Yashasvi Jaiswal Silences Critics With Consecutive Centuries for India A Against New Zealand A

Yashasvi Jaiswal Makes Strong Comeback With Second Consecutive Century for India A

India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has delivered an impressive response to his recent struggles in red-ball cricket, registering his second consecutive century for India A against New Zealand A. The left-handed batter scored 102 runs off 138 deliveries in the third unofficial four-day match at Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln on Saturday.

Jaiswal’s latest effort came after his unbeaten 155 in the previous match at Hagley Oval, marking a remarkable turnaround ahead of India’s upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand, beginning November 19.

India A ended the rain-affected opening day at 227 for 2. Jaiswal and B Sai Sudharsan laid the foundation with an impressive 175-run opening partnership, with Sudharsan remaining unbeaten on 77 at stumps.

Batting first on a green pitch after losing the toss, the Indian openers initially faced a challenging spell from New Zealand A’s Brett Randell and Zak Gibson. However, Jaiswal gradually took control, increasing the scoring rate and putting the opposition bowlers under pressure.

He targeted Jarrod McKay with aggressive strokeplay, including a six and several boundaries. Despite surviving a dropped catch at first slip, Jaiswal continued confidently and reached his hundred in 127 balls. His innings included 16 fours and two sixes.

The opener’s innings came to an end at 102 when, after briefly receiving medical attention for cramps, he attempted a drive against Danru Ferns but ended up chipping the ball to mid-off.

Jaiswal’s Return to Form Ahead of Test Series

The consecutive centuries are particularly important for Jaiswal, who had been struggling to convert starts into substantial scores in recent red-ball appearances.

During India’s two-Test tour of Sri Lanka in August, he managed only 77 runs across three innings. His difficult phase continued on the New Zealand A tour, where he registered scores of 17 and 5 in the first unofficial Test before being dismissed for a four-ball duck in the second match. He also failed to score in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy opener against Chandigarh.

Jaiswal had accumulated four ducks in nine innings following the Sri Lanka tour. His unbeaten 155 in Christchurch, which was his 18th first-class century, marked a significant change in fortunes. That innings also saw him cross the 5,000-run milestone in first-class cricket.

He now has 5,145 runs in the format at an average of 53.59, including 18 centuries and 18 half-centuries. His latest hundred in Lincoln further strengthens his preparations for the upcoming international assignment.

At the other end, Sai Sudharsan continued his consistent performance by scoring his second half-century of the series. Devdutt Padikkal was dismissed for 15 after edging a delivery from Gibson to the wicketkeeper, while Dhruv Jurel joined Sudharsan at the crease before rain interrupted proceedings.

The India A squad also includes several established members of the senior Test team, such as Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar and Prasidh Krishna.

With the New Zealand Test series approaching, Jaiswal’s return to form will be a major boost for India. The two successive centuries have provided the young opener with valuable confidence and match practice at a crucial stage.