Yashasvi Jaiswal back-to-back centuries have provided a timely boost to the Indian opener ahead of the upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand. The left-hander scored 102 off 138 deliveries in the third four-day match between India A and New Zealand A at Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln on Saturday.
The innings followed his unbeaten 155 in the second unofficial Test at Hagley Oval, giving him consecutive hundreds after a difficult period in red-ball cricket.
India A finished the rain-affected opening day at 227 for two, with B Sai Sudharsan unbeaten on 77. The opening pair shared a commanding 175-run partnership.
How Jaiswal Reached His Century
After being asked to bat on a green surface, Jaiswal and Sudharsan initially approached the new-ball bowlers cautiously. However, the Indian opener increased the scoring rate once the first-change bowlers came into the attack.
He targeted Jarrod McKay with a six and several boundaries before continuing his aggressive approach after the interval. Despite surviving a dropped catch at first slip, Jaiswal moved steadily towards three figures.
He completed his century from 127 deliveries, hitting 16 fours and two sixes. Two consecutive boundaries off Dean Foxcroft took him to the milestone.
His innings ended at 102 after cramps briefly interrupted his stay at the crease. On resuming, he attempted to drive Danru Ferns but chipped the delivery towards mid-off.
A Timely Return After Difficult Red-Ball Performances
The consecutive centuries represent an important turnaround for the 24-year-old. Jaiswal had scored only 77 runs across three innings during India's two-Test tour of Sri Lanka in August.
His difficult run continued on the New Zealand A tour, where he began with scores of 17 and five in the first unofficial Test. He also registered a four-ball duck in the second match and a 13-ball duck in Mumbai's Ranji Trophy opener against Chandigarh.
Before his recent comeback, Jaiswal had recorded four ducks in nine innings since the Sri Lanka tour.
His unbeaten 155 in Christchurch was his 18th first-class century and took him past 5,000 runs in the format. He now has 5,145 first-class runs at an average of 53.59, including 18 centuries and 18 half-centuries.
India A Build Momentum Ahead of Test Series
Sudharsan provided stability at the other end with his second half-century of the series. Devdutt Padikkal was dismissed for 15 after edging Brett Randell's delivery behind, while Dhruv Jurel joined Sudharsan before rain interrupted play.
The India A squad also features members of India's Test set-up, including Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar and Prasidh Krishna.
With the two-Test series scheduled to begin on November 19, Jaiswal's return to scoring centuries offers encouragement to the Indian team ahead of the challenging assignment.
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