Jaiswal’s Second Ton Boosts India A Ahead Of Tests

Yashasvi Jaiswal continued his strong run of form with a second consecutive first-class century, guiding India A to 227 for two on the opening day of the third unofficial Test against New Zealand A in Lincoln on Saturday.

The left-hander scored 102 off 138 balls, giving his preparations for the two-Test series beginning November 19 a timely boost. Play was called off due to rain in the 70th over, with Sai Sudharsan unbeaten on 77 and captain Dhruv Jurel on 12 at stumps.

Jaiswal Leads India A’s Strong Start

On a pitch with a noticeable tinge of green, Jaiswal took an aggressive approach against the New Zealand A pace attack. He brought up his half-century with a cover drive off Brett Randell and repeatedly punished Jarrod McKay, hitting him for three consecutive boundaries on two occasions.

A dropped catch when Jaiswal was on 54 proved costly for the hosts. The opener also struck two sixes, including a powerful hit over mid-on off Zak Gibson.

Jaiswal moved into the 90s with a cut shot off Cameron Paul before reaching his century with a sweep against off-spinner Dean Foxcroft in the 44th over. His innings ended soon afterwards when he guided a full delivery from Ferns to the mid-off fielder.

Devdutt Padikkal, who had been in good form, fell for a drive in the 63rd over, with McKay taking his wicket through a catch behind the stumps.

Sudharsan Holds Firm As Rain Stops Play

Sudharsan remained unbeaten on 77 from 205 deliveries, keeping the innings steady with well-timed pull shots and cover drives. Jurel was alongside him when rain brought an early end to the day’s play.

The match carries added importance for India’s Test preparations, with Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja and Prasidh Krishna featuring in the final India A game before the senior team’s two-Test series against New Zealand.

The first two unofficial Tests of the tour ended in draws.