Sports · Cricket · 2 hrs ago
India A series offers selection clues ahead of New Zealand Tests
India A and New Zealand A drew all three unofficial Tests, which ended on November 10.
The matches gave Indian players a chance to build form before the senior teams’ two-Test series in Wellington, starting November 19.
Yashasvi Jaiswal scored two centuries after a difficult run of form, strengthening his case as an opener.
Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan both scored heavily, creating a close contest for India’s No.
3 spot.
Fast bowler Anshul Kamboj also made an impression with disciplined bowling, adding to his case for a place in the team.
India’s selectors must weigh their options as they prepare for a series with World Test Championship points at stake.
India A’s three-match unofficial Test series against New Zealand A ended 0-0, with all three matches drawn.
The series gave India’s selectors evidence about players ahead of the senior teams’ two-Test series, which starts in Wellington on November 19.
Yashasvi Jaiswal scored two centuries, while Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan made strong cases for the No. 3 position.
Rain washed out play on the third and fourth days of the final match, limiting match practice for Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja.
- Who
- India A and New Zealand A, with several India Test squad members taking part.
- What
- Their three-match unofficial Test series ended in a 0-0 draw.
- When
- It concluded on November 10, 2026.
- Where
- The matches were played in New Zealand; the final match was in Lincoln.
- Why
- The series offered red-ball preparation and selection clues ahead of the senior teams’ two-Test series.
Devdutt Padikkal
Sai Sudharsan
No. 3 selection case
Devdutt Padikkal
Padikkal scored 199 in the first match and made further runs in the series, strengthening his claim to the position.
Sai Sudharsan
Sudharsan scored 91 and 88 in the final two matches, also making a strong case for selection.
Selection dilemma
Devdutt Padikkal
His performances put him in contention for a place in the senior side.
Sai Sudharsan
His performances made leaving him out a difficult call, according to Sportstar.
The first unofficial Test began at Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln, where India A were bowled out for 113 in their first innings.
The rain-hit third unofficial Test was played in Lincoln.
The final match ended in a draw after rain washed out the fourth day, leaving the series level at 0-0.
The senior teams’ two-Test series is scheduled to begin in Wellington.
- Series result
- 0-0; all three matches were drawn
- Jaiswal’s series tally
- 279 runs in five innings, including two centuries
- Padikkal’s highest score
- 199 in the opening unofficial Test
- Sudharsan’s scores
- 91 and 88 in the final two matches
- Final match location
- Lincoln
- Senior Test series start
- November 19 in Wellington