The left-hander scored 110 with the help of 19 boundaries and was associated in a 164-run opening stand with Akash Chopra (66).

Ramesh, who played the last of his 19 Tests against Sri Lanka at Colombo two years ago, cut and drove with aplomb during his 207-ball knock, to remind the selectors of his presence.

If Ramesh staked a claim for a Test opener's slot, his partner Chopra virtually sealed a place in the squad for the upcoming two-Test series with his half-century.

The 26-year-old Delhi player continued his fine form, having slammed a ton for Board President's XI in the first practice game at Visakhapatnam.

Ramesh was caught at slip by captain Stephen Fleming off seamer Daryl Tuffy, while Chopra mis-timed a pull and was caught at deep fine leg by Paul Wiseman off Jacob Oram.

New Zealand pressed hard in the last session, also dismissing left-hander Conner Williams and captain Mohammad Kaif for just four runs each.

Left-handers Hemang Badani (7) and Murali Kartik (4) were the not out batsmen at close.

Earlier, the visiting side declared their innings when Oram completed his century. Overnight on 59, Oram scored an unbeaten 101 off 142 deliveries, hitting 11 fours and three sixes.

Opener Mark Richardson did not come out to bat after scoring an unbeaten 128 on the first day.

For India A, paceman Munaf Patel and left-arm spinner Murali Kartik took three and two wickets, respectively.