India 'A' vs NZ 'A': Top 5 players who impressed in the Test series

4. Todd Astle (New Zealand ‘A’ – 80 runs and 5 wickets)

Todd Astle

The Canterbury cricketer used to be a mediocre opening batsman early in his first-class career, so he decided to move down the order and focused on improving his leg-spin in order to keep his place in the team.

Astle’s move did pay rich dividends. Since moving into his new role as an all-rounder, he has been very consistent in the domestic arena with both bat and ball. On the tour of India, his art has only served to churn out impressive performances.

During the first unofficial Test against India ‘A’, Astle provided steady support to Luke Ronchi, scoring a half-century in the process. He also struck a few vital blows, troubling Unmukt Chand with his leg-breaks before finally getting his man, and added two more victims to his tally before Vijay Zol and Abhishek Nayar steered their side to a creditable draw.

Astle has so far played just a single Test for the senior squad – against Sri Lanka in 2012. His all-round abilities will only be a vital asset to the national team in terms of bolstering the spin attack along with veteran left-arm tweaker Daniel Vettori.

3. Abhishek Nayar (India ‘A’ – 159 runs and 1 wicket)

Abhishek Nayar

He may not have enjoyed MS Dhoni‘s confidence during his brief spell in Indian colours, but Mumbai all-rounder, Abhishek Nayar, is a force to be reckoned with in the domestic arena. A skilled left-handed batsman, Nayar can both graft for runs as well as hit the ball hard while in pursuit of quick runs. He is also a fine fielder and has often bailed his team out of trouble.

Chosen to lead the ‘A’ team against the Black Caps, Nayar paired up well with young Vijay Zol in response to the Kiwis’ first-innings total of 310. With Astle weaving his spin web, the experienced campaigner played a solid, responsible knock as he guided his younger partner towards a well-deserved maiden first-class hundred.

Nayar did little with the ball, though and has only one wicket to show for his efforts. But most importantly, he marshalled his troops well, and performed extremely well with the bat.