Yashasvi Jaiswal has responded to a difficult run in red-ball cricket with consecutive centuries for India A against New Zealand A, giving himself valuable time in the middle ahead of India’s upcoming two-Test series against the Black Caps.
The left-handed opener scored 102 off 138 deliveries on the opening day of the third unofficial Test at Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln on Saturday. His innings included 16 fours and two sixes, helping reach 227/2 before rain brought an early end to the day’s play.
The century followed his unbeaten 155 off 162 balls in the second unofficial Test at Christchurch, marking a significant turnaround after an inconsistent start to the tour. Here are five takeaways from Jaiswal’s latest innings.
‘s successive hundreds have come after a challenging period in first-class cricket. He managed scores of 17 and five in the opening unofficial Test against before registering a duck in the first innings of the second match.
However, he responded with an unbeaten 155 in the second innings at Christchurch before following it up with another three-figure score in Lincoln. The two innings have provided the 24-year-old with consecutive substantial contributions after a series of low scores.
Jaiswal’s 102 in Lincoln was not simply an aggressive display. New Zealand A’s seamers found movement with the new ball on a green-looking surface, requiring the Indian opener to negotiate the initial period carefully.
After settling in, he increased the scoring rate through a combination of cuts, pulls and cover drives. He also took on the spinners, reaching his century off 127 deliveries with consecutive boundaries against Dean Foxcroft.
His innings featured 16 fours and two sixes, demonstrating his ability to accelerate after establishing himself at the crease.
Jaiswal’s contribution was complemented by B Sai Sudharsan, with the opening pair adding 175 runs for the first wicket.
While Jaiswal scored at a quicker rate, Sudharsan provided stability from the other end. The latter reached his half-century off 129 deliveries and remained unbeaten on 77 when play ended.
The partnership helped India A overcome the initial movement available to the New Zealand A fast bowlers and establish control over the opening day.
One of the significant aspects of Jaiswal’s recent performances has been his ability to turn a start into a substantial innings.
His unbeaten 155 at Christchurch demonstrated his capacity to bat for extended periods while maintaining an attacking approach. In Lincoln, he once again converted his start into a century before being dismissed for 102.
He was eventually caught by Cameron Paul at mid-off off Danru Ferns, bringing an end to his 138-ball stay.
Jaiswal’s return to form comes at an important stage, with scheduled to play a two-match Test series against beginning 19 November in Wellington. The second Test will start on 27 November in Christchurch.
The opener’s recent struggles had made his batting form a talking point ahead of the assignment. His performances against New Zealand A have now given him two substantial innings in match conditions.
With the first two unofficial Tests ending in draws, India A will also look to build on their position in the final match of the tour.
For Jaiswal, the consecutive centuries represent an important return to scoring form before the Indian Test side begin their campaign in New Zealand.
