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The Indian pacer took four wickets in 35 overs on Day 3 as he prepared for the upcoming two-Test series. However, New Zealand A's lower order showed great determination and helped the hosts take a 78-run first-innings lead.

After India A scored 346 in their first innings, New Zealand A finished their innings at 424. The hosts had been reduced to 338/8, but their last two wickets added 86 runs to take the total beyond India's score. Mukesh Kumar was the standout bowler for India A, claiming five wickets for 87 runs, while Siraj finished with figures of 4/118. Washington Sundar took the remaining wicket.

Siraj made an early impact by dismissing Rhys Mariu for just four runs, leaving New Zealand A struggling at 13/3. He continued to trouble the batters and finished the innings with four wickets. His performance was an important part of India's bowling effort, even as the New Zealand A lower order extended its lead. 

Watch Mohammed Siraj's wickets here:

Mohammed Siraj’s four-wicket haul for India A vs New Zealand A

Mohammed Siraj played a key role for India A against New Zealand A by taking four wickets in the second unofficial Test at Hagley Oval. Matthew Boyle and Dean Foxcroft built a strong partnership of more than 200 runs, but Siraj broke it by dismissing Foxcroft for 93 with the second new ball.

Siraj struck again on the first delivery of Day 3, dismissing Boyle, who was the top scorer with 110 runs. The tenth-wicket partnership then extended New Zealand A’s innings, but Siraj removed Brett Randell shortly after lunch to complete his four-wicket haul. He bowled 35 overs in the innings.

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New Zealand A took a 78-run first-innings lead over India A. In reply, India A reached 32/0 at stumps on Day 3 but were still trailing by 46 runs, leaving the match evenly poised heading into the next day.

Key details: Siraj’s spell, figures and match situation

Mohammed Siraj made an impressive impact with the new ball, dismissing New Zealand A opener Rhys Mariu for just four runs. After the hosts were reduced to 13/3, Matthew Boyle and Dean Foxcroft put together a double-century partnership to take the score past 200. However, Siraj broke the stand by dismissing Foxcroft for 93 and later removed Boyle, who scored 110.

Siraj then dismissed Brett Randell for five to complete his four-wicket haul. He finished with figures of 4/118 in 35 overs, while Mukesh Kumar led the attack with five wickets for 87 runs in 29 overs. Playing his 97th first-class match, Siraj has now taken 329 wickets at an average of around 27. This was his 23rd four-wicket haul in the format, and he also has 10 five-wicket hauls.

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India A reached 32/0 in their second innings at stumps, with Yashasvi Jaiswal unbeaten on 20 and Sai Sudharsan on 11. Siraj’s workload at Hagley Oval is also a positive for the Indian support staff, as the senior team will play the second Test against New Zealand at the same venue. The Test series begins on November 19.

What Siraj’s return to form means for India’s Test plans

Mohammed Siraj’s four-wicket haul in the India A vs New Zealand A second unofficial Test is a positive sign for the Indian team ahead of the upcoming Test series. He bowled 35 overs and looked sharp with both the new and old ball, showing good rhythm and control.

Siraj’s ability to trouble batters throughout the innings will please head coach Gautam Gambhir and bowling coach Morne Morkel. His performance also showed that he can handle a heavy workload, which will be important in the longer format. He will now join the Indian ODI squad after the match.

The performance is particularly encouraging because India will play the second Test against New Zealand at Hagley Oval, the same venue where Siraj impressed for India A. The Test series begins on November 19, and his return to form could prove valuable for India's plans.