India A series ends in a draw with Bumrah and Jadeja not completing the match

India’s preparations for the upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand have had mixed results as the three-match unofficial Test series between India A and New Zealand A ended in a draw. While several batsmen made strong statements ahead of the senior team’s task, rain disrupted the last two matches and denied some of India’s key players the opportunity to build their match fitness.

The third and final unofficial Test at Lincoln ended in a draw on Tuesday after being washed away by rain throughout the fourth day. The third day’s play was also suspended without a ball being bowled, leaving the teams with little opportunity to contest. All three games in the series ended in a draw.

India A declared their first innings at 464 for five, with Yashasvi Jaiswal leading the charge with a century. Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Varma, Dhruv Jurel and Washington Sundar also made significant contributions as New Zealand A were 36 for two when play was suspended.

The series was meant to provide valuable red-ball preparation ahead of the first Test, which begins on November 19 in Wellington. Several players in the A squad are in contention for places in the senior team, while Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja were included in the last game to get some much-needed time in the middle after breaks from competitive cricket.

POSITIVES LEAD JAISWAL, PADIKKAL

Jaiswal was among India’s top gainers of the series. The opener scored 102 in the final game, making 279 runs in five innings at an average of 69.75. It was his second century of the series, underscoring his strong form with the red ball ahead of the New Zealand Tests.

Devdutt Padikkal also made a compelling case in the race for India’s No.3 spot. His 199 in the opening unofficial Test was the outstanding batting performance of the series, while Sudharsan kept the pressure on with two half-centuries, including 88 in the final match and a fighting 91 in the first.

Jurel added another strong performance with 71 in the third game for a century earlier in the series. With Rishabh Pant still recovering from a side strain, Jurel’s form could prove crucial as India assess their defensive options. Tilak Varma, who is not part of the senior Test team, also impressed with an unbeaten 81.

Another positive was Akash Deep’s return to action. Temper is working his way back from a long injury lay-off, while Prasidh Krishna has been given an opportunity to play in the final as well after recovering from a hamstring injury. He took both New Zealand A wickets to fall.

BUMRAH, JADEJA MISS GAMES

The biggest disappointment from India’s point of view was the lack of match practice for Bumrah and Jadeja. Both were expected to use the final unofficial Test to prepare for the two-match series, but the weather severely curtailed their involvement.

Bumrah, who last played in the Asian Games final against Pakistan on October 3, managed just six overs in Lincoln, conceding 11 runs without a wicket. He rested the white-ball leg of the New Zealand tour to be fresh for the Tests and would ideally like a longer bowling load ahead of the series.

Meanwhile, Jadeja faced 71 deliveries for his 25, spending about an hour and 20 minutes at the crease. However, he did not get a chance to bowl as India A managed only 14 overs in the match. The all-rounder joined the team after featuring in two Ranji Trophy matches for Saurashtra.

The pair will now travel to Wellington with the rest of the Indian contingent where the team has six training sessions ahead of the opening Test, weather permitting. Bumrah, Jadeja, Jaiswal, Padikkal, Sudharsan, Washington and Akash Deep are among the players expected to join the senior squad.

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