Dhruv Jurel (AFP Photo)
Coming into the match after scores of 1 and 2 in the first unofficial Test last week, Jurel responded with a crucial knock that helped India A recover from a precarious position and finish the day with a fighting total. Padikkal, who had scored 199 in the opening game, initially struggled to get going but gradually found his rhythm through a series of fluent drives. Sheat led the charge as India A lost three more wickets in quick succession.
He also adjusted his position at the crease to counter the movement, while punishing the shorter deliveries. A cut behind point brought up his half-century in the second session. Padikkal chopped one back onto his stumps, R Smaran, playing his first match of the tour, was trapped lbw first ball after misjudging the movement, while Washington Sundar was beaten by a full delivery. With the innings in danger of falling apart, Jurel had to negotiate the movement and bounce offered by the Christchurch surface. As the seamers began to tire and strayed towards his pads, he found opportunities to score and gradually shifted the momentum.
Suthar provided valuable support before falling for 22 while attempting a drive off Lennox. Jurel then took responsibility for the lower order, ensuring India A avoided a repeat of their batting struggles in the first innings of the Lincoln match.