Yashasvi Jaiswal unbeaten 155 for India A gives him early run-up to New Zealand Test series

Yashasvi Jaiswal scored an unbeaten 155 for India A in the second unofficial Test against New Zealand A in New Zealand on Tuesday, an innings that helped force a draw and provided a prelude to the senior Tests. The knock arrives ahead of a two-Test series against New Zealand’s senior side that begins on November 19.

Jaiswal, 23, has yet to play senior international cricket in New Zealand but carries strong overseas numbers into the tour: 391 runs in five Tests in Australia including a century and two half-centuries, and 411 runs in five Tests on his maiden tour of England with two hundreds and two fifties. He was not part of India’s recent ODI series, a circumstance the article notes has given him extra time to acclimatise to local conditions. The second unofficial Test performance is presented in the piece as timely preparation for the upcoming senior series.

Commenting on the early playing conditions, Jaiswal said: "It's very cold here. The ball moves a lot initially and there is a lot of seam movement. And there are good bowlers hitting good areas consistently. So we have to wait a lot to make runs initially."

On how batting changes as matches progress, he added: "After that, when the wicket gets better or the ball gets old, it's easy to make runs. I won't say it's easy, but you can play good shots. So it was a lot of fun and it feels good to play here. It's a very different experience."

Jaiswal also described the local weather and how it differs from other countries where he has toured: "New Zealand is a very different place (compared) to India, Australia, even England. Because it's very cold here. If you look at the air, the whole day it was cloudy. Then for some time, the sun came and left. It's been like this for the last four days," he said.

On technical adjustments and personal preparation, Jaiswal explained his approach: "Mainly, in my mind, the closer I play to the body, the better it is. Go to the ball and play," he explained. He emphasised the mental and routine aspects as well, saying: "It's not that easy...Just focus on process, routine, discipline. I think you have to be very disciplined here."

With the two-Test series against New Zealand's senior side starting on November 19, the article concludes that Jaiswal's unbeaten 155 for India A gives him an early foothold in conditions he has not faced at senior international level, effectively providing a head start for his first full New Zealand Test assignment.