Jaiswal Bounces Back in Style, Smashes Second Straight Century Ahead of New Zealand Test Series

Yashasvi Jaiswal Hits Back at Critics With Two Consecutive Centuries for India A

Yashasvi Jaiswal has answered questions over his recent form in emphatic fashion, scoring his second successive century for India A against New Zealand A in the ongoing four-day series. The Indian opener smashed 102 off 138 balls on Saturday at Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln, continuing his impressive run ahead of India’s upcoming Test series.

The 24-year-old had earlier produced an unbeaten 155 in the second unofficial Test at Hagley Oval. His latest hundred underlines his growing confidence and provides India with an encouraging sign before the two-match Test series against New Zealand gets underway on November 19.

India A reached 227 for 2 by the close of a rain-affected opening day, with B Sai Sudharsan batting on 77. The opening pair added 175 runs, giving the visitors a strong platform after being asked to bat first on a green pitch.

Jaiswal initially adopted a cautious approach against the new-ball attack of Brett Randell and Zak Gibson. However, he soon changed gears, taking on the New Zealand A bowlers with attacking strokes. He struck Jarrod McKay for a six and followed it up with a series of boundaries.

Despite getting a reprieve after a dropped catch at first slip, Jaiswal maintained his aggressive approach. He brought up his century in 127 deliveries, hitting 16 fours and two sixes. His innings ended at 102 when he chipped a delivery from Danru Ferns towards mid-off shortly after receiving treatment for cramps.

A TIMELY BOOST BEFORE NEW ZEALAND TESTS

Jaiswal’s latest performances come after a challenging period in red-ball cricket. He managed only 77 runs across three innings during India’s two-Test tour of Sri Lanka in August and struggled to produce significant scores in subsequent matches.

His difficult spell continued during the New Zealand A tour, where he scored 17 and 5 in the first unofficial Test before recording a four-ball duck in the second match. He also suffered an early dismissal in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy opener against Chandigarh.

Having registered four ducks in nine innings since the Sri Lanka tour, Jaiswal needed a strong response. His unbeaten 155 in Christchurch provided the breakthrough, and the century in Lincoln has now given him consecutive three-figure scores.

The left-hander has accumulated 5,145 first-class runs at an average of 53.59, with 18 centuries and 18 half-centuries. His recent performances suggest he is regaining his touch at an important stage of India’s preparations.

Sai Sudharsan also impressed with an unbeaten 77, recording his second half-century of the series. Devdutt Padikkal departed for 15 after edging Gibson behind, while Dhruv Jurel joined Sudharsan at the crease before rain forced an early conclusion to the day’s proceedings.

India A’s squad also includes senior national team players Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar and Prasidh Krishna.

With the two-Test series against New Zealand fast approaching, Jaiswal’s consecutive centuries could not have come at a better time. The opener will be keen to carry this momentum into the international contest and cement his place as a key figure in India’s batting line-up.