Dhruv Jurel produced a fighting unbeaten 99, while Devdutt Padikkal contributed an impressive 80 to help India A recover from a difficult position on the opening day of the second unofficial Test against New Zealand A in Christchurch.
After managing scores of just 1 and 2 in the first unofficial Test last week, Jurel made a strong comeback with a determined innings. His knock proved crucial as India A suffered a dramatic middle-order collapse, losing three wickets for just six runs in six deliveries during the afternoon session.
Jurel took responsibility for rebuilding the innings, first sharing a valuable 62-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Manav Suthar. He then combined with Akash Deep to add an unbeaten 69 runs for the ninth wicket, guiding India A towards a respectable position by the end of the day's play.
Jurel reached 99 in the 79th over but remained unbeaten at stumps, choosing to play cautiously rather than risk his wicket in pursuit of a century.
Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan Provide a Strong Start
Earlier, India A had a disappointing start after Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for a duck just four deliveries into the innings. Left-arm fast bowler Fraser Sheat trapped him leg-before-wicket with a delivery that moved sharply into the batter.
B Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal then steadied the innings with a crucial partnership. The duo negotiated a challenging opening spell and ensured India A reached the lunch break without losing another wicket.
Batting conditions were difficult, with the Hagley Oval pitch offering considerable movement for the fast bowlers. However, both batters gradually settled in and began scoring more freely.
Padikkal, who had scored 199 runs in the first unofficial Test, once again showcased his excellent batting form. After a cautious start, he accelerated with a series of attractive drives and cuts. He brought up his half-century with a well-timed cut shot behind point in the second session.
Sai Sudharsan also looked comfortable after surviving a few early scares but was eventually dismissed by Jarrod McKay shortly after lunch.
Fraser Sheat Triggers India A Collapse
Sai Sudharsan's dismissal opened the door for New Zealand A to put India A under pressure. Fraser Sheat led the bowling attack with an impressive spell, exploiting the movement on offer.
Padikkal was dismissed after chopping the ball onto his stumps, while R Smaran, playing his first match of the tour, was trapped lbw for a golden duck. Washington Sundar soon followed after failing to connect with a full delivery.
India A suddenly found themselves struggling at 160 for 6, with more than half the day's play still remaining.
Jurel Leads Recovery With Lower-Order Support
With India A in trouble, Jurel displayed patience and determination to rebuild the innings. Although he initially struggled against the movement and bounce, he gradually gained confidence as the New Zealand A bowlers began to tire.
The introduction of left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox also provided Jurel with an opportunity to rotate the strike. He used the crease effectively and played some confident sweeps and cuts to keep the scoreboard moving.
Manav Suthar supported him with a valuable 22-run contribution before being dismissed while attempting an aggressive drive against Lennox.
Jurel then took charge and ensured that India A did not suffer further damage. His unbeaten 99, alongside Akash Deep's support, helped the visitors finish the opening day in a much stronger position than they had been in during the middle session.
The innings was particularly important for India A after their struggles in the first unofficial Test at Lincoln. Jurel's fighting knock has given the team a valuable opportunity to build a competitive first-innings total when play resumes on the second day.
