Sports/Alive News: The third and final unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand A ended in a draw on Tuesday due to persistent rain in Lincoln, New Zealand. No play was possible for the second consecutive day, with not a single ball bowled. The match was called off at 1 pm local time on the fourth day, leaving the three-match series level at 0-0.
The series served as preparation for India’s upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand, beginning on November 19.
Padikkal and Sudharsan impress in the series
Devdutt Padikkal and B Sai Sudharsan strengthened their claims for the No. 3 position in India’s Test team with consistent performances. Padikkal scored 199 runs in the first unofficial Test, while Sudharsan made 91 in the first match and 88 in the third.
Jaiswal scores second century
Yashasvi Jaiswal continued his impressive form by scoring 102 in the third match, his second century of the series. He finished with 279 runs in five innings at an average of 69.75. Dhruv Jurel also contributed 71 runs, while Tilak Varma remained unbeaten on 81 as India A declared their first innings at 464/5.
Bumrah gets limited bowling time
India included Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna and Ravindra Jadeja to help them prepare for the senior Test series. However, Bumrah and Prasidh bowled only 11 overs combined, while Jadeja did not get a chance to bowl. Prasidh, returning after a hamstring injury, took both New Zealand A wickets, conceding 12 runs.
New Zealand A all-rounder Dean Foxcroft was the leading run-scorer with 196 runs at an average of 65.33. Fast bowler Jack Gibson topped the wicket charts with eight wickets.
