Devdutt Padikkal stood firm like a wall and rescued India A on Day 3 of the first unofficial Test against New Zealand A at Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln. India A had finished Day 2 at 106/2 in their second innings, with Padikkal unbeaten on 56 and Sai Sudharsan on 39 at stumps. Resuming on the third day, Padikkal continued his fine form and scored a magnificent 199 before being caught behind by wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay off Zak Gibson’s bowling.
Having fallen just one run short of a double century, Padikkal appeared visibly disappointed with the umpire’s decision, arguing that there was a huge gap between the bat and the ball.
Padikkal’s 199-run knock has provided a significant boost to India’s Test squad ahead of the upcoming two-match series against New Zealand. The series begins on November 19, and Padikkal is expected to play a key role for the visitors. In the first Test, which India won by 165 runs, Padikkal scored 167 and 44. He followed it up with another impressive performance in the second Test, scoring 117 in a match that ended in a draw. Earlier, New Zealand A resumed the day at 135 for three and extended their total to 317, with Dean Foxcroft scoring 51 and Curtis Heaphy contributing 44. Matthew Clarke added 42, while Rhys Mariu top-scored with 76.
The left-hander was also in excellent form during India’s two-Test series against Sri Lanka in August.
