BENGALURU: Joe Carter missed out on a double century by just three runs, but put New Zealand ‘A’ in a strong position against India ‘A’ on day two of the first ‘unofficial’ Test here on Friday. Carter, who resumed the day on 73, went on to accumulate 197 runs (305 balls, 26 fours, 3 sixes), helping New Zealand ‘A’ post 400 in its first innings. On his debut, India ‘A’ pacer Mukesh Kumar (5/86) picked up a five-wicket haul, having taken three wickets on the opening day. In response, India ‘A’ was 156 for one at close of play with opener Abhimanyu Easwaran (87 batting off 120 balls, 10 fours, 1 six) closing in on a century.

BRIEF SCORES: New Zealand ‘A’ (1st innings) 400 in 110.5 overs (J Carter 197, Mukesh 5/86) vs India ‘A’ (1st innings) 156/1 in 37 overs (A Easwaran 87*, P Panchal 47)