India A suffered a setback in their preparations for the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand after rain washed out the entire third day of their third four-day match against New Zealand A in Lincoln on Monday.
The washout has left the match, as well as the three-match series, heading towards a stalemate. More importantly, India's team management will be disappointed with the lost opportunity to provide valuable match practice to their bowlers ahead of the first Test, scheduled to begin on November 19.
The biggest concern will be the lack of bowling time for senior pacer Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, both of whom are part of India's preparations for the Test assignment.
Jasprit Bumrah Gets Limited Match Practice
All eyes were on Jasprit Bumrah, who returned to competitive action in Lincoln after last featuring in the Asian Games in early October.
The Indian fast bowler was rested for the white-ball series against West Indies and New Zealand as part of his workload management. He had been training in Ahmedabad before completing the required return-to-play procedures at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Bumrah bowled six overs on the second day of the match against New Zealand A, conceding just 11 runs and delivering one maiden over. Although he did not pick up a wicket, his economical spell was an encouraging sign ahead of the Test series.
However, Monday's washout prevented him from getting further overs under his belt, leaving limited opportunities for the senior pacer to build match rhythm before the first Test.
Ravindra Jadeja Also Misses Out on Bowling Opportunity
Ravindra Jadeja was another prominent Indian player who missed out on valuable preparation time due to the weather.
The experienced all-rounder did not get an opportunity to bowl on the second day of the match and will be hoping for favourable conditions on the final day to gain some bowling practice.
Jadeja arrived in New Zealand after featuring in two Ranji Trophy matches for Saurashtra, making the India A fixture an important part of his preparations for the upcoming international assignment.
With his contributions expected to be crucial in both departments, India will be keen to see him get sufficient game time before the Test series.
Prasidh Krishna Makes Strong Comeback
Meanwhile, fast bowler Prasidh Krishna made an encouraging return to action against New Zealand A.
Prasidh, who is in contention for a place in India's pace attack for the opening Test, picked up both New Zealand A wickets during his five-over spell on the second day.
It was his first competitive appearance since suffering a hamstring injury during the second ODI against West Indies on September 30.
The pacer was initially included in India's squad for the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand but was subsequently withdrawn to participate in the India A fixture and continue his preparations for the longer format.
His two-wicket performance will provide a positive boost to India's selection plans, although the team management will be hoping to see him bowl more overs before the Test series begins.
India Await Better Weather Ahead of First Test
With the first Test against New Zealand scheduled for November 19, the remaining time in the India A fixture has become increasingly important for India's preparations.
The management will be particularly keen to ensure that Bumrah, Jadeja and Prasidh Krishna get enough bowling practice to regain rhythm and assess their fitness ahead of the challenging overseas assignment.
However, persistent rain in Lincoln has disrupted those plans, leaving India A with limited opportunities to make the most of the final day.
For India, the priority will now be to maximise whatever match time remains and ensure that their key bowlers are ready for the upcoming Test challenge.
