Yashasvi Jaiswal hits second straight hundred, sends strong message ahead of New Zealand Tests

Yashasvi Jaiswal continued his impressive run in red-ball cricket, producing his second consecutive first-class century to put India A in a strong position against New Zealand A in the third unofficial Test on Saturday. The visitors reached 227 for two at stumps on the opening day after rain brought an early end to proceedings at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval.Jaiswal hit an attacking 102 off 138 deliveries and rediscovered his touch at an important stage ahead of India’s two-Test series against New Zealand starting on November 19. The left-hander was under scrutiny after his struggles in the first red-ball match of the tour, but has since responded with back-to-back hundreds.Rain interrupted the match during the 70th over and forced the players off the field. Despite the greenish tinge on the surface, the Indian batsmen managed to negotiate the conditions comfortably and kept the scoreboard moving.Sai Sudharsan was unbeaten on 77 off 205 balls while India A captain Dhruv Jurel was batting on 12 off 24 deliveries when play was suspended for the day.Jaiswal leads India’s attack and hits a hundredThe opening day belonged to Jaiswal, who attacked the New Zealand A bowlers with a series of strikes. He repeatedly found gaps with his cuts and cover drives while also putting short deliveries to authority.He brought up his half-century in style and bowled seamer Brett Randell. Meanwhile, Jarrod McKay bore the brunt of Jaiswal’s aggression, with the Indian batsman twice taking three consecutive boundaries off him. McKay also missed an opportunity to dismiss him after Jaiswal was out on 54.The left-hander added two sixes to his entertaining innings, including a towering strike over mid-on against Zak Gibson.Jaiswal moved into the nineties with a powerful cut from Cameron Paul before reaching three figures in the 44th over. He slipped off Dean Foxcroft’s spinner to bring up his century but couldn’t stay for long.

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Share an opinionHis innings ended when he guided a full delivery from Ferns straight into the middle fielder’s hands.India A lost another wicket in the 63rd over when McKay dismissed Devdutt Padikkal. Looking to play an expansive move, Padikkal edged the pass behind the keeper.Sudharsan continued to hold firm at the other end, combining well-placed strokes with crisp drives through cover before rain halted the day’s proceedings.

Bumrah, Jadeja and Prasidh are part of the final warm-up game

The third unofficial Test has added importance as Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja and Prasidh Krishna took part in the competition as part of their preparations for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand. This is their last India A assignment before the challenge of two Tests.The first two unofficial Tests between India A and New Zealand A ended in draws, so the ongoing contest was the last chance for the players to fine-tune their preparations before the series begins on 19 November.