Phillips’ ton steadies Kiwis against India A

LINCOLN: India A bowlers struck at regular intervals but middle-order batsman Glenn Phillips’ fine half-century guided New Zealand A to 276 for five on the opening day of the second unofficial Test here on Friday. Phillips smashed nine fours and a six in his 80-ball 65, while Dane Cleaver (46 not out off 115 balls) and skipper Hamish Rutherford (40 off 79 balls) also chipped in with useful contributions after the hosts won the toss and decided to bat. For India, medium pacers Mohammed Siraj (2/58) and Avesh Khan (2/57) were among wickets.