The first four-day match of New Zealand A's series against India A continues today at Bay Oval, with the home side fighting back after the visitors took the early initiative.

Former international opener Hamish Rutherford has made good use of the chance to remind the Blackcaps selectors he's still around and still pretty useful with his 13th first class century, helping NZ A to 176-1 at the end of the second day yesterday.

The kiwis were enjoying the batting conditions at the Mount Maunganui ground after the Indians did the same, declaring their innings closed at 467-8 yesterday having winning the toss and deciding to bat first on Friday.

Hamish Rutherford on his way to 106 not out

Rutherford will continue on 106 when day three begins at 11am today, with Northern Districts' Tim Seifert on 13 at the other end.

Earlier Indian test wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel top scored in his side's innings with 94, while Blair Tickner starred in New Zealand A's bowling effort with 4-80 off 22.1 overs.

Admission to the Bay Oval for the match is free.

Tauranga-born Doug Bracewell is captain of the New Zealand A team at the Bay Oval

Indian cricket legend Rahul Dravid, coach of the India A team, paces the boundary at the Bay Oval

New Zealand A's towering paceman Kyle Jamieson

New Zealand A opener Will Young