2nd Unofficial Test: Dhruv Jurel Scores Hundred But New Zealand Draw At End Of Day 2

Dhruv Jurel scored a fine century for India A in the unofficial second Test against New Zealand A, but the hosts fought back strongly to finish Day 2 at 218 for three in Christchurch on Sunday. An unbeaten hundred from Matthew Boyle and a determined half-century from Dean Foxcroft helped New Zealand A recover from a disastrous start to stay in the contest.

Jurel, who ended the opening day unbeaten on 99, completed his century on Sunday before falling to 105. The India A captain faced 171 deliveries and hit 11 boundaries and three sixes to help his side post 346 in their first innings.

However, New Zealand A responded with spirited batting after being reduced to 13 for three in the first eight overs. Boyle and Foxcroft joined forces to put together an unbeaten partnership of 205 runs for the fourth wicket, taking the hosts to 218 for three at stumps.

Boyle was unbeaten on 107 off 148 deliveries, hitting 14 fours and a six, while Foxcroft was not out on 80 off 180 balls with nine boundaries. Their partnership ensured that New Zealand A recovered from the early damage inflicted by India’s fast attack.

JUREL, AKASH DEEP TAKE INDIA PAST 340

India A resumed on Day 2 at 291 for seven, with Jurel on 99 and Akash Deep on 25. The pair continued their resistance and helped the visitors add 55 runs to their overnight total.

Jurel brought up his century but was eventually dismissed by Brett Randell for 105, ending an important eighth-wicket partnership. Akash Deep continued to frustrate the New Zealand A bowlers as he scored a valuable 68 off 116 balls, including 10 fours and two sixes.

His innings helped India A cross the 340-run mark before Kristian Clarke ended his stay at the wicket. Mukesh Kumar remained unbeaten at five as India A were bowled out for 346.

Fraser Sheat was the pick of the New Zealand A bowlers, finishing with four for 63 in 24 overs. Randell and Jarrod McKay scored two goals each.

BOYLE, FOXCROFT FIGHT

New Zealand A’s reply got off to a disastrous start as Mohammed Siraj and Mukesh Kumar struck early to leave the hosts at 13 for three.

Siraj removed captain Rhys Maria for four, with Dhruv Jurel completing the catch behind the stumps. Mukesh then dismissed Curtis Heaphy and Tim Robinson for four and three respectively, putting India A firmly in control.

However, Boyle and Foxcroft refused to let the early collapse dictate the course of the innings. The pair showed patience against the Indian attack before gradually finding their rhythm and taking the hosts to a safe position.

Boyle brought up his century with an aggressive approach while Foxcroft played a supporting role with a composed innings. Their unbeaten stand of 205 runs completely changed the complexion of the innings.

Mukesh was India’s most successful bowler, finishing with two for 44 from 16 overs, while Siraj picked up one wicket for 49. Washington Sundar and Akash Deep were wicketless.

At stumps, New Zealand A were 218 for three, trailing India A by 128 runs with seven wickets remaining. After Jurel’s century helped India A build a competitive first innings total, Boyle and Foxcroft ensured the visitors could not carry their advantage into the third day without a fight.

– The end