The final unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand A concluded in a draw in Lincoln on Tuesday, as rain washed out both the third and fourth days of play. This match was the last in a three-game series, all of which finished in draws without a decisive result.
India A had reached 464 for 5 in their first innings before play was halted by the weather. The innings featured a strong performance from opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who struck his second century of the series, scoring 102 runs off 138 balls. Contributions also came from Sai Sudharsan, who hit 88, Tilak Varma with 81, captain Dhruv Jurel with 71, and Washington Sundar, who remained unbeaten on 50.
For the visiting team, the match was a critical opportunity for senior players Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja to gain match practice before the Test series against New Zealand begins in Wellington on November 19. Bumrah, who last played in the Asian Games final on October 3, managed to bowl only six overs, conceding 11 runs. Jadeja spent one hour and 20 minutes at the crease, facing 71 balls for his 25 runs, but did not have the opportunity to bowl as India A only completed 14 overs in the match.
At the time the match was called off, New Zealand A were 36 for 2 in their first innings, trailing by 428 runs. Zak Gibson was the most successful bowler for the home side, claiming 2 for 73.
Key facts
- Yashasvi Jaiswal recorded 279 runs across the series, including back-to-back centuries.
- Devdutt Padikkal emerged as India A’s top run-scorer in the series with 326 runs.
- Auqib Nabi and Mohammed Siraj led the Indian bowling attack with six and four wickets respectively.
- The first Test of the official series between the senior India and New Zealand teams begins on November 19 in Wellington.
- New Zealand A finished their first innings at 36 for 2 when the match ended.
Why it matters
With the unofficial series concluding, the Indian squad, including Bumrah, Jadeja, Jaiswal, Padikkal, Sudharsan, Washington, and Akash Deep, is set to travel to Wellington. The team aims to utilize six planned training sessions to prepare for the first official Test, weather permitting.
Background
The series served as a preparatory platform for India's Test squad, with players like Akash Deep returning to action following an injury break.
Source: The Hindu, Times of India
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