Rain ends India A versus New Zealand A series 0-0 before Tests.
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Raining Out an Equal Series
A relentless downpour has washed out the last two days of the third unofficial Test between New Zealand A and India A, but an abject draw resulted after no balls were bowled on day three and day four.
The match was called early on Tuesday afternoon, leaving the three-match series tied at 0-0.
While the weather did not allow for a result to be decided, the tour has done its main purpose of providing playing time and getting the key players into game shape ahead of the senior two-match Test series starting on November 19.
Why This Series Was Important
Unofficial Tests between ‘A’ teams are a great way to get players into game shape. For India, this tour was a great opportunity to assess their form and get the best combinations together, as well as assess their depth.
For New Zealand, it provided an opportunity to give their domestic talent a platform and get their senior players into red-ball game shape once again.
The main question mark for India was who would bat at number three between Devdutt Padikkal and B Sai Sudharsan.
India A’s Highlights
Number Three Battle
- Devdutt Padikkal made a statement with an incredible 199 in the first game.
- B Sai Sudharsan proved to be the more consistent of the two, scoring a gritty 91 in the first match and a calm 88 in India A’s 464/5 declared first innings in Lincoln.
- Both left-handers were in the top three run scorers of the series.
Jaiswal In Form
Yashasvi Jaiswal continued his good form in red-ball cricket with his second century of the tour. He scored an impressive 102 in Lincoln. He finished the series with 279 runs across five innings at 69.75.
Jurel Makes His Case
Wicketkeeper batter Dhruv Jurel added a composed 71 to his century of the tour. With regular keeper Rishabh Pant coming back from a side strain, Jurel is very likely to play in the playing XI on November 19.
Tilak Varma shows promise in longer format
Tilak Varma, not in the main Test squad, ended his innings on 81 not out.
Important overs from bowlers
- Jasprit Bumrah, fresh off a break from the white-ball fixtures, looked in good touch and was accurate.
- Prasidh Krishna, who is back in form after a hamstring injury suffered in September, took two quick wickets to leave New Zealand A at 36 for 2 before rain stopped play.
- Ravindra Jadeja was back in action after playing in the Ranji Trophy for Saurashtra but did not bowl due to the rain.
Key Stats at a Glance
| Player | Team | Series Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Devdutt Padikkal | India A | 199 in the opening game |
| B Sai Sudharsan | India A | 91 and 88 |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | India A | 279 runs, avg 69.75, two centuries |
| Dhruv Jurel | India A | A century and a 71 |
| Tilak Varma | India A | 81* |
| Dean Foxcroft | NZ A | 196 runs, avg 65.33 |
| Zak Gibson | NZ A | 8 wickets (series leader) |
Key takeaways
- Issue at No. 3: Padikkal’s innings is a huge blow to Sudharsan’s consistency.
- Jurel’s form means there’s no issue at the wicket. With Pant back, they have a keeper who is in good form.
- Fast bowling issues are sorted. Bumrah looked in great form, and Prasidh passed his first proper test since injury. Jadeja isn’t bowling enough.
- Jaiswal is in great form. He has an average of around 70, so they have a great start.
- New Zealand have added some depth. Foxcroft has batted well, and uncapped pace bowler Gibson has taken some wickets. There is some good young talent coming through.
What next?
The focus now turns to the two-test series starting November 19. The hosts will be missing Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips and Nathan Smith as they leave the one-day squad early to get ready for the red-ball.
India will need to finalise their number 3, confirm their wicketkeeper and see how they will utilise their frontline bowlers.
FAQ
What was the result of the third unofficial Test between NZ A and India A?
The match ended in a draw after rain washed out days three and four. The series finished 0-0.
When does the senior Test series begin?
The two-Test series starts on November 19.
Who was the top performer for India A?
Yashasvi Jaiswal was the star performer, scoring 279 runs at an average of 69.75, including two centuries.
Who will be playing at number 3 for India?
Devdutt Padikkal and B Sai Sudharsan are in the race for the role. Both players scored in the top 3 of the series.
Will Dhruv Jurel play?
It is very likely that Dhruv Jurel will play in the XI on the 19th of November as Rishabh Pant is recovering from a side strain.
Who were the standout players for New Zealand A?
Dean Foxcroft scored 196 runs from 65.33 balls whilst uncapped pacer Zak Gibson took 8 wickets, the most in the series.
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