Match Center

1st Test, Wellington, February 21, 2020, 04:00 AM

4 flag safari India
165/10(68.1ov) & 191/10(81.0ov)
5 flag safari New Zealand
348/10(100.2ov) & 9/0(1.4ov)

NZ opted to field

Best Batsmen
R
B
4S
6S
SR
89
153
11
0
58.16
Best Bowler
O
R
W
Econ
20.1
49
4
2.42
Man of the Match
Tim Southee
Commentry
So that is it from the first game! A convincing win for the hosts. Also, this is India's first loss in the WTC. They though need to come back stronger in the next game if they are to avoid a defeat in this series. The second Test begins on the 29th of February at 1130 local (2230 GMT, Previous day). Till then, take care and goodbye!
New Zealand skipper, Kane Williamson, says it was an outstanding effort, especially against a very strong Indian team. States they were excellent with the ball first up and followed it up with the bat as well. Admits the lower order contribution was crucial and it was a team effort. Mentions they did not know what to expect from the wicket but it was very windy and they got it to move around which the bowlers made use of brilliantly. Also adds further that Jamieson was brilliant in this game with both bat and ball. Further states that Southee was hungry to do well and he showed what he is capable of, also, he along with Boult showed how lethal the left-arm, right-arm combination can be.
Indian skipper, Virat Kohli, says the toss turned out to be very important but they were poor with the bat. Further adds anything over 220 or 230 would have been different and the way they bowled to the lower order was also not that great. Admits they were good till the first 7 wickets and they wanted to keep the lead under 100 but the contribution from the lower order put them out of the game. Mentions it is now about what they have learned from this game and they will be eager to bounce back. Also tells the youngsters will learn, it is not easy to bat here and Shaw will learn, Agarwal though was really good and he and Rahane were the only two batters who showed some fight with the bat. He hopes the batters can take some responsibility with the bat in the next game.
Man of the Match, Tim Southee, says it is a great win, to beat a quality Indian side, it is very pleasing and it was a combined team effort. Further adds today morning was a massive time in the game, they wanted to take a couple of wickets before the second new ball was available and they did so. States there was some swing and they made good use of it. Mentions their bowlers did really well to bag all 20 wickets. On being asked how was the wicket, he says there was more on offer than usual, there was heavy wind blowing which helped them swing the ball and on Day 4, there was some extra bounce.
The New Zealand bowlers were exceptional second time around as well. Trent Boult did the job on Day 3 and it was Tim Southee who starred on Day 4. The former ended with a four-fer and the latter with a fifer. Southee finished with 9 in the game. Also, the Kiwis stuck to a plan in this innings which worked out brilliantly for them. In the end, it was a combined effort by the New Zealand side to take an unassailable lead in this series.
India performed no better with the bat in their second innings as they once again failed to cross the 200-run mark. Agarwal was the only one who showed some fight with a 50 but no other batter managed to cross the 30-run mark. However, they did manage to take a lead and make the Kiwis bat again but it was a slender one which the hosts managed to knock out in no time.
In reply, New Zealand batted with a lot of responsibility! They managed to form a lot of handy stands and a couple of big ones which is exactly what you need in a Test match. Kane Williamson was the top scorer for them. There were three batters who got off to starts. However, it was an overall batting effort by them and that effort took their lead to 183. For India, they did not have the same conditions to bowl which the Kiwis had but their bowlers did look off color. Bumrah and Shami both were disappointing, Sharma and Ashwin though did decent. Especially the former who bagged a fifer.
So then, just the 10 balls to knock these runs off! It ends a comprehensive and a very dominant performance from the hosts! A thumping win to be honest against the number one ranked side in the world. Right from the word go, it was the Kiwis who bossed this game. Yes, they were lucky on day 1 as they won the toss, opted to bowl in conditions which were the best to bowl in, in this Test match, however, they made excellent use of it and bundled the Indians out for just the 165. Jamieson was the star for them as he shone on debut with a four-fer. Southee too took four but Jamieson's 4 included, Kohli, Pujara, Vihari and Sharma.
1.4
1
There it is! Blundell scores the winning runs! On the pads, this is worked towards deep backward square leg for one. NEW ZEALAND WIN BY 10 WICKETS!
1.3
.
Shorter and around off, Blundell strokes it to covers.
1.2
.
Back of a length and on off, defended.
1.1
.
Back of a length and on off, Blundell guides it to point.
Jasprit Bumrah to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
1
0
3
0
4
0
Ishant Sharma 8/0(1)
0.6
1
SCORES LEVEL! There will be a second over in this innings! On the pads, Blundell looks to flick but misses to get hit on the thigh pad. It rolls on the off side. No signal from the umpire so there will be an inside edge.
0.5
.
Outside off, it is left alone.
0.4
3
Three now! On the pads, this is worked through square leg. Longer side of the ground and hence, the ball slows down as it gets to the fence. Three taken. Two to win now. Two balls left in this over. Can they win it in this over itself?
0.3
.
Just behind a driving length this time and on off, Latham strokes it to covers.
0.2
4
FOUR! Another five runs needed! Full and outside off, it is a half volley. Latham creams it through covers and the ball races away to the fence.
0.1
.
On middle, it is pushed down to long on.
Earlier in the innings, India came out to bat with a deficit of 183. Except for Agarwal, the top-order failed to show any fight. Rahane and Vihari however, showed some character towards the end of Day 3 but all that effort went down the drain today morning as the last five wickets fell in quick time. So the target is 9, how many overs will New Zealand take to chase this down? 2, 3 or will they do it in the first over itself? We will find out in a bit.
For the Kiwis, it was the old pair of Boult and Southee that wrecked havoc in the Indian batting line-up. The former finished with a four-fer and the latter with a fifer. They were smart, bowled to a plan and it all went great for them. Jamieson went wicket less. Colin de Grandhomme though did have one to his name.
So New Zealand are probably a few overs away from taking a 1-0 lead in this series! An excellent performance by the bowlers have ensured this game does not last for more than one session on Day 4. Boult and Southee got rid of the overnight batters within the first 5 overs of the day. Pant and Ishant then forged a stand and took India into the lead. The two though fell in quick succession and Bumrah also did not show a lot of fight. Poor by India actually, they surrendered quite easily today. A fight was actually expected of them but they have been bowled out in just over an hour.
80.6
W
OUT! CAUGHT! That is a ruppa from Mitchell, the substitute! A one-hander. Also, FIFER FOR SOUTHEE. He has taken 9 for the game. An excellent performance from the veteran. He has really led from the front. He bowls a full ball here outside off, Bumrah looks to guide it down to third man but it goes uppishly to the right of Daryl who sticks his right hand out and low. It sticks. INDIA HAVE BEEN BOWLED OUT FOR 191! NEW ZEALAND 9 RUNS TO WIN!
80.5
.
That misses the stump by a whisker! Fuller and around off, it shapes away. Bumrah looks to drive but is beaten.
80.4
.
On middle, Bumrah works it to mid-wicket.
Jasprit Bumrah is the last man in for India.
80.3
W
OUT! TAKEN! A good catch by Boult! Pant holes out. The second new ball does the trick for the hosts. It is on the pads, Pant flicks it uppishly towards fine leg. Boult there, takes a good catch diving forward. The last recognized batter is out of here.
80.2
1
On the pads, this is worked fine on the leg side for one.
80.1
.
BEATEN! Fuller and around off, it shapes away. Shami looks to drive but is beaten.
The second new ball is now available and it has been taken immediately. Also, Tim Southee is back on!
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0W
0
Colin de Grandhomme 28/1(16)
79.6
.
Outside off, left alone.
79.5
.
Good fielding! Shorter in length and on middle, Pant pulls it hard towards mid-wicket but the fielder dives to his right and stops it.
79.4
.
Shorter and outside off, it is slapped towards cover.
79.3
1
Short and on the body, Shami works it down to fine leg for one.
Mohammed Shami is the new man in.
79.2
W
OUT! That is plumb in front! Colin de Grandhomme's first wicket in this game. Ishant walks a little too far across the stumps. Colin attacks the middle pole. Ishant misses to put bat on ball. It hits him flush in front of the wickets. An appeal and up goes the finger. Ishant stands there and has a word with Pant but the latter asks him not to review and Ishant turns and walks back. India are effectively 6 for 8.
79.1
.
Outside off, it is left alone.
In over# 1
0
4
0
1
4
0
Kyle Jamieson 45/0(19)
78.6
.
Good length and on off, Pant drops it towards cover. He wants a run but is sent back.
78.5
4
FOUR! Shorter in length and on the body, Pant pulls it fine on the leg side and bags a boundary.
78.4
.
Shorter and outside off, this is guided through point but the run is not taken.
78.3
1
Ishant makes room again and Jamieson follows him. Sharma works it through square leg for one.
78.2
4
FOUR! Smashed! Shorter and around off, Ishant makes room and hits it well over mid off for a boundary. INDIA ARE INTO THE LEAD!
78.1
.
Shorter and around off, Ishant guides it to gully.
DRINKS!
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
1
0
Colin de Grandhomme 27/0(15)
77.6
.
A bumper to end! It is on middle, Pant evades it.
77.5
1
Fuller and around off, Ishant looks to drive but it goes off the inner half through square leg for one.
77.4
.
Outside off, it is left alone.
77.3
.
DROPPED! Another life for Ishant! The change in bowling almost works! Full and around off, Ishant strokes it uppishly to the right of short cover but Southee spills it. Should have taken that.
77.2
1
On the pads, this time Pant takes the single as he works it towards fine leg.
77.1
.
Down the leg side, Pant looks to flick but misses.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
2
Kyle Jamieson 36/0(18)
76.6
.
Length ball down the leg side and Sharma lets it be.
76.5
.
Length ball outside off, Sharma gets beaten for the third time in a row.
76.4
.
Length ball down the leg side, Ishant looks to pull but gets beaten once again.
76.3
.
BEATEN! Jamieson bowls one outside off, Sharma makes some room and looks to go over covers but gets beaten on the outside edge.
76.2
1
Short ball on middle, Pant flicks it to deep square leg and gets a single.
76.1
2
Short ball outside off, Pant upper cuts it over the slip cordon and towards the third man region and gets a couple.
Kyle Jamieson is on now.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
2
0
Trent Boult 39/4(22)
75.6
.
Length ball on middle, Sharma flicks it straight to short leg.
75.5
.
Length ball outside off, Ishant covers his off pole and defends it off the back foot towards covers.
75.4
4
FOUR! Ishant Sharma is no mug with the bat. Boult bowls one outside off and on a fuller length, Sharma drives it through covers and gets a boundary.
75.3
.
Length ball around off, angling into the batter. Ishant defends it to the leg side off the back foot.
75.2
2
Full and outside off, Sharma drives it through covers and gets a couple this time.
75.1
.
Full and angled into the pads, Sharma flicks it to find short leg.
In over# 1
0
4
0
2
0
0
Tim Southee 60/3(20)
74.6
.
Length delivery outside off, not in the zone of the batter and Pant makes an easy leave.
74.5
4
FOUR! Length ball and around off, Pant gets on one knee and swings it hard through mid-wicket and fetches a boundary.
74.4
.
Short ball on middle and leg, Pant ducks under it.
74.3
2
Full and on the pads, Pant flicks it to the leg side and takes a run. The fielder in the deep has as wild thow at the striker's end and that allows him to get back for the second with ease.
74.2
.
Full and on off, Pant plays the free flowing drive but finds mid off.
74.1
.
Fuller in length and outside off, Pant defends it to covers.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Trent Boult 33/4(21)
73.6
1
Full and angled into the pads, Pant flicks it towards fine leg and retains the strike.
73.5
.
Fuller in length and swinging away outside off, Pant hangs his bat out to defend but the ball sneaks past the outside edge.
73.4
.
Full and on off, Pant pushes it back to the bowler.
73.3
.
Full and angled into the pads, Pant flicks it to deep mid-wicket and does not take the single once again.
73.2
.
Back of length ball outside off, Pant drives it to covers and denies the single here.
73.1
.
Length ball on middle, Pant fends it away to square leg.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0W
0
1
Tim Southee 54/3(19)
72.6
.
Outside off, Sharma guides it to second slip.
72.5
.
On the pads, it is worked towards mid-wicket.
72.4
.
A huge shout but this time not given! Clearly going down leg. It is full again and tailing back in. It is on the pads though. Ishant looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. He also slips in the process.
Ishant Sharma comes into bat now.
72.3
W
OUT! LBW! Another one bites the dust! Southee gets Ashwin for the second time. India in serious danger of losing the game by an innings! Southee got Ashwin with an outswinger in the first innings and this time the inswinger does the trick. It is full and it starts tailing back in from off. Ashwin plants his front foot a little too across and then tries to flick. Misses. The ball hits him on the pads. An appeal goes up and so does the finger. New Zealand only need another three wickets. They still lead by 31. Ashwin could consider himself a touch unlucky as Hawk Eye shows that is just clipping the leg pole.
72.2
.
Angled into the batter, Ashwin works it to mid-wicket.
72.1
1
Inside edge! Fuller and around off, Pant plays it away from his body. It goes off the inside edge, between his legs and towards the leg side for one.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Trent Boult 32/4(20)
71.6
.
On the fuller side, it tails back in from outside off. Ashwin plays it nicely towards mid off where Williamson runs to his right, dives and stops it.
71.5
.
Good length and on off, Ashwin keeps it out nicely.
71.4
.
On the fuller side, Ashwin strokes it to mid off.
71.3
.
On middle, Ashwin works it to mid on.
71.2
.
On the body of Ashwin, it is worked towards leg gully.
71.1
.
Back of a length and on off, this is guided towards gully.
In over# 1
4
0
4
0
0
0
Tim Southee 53/2(18)
70.6
4
FOUR! Edged and it goes well over! Slash hard if you are going to and that is exactly what Pant does here. It is short and well outside off, Pant goes after it. It goes off the outside edge and over the slip cordon for a boundary.
70.5
.
Outside off, Pant guides it to the fielder at gully.
70.4
4
FOUR! Hammered! Short and outside off, Pant pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
70.3
.
On middle, it is driven to mid on.
70.2
.
Starts from outside off, it tails back in a long way. The length is very full. Pant jams it out towards the bowler.
70.1
.
Outside off, it is played towards covers.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Trent Boult 32/4(19)
69.6
1
A single to end! Short and on the body, this is pulled down to fine leg for one.
69.5
.
Slightly fuller and on middle, Pant strokes it to mid on.
69.4
.
Down the leg side, Pant looks to flick but misses.
69.3
.
A bumper outside off, it is left alone.
69.2
.
Good length and around off, blocked.
69.1
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0W
0
0
Tim Southee 45/2(17)
68.6
.
Length ball outside off, left alone by Ashwin this time.
68.5
4
FOUR! Poor delivery and Ashwin gets off the mark here. Southee bowls one down the leg side and Ashwin just gets some bat on the ball. The ball flies past the diving keeper and into the fine leg fence for a boundary.
68.4
.
Length and on off, Ashwin pushes it off the front foot to the off side.
Ravichandran Ashwin is the new man in.
68.3
W
OUT! CASTLED! Both the overnight batsmen depart in quick succession and India in deep waters now. Vihari was playing watchfully here. He loses his concentration and sees his off stump take the beating. Southee bowls one on a length and gets it to jag back into the batter. Vihari is stranded on the back foot as he looks to push it to the off side. The ball takes the inside edge and hits the top of off stump.
68.2
.
Full and outside off, Vihari looks to drive it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
68.1
.
Length ball outside off, Vihari lets it be.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0W
0
Trent Boult 31/4(18)
67.6
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. End of a successful over from Boult.
67.5
.
Huge shout for an LBW but the umpire is not interested. Boult bowls one on a length and gets it to swing into the batter. Pant looks to flick it but gets rapped on the pads. The bowler and his teammates appeal but the umpire thinks it otherwise.
67.4
.
Length ball on off, Pant defends it off the front foot.
67.3
.
Length ball on off, Pant defends it off the front foot to the off side.
Rishabh Pant is the new man in.
67.2
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Boult gets his 4th and what a start for New Zealand. Boult has been brilliant in this innings with the ball. This time he bowls one a bit fuller and just about manages it to straighten it off the surface. Rahane who is committed on the front foot to defend it gets beaten by the away swing and edges it to BJ Watling behind the wicket. India still trail by 35 and have lost half their side.
67.1
.
Length and on off and middle, Rahane goes across his stumps and pushes it to mid on.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Tim Southee 41/1(16)
66.6
.
Full and around off, Vihari drives it to find short cover to perfection. A maiden to start off with for Southee.
66.5
.
Full and around off and middle, Vihari plays it to mid on.
66.4
.
Another ball which is bowled outside off and Vihari lets it be.
66.3
.
On a good length and down the leg side, Vihari misses his flick as the keeper collects it.
66.2
.
Length ball outside off, Vihari lets it be.
66.1
.
Length ball around off, Vihari plays it off the back foot towards the off side.
Tim Southee to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
0
0
Trent Boult 31/3(17)
65.6
.
Short ball on middle and leg, Rahane goes for the pull but connects with thin air in the end.
65.5
4
FOUR! First runs of the day. Fuller in length and outside off, Rahane leans and drives it past gully and fetches a boundary.
65.4
.
Length ball on off, Rahane plays it with the full face of the bat towards mid off.
65.3
.
Length ball on off, swinging into the batter, Rahane flicks it straight to mid-wicket.
65.2
.
Fuller and on the pads, Rahane flicks it to mid-wicket.
65.1
.
Boult starts with a back of a length ball outside off, Rahane drops his wrists and leaves it.
We are all set to begin Day 4 which could also be the final day of this Test match. The two overnight batsmen Ajinkya Rahane and Hanuma Vihari are out to resume their innings. The New Zealand players are out in the middle too. Trent Boult will start with the ball for the hosts and Rahane to face the first ball of the day.
Hello and welcome to Day 4 of the first Test between New Zealand and India. The moving day, i.e., Day 3 belonged to the hosts who have managed to get the top 4 Indian batters. New Zealand will look to pick up the rest of the wickets as quickly as possible and keep India to a minimal score. India, on the other hand, have two of their most defensively astute batters out in the middle. The pair of Rahane and Vihari managed to see off the day and their first aim in the morning will be to wipe out the deficit without any further more damage. It is said that the best days to bat in New Zealand in a Test match are Day 4 and 5 so will India finally put on a better display with the willow in this Test or will it be New Zealand who will run away with it?
... Day 4, Session 1 ...
In reply, India once again lost an early wicket. Agarwal and Pujara then surged a fightback but the two along with Kohli fell after getting starts. Post that, Rahane and Vihari have shown grit and have really battled hard out there. They have consumed 118 balls so far to stitch a 31-run stand. That though was the demand of the hour as they needed to hang in there. The visitors still trail by another 39 runs and their first aim on Day 4 will be to wipe off the deficit without losing any more wickets. Can they do so? New Zealand are not going to make it easy for them. Do join us at 1130 local (2230 GMT, Previous day) for what could also be the final day of the game.
An excellent day for the hosts! They are in the driver's seat in this game! Right from Day 1, they have been the dominant side and it continues to be that way. The only moment India had a sniff in this game was today morning when they got rid of Southee and Watling in quick succession. However, it was all New Zealand after that. Colin de Grandhomme along with Kyle Jamieson and Ajaz Patel built a few handy stands. To make matters worse for India, Trent Boult also played an outstanding cameo towards the end which took their lead close to the 200-run mark.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0
0
Kyle Jamieson 33/0(17)
64.6
4
FOUR! A boundary on the last ball of the day. Jamieson goes short and wide outside off, Vihari cuts it square on the off side and gets a boundary. THAT WILL BE STUMPS ON DAY 3!
64.5
.
Length ball down the leg side, Vihari leaves it alone.
64.4
.
Short ball on middle, HV lets it be.
64.3
.
OHH! Excitement among the Kiwi players. Jamieson bowls one short of a length delivery and it rears up on Vihari who looks to defend but gets it off the gloves towards leg gully. It doesn't carry to the fielder. Would not have mattered though as the bottom hand was off the handle when the ball made contact.
64.2
.
Another one which is bowled down the leg side and Vihari does not fiddle with it.
64.1
.
Length ball down the leg side and Vihari lets it go.
In over# 1
0
0
0
2
0
0
Trent Boult 27/3(16)
63.6
.
On a good length ball on off, Rahane blocks it off the front foot.
63.5
.
Length ball on off, Rahane keeps it out off the back foot.
63.4
.
Length ball on middle, Rahane flicks it to the leg side.
63.3
2
Full and outside off, Rahane strokes it through cover-point and takes a single.
63.2
.
Length ball on off, Rahane defends it off the back foot.
63.1
.
Length and outside off, Rahane blocks it.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Kyle Jamieson 29/0(16)
62.6
1
Length ball on leg, Rahane keeps it out on the leg side and scampers for a run.
62.5
.
Outside off, it is left alone.
62.4
.
Short of a length ball on off, Rahane taps it to covers.
62.3
.
Short ball on off, Rahane ducks under it.
62.2
.
Back of a length ball on off, Rahane hops and defends it off to point.
62.1
.
Length ball outside off, Rahane leaves it for the keeper.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Trent Boult 25/3(15)
61.6
.
Good length ball on off, Vihari blocks it off the back foot.
61.5
.
Another full ball on the pads, Vihari flicks it towards mid on.
61.4
.
Full ball on the pads, Vihari strokes it to mid on.
61.3
.
Short of a length ball on middle, Vihari hops and keeps it out on the leg side.
61.2
.
Length ball on off, defended off the front foot towards the off side.
61.1
.
Fuller length ball outside off, Vihari keeps it out.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
0
Kyle Jamieson 28/0(15)
60.6
.
Shortish and outside off, Rahane looks to play the upper cut but misses.
60.5
1
On off, Vihari plays it late through point for one.
60.4
.
Angled into the off pole, Vihari keeps it out.
60.3
.
Shortish in length. Vihari evades it.
60.2
.
Fuller and on off, it is driven back to the bowler.
60.1
.
Short one outside off, the batter evades it.
A halt in play as Vihari seems to have an issue with his shoulder. The physio is out.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
0
Tim Southee 41/1(15)
59.6
.
Length ball outside off, Rahane lets it be.
59.5
1
A direct hit would have been close. Southee bowls one on a length and around off, Vihari strokes it to mid off and hares for a run. Williamson there has a shy at the bowler's end but he misses it. A run is taken in the end.
59.4
.
Another ball on off, this time Vihari defends it off the front foot.
59.3
.
Length ball on off, Vihari keeps it out off the back foot.
59.2
.
Outside off, left alone.
59.1
.
BEATEN! Absolute ripper from Southee! He bowls it fuller and around off, Vihari is committed to defend that off the front foot. The ball at the last moment seams away past the outside edge.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
4
4
Kyle Jamieson 27/0(14)
58.6
.
Outside off, left alone.
58.5
.
On off, this is defended nicely.
58.4
.
On the pads, it is worked towards mid-wicket.
58.3
.
Good length and on off, it is kept out.
58.2
4
FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries! Nice controlled shot again. It is short and outside off, Rahane gets on top of the bounce and plays it through point for a boundary.
58.1
4
FOUR! A much-needed boundary! Short and outside off, Rahane cuts it well over the point fielder and bags a boundary. India trail by another 52.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Tim Southee 40/1(14)
57.6
.
Wide outside off, Vihari watches the ball as he leaves it for the keeper.
57.5
.
Length ball outside off, Vihari shoulders arms to it.
57.4
1
Short ball on middle, Rahane pulls it through mid-wicket and gets a single. First run after 33 balls.
57.3
.
Good length ball on off, Rahane defends it off the front foot once again.
57.2
.
Length ball on off, Rahane blocks it off the back foot.
57.1
.
Length and outside off, Rahane lets it be.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kyle Jamieson 19/0(13)
56.6
.
A short one to end! Vihari sways away from it.
56.5
.
Outside off, not played at again.
56.4
.
Played down the wrong line! Fuller and around off, Vihari looks to drive but does so inside the line. Gets beaten.
56.3
.
Back of a length and on off, Vihari keeps it out.
56.2
.
Outside off again but it is left alone again.
56.1
.
Good length and just outside off, it is left alone.
Kyle Jamieson is back on.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Tim Southee 39/1(13)
55.6
.
Outside off, Rahane does not fiddle with it.
55.5
.
Length ball down the leg side and Rahane leaves it alone.
55.4
.
Rahane blocks this length ball on off from with in the crease.
55.3
.
Length ball outside off, Rahane lets it be.
55.2
.
OHH! Rahane gets hit on the helmet. Back of a length ball on middle, Rahane goes for the pull but completely loses the sight of the ball. The ball hits his helmet in the end. Colin de Grandhomme comes from short leg to inquire about his well being. Southee too inquires and Rahane shakes his head. The physio comes in and Rahane is ready to resume his innings.
55.1
.
Length ball on off, Rahane keeps it out off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Colin de Grandhomme 25/0(14)
54.6
.
Back of a length and on off, Vihari guides it towards point. He wants a run but then decides against it.
54.5
.
The batsman defends it from within the crease.
54.4
.
Outside off, left alone.
54.3
.
The batsman works it down the leg side.
54.2
.
On off, kept out.
54.1
.
Short and outside off, it is evaded.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Tim Southee 39/1(12)
53.6
.
Fuller and on off, Rahane drives towards extra cover.
53.5
.
Full and on middle, it is worked to mid-wicket.
53.4
.
On a length again and around off, kept out.
53.3
.
Shorter and on off, Rahane pushes it towards cover.
53.2
.
Lovely delivery! Gets it to angle into the batter and then it pitches and moves away. Rahane looks to defend but misses.
53.1
.
Outside off, not played at.
Tim Southee is back on.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Colin de Grandhomme 25/0(13)
52.6
.
Length ball outside off, HV lets it go through to the keeper.
52.5
.
Outside off, not played at.
52.4
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
52.3
.
One more ball on a good length. It is kept out.
52.2
.
On a good length around off, Vihari keeps it out.
52.1
.
Outside off, it is left alone.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Trent Boult 25/3(14)
51.6
1
Good running! Shorter in length and on off, Vihari drops it on the off side and takes one.
51.5
.
On the fuller side on off, Vihari strokes it to mid off.
51.4
.
Back of a length and on off, Vihari stays back and keeps it out nicely.
51.3
.
Shorter and on middle, this is tucked towards square leg.
51.2
.
Good length and on off, blocked.
51.1
.
A sharp bumper on middle, Vihari evades it.
In over# 1
1
0
0
1
0
0
Colin de Grandhomme 25/0(12)
50.6
1
Full and on the pads, Vihari flicks it to the leg side and gets to the other end.
50.5
.
Outside off, Vihari leaves it for the keeper.
50.4
.
On a good length and on off, Vihari defends it off the back foot.
50.3
1
Length ball on middle, Rahane looks to defend but the ball takes the inside edge and rolls towards fine leg. The batters take a single.
50.2
.
Length ball on off, Rahane defends it right under his eyes.
50.1
.
Length ball outside off, Rahane is happy to let that go.
In over# 1
4
0
1
0
0
1
Trent Boult 24/3(13)
49.6
4
FOUR! Tickled fine! On the pads, Vihari works it nice and fine on the leg side for a boundary.
49.5
.
Shorter and around off, defended.
49.4
1
Shorter in length and around middle, Rahane pulls. The fielder at mid-wicket makes a half stop. A single taken.
49.3
.
This is outstanding stuff! The last one came back in, this one is angled away from the off pole. Rahane hangs his bat out and gets beaten.
49.2
.
Fuller and around off, it tails back in. Rahane plays it towards mid on.
49.1
1
Almost a collision! Fuller and around off, Vihari strokes it towards mid off. The batters set off. Rahane and Vihari almost run into each other but they change directions in the end. Also, luckily for them, Williamson had to dive to stop the ball or he would have had a chance.
In over# 1
0
2
0
0
0
0
Colin de Grandhomme 23/0(11)
48.6
.
Length ball on off, Rahane defends it off the front foot.
48.5
2
Short and outside off, Rahane guides it through point and gets a couple.
48.4
.
Another appeal and this time it is for LBW. De Grandhomme bowls one on a length and on off, Rahane looks to defend it but he fails to lay bat on ball. The ball strikes him high on the pads. The bowler appeals desperately but the umpire once again shakes the head.
48.3
.
Huge appeal for a caught behind down the leg side but the umpire is unmoved. De Grandhomme bowls one down the leg side and Rahane misses the flick. The keeper collects it and appeals. The umpire says not out. New Zealand have no reviews left.
48.2
.
Length and on off, Rahane blocks it off the back foot.
48.1
.
Length ball on off, Rahane keeps it out off the back foot.
DRINKS! An engrossing hour of play. Great to see two good teams fighting it out. India started well with Agarwal and Kohli but Agarwal's stay was cut short when he edged one down the leg side. Kohli was looking to settle down but he played a shot to the ball which could have been left alone. New Zealand have the upper hand at this stage and they would look to get a couple of wickets more before Stumps.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Trent Boult 18/3(12)
47.6
.
Short ball once again and Vihari sits under it.
47.5
.
Full and on the pads, Vihari flicks it to the leg side.
47.4
.
Length ball around off, Vihari blocks it off the back foot.
47.3
.
Short ball on middle, Vihari ducks under it.
47.2
.
Length ball outside off, Vihari lets it be.
47.1
.
Length ball going down the leg side, Vihari flicks it and the ball goes on the bounce to the keeper who collects it by diving to his left.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Colin de Grandhomme 21/0(10)
46.6
1
The batsman works it down the leg side. One run added to the total.
46.5
.
One more ball outside off, it is not played at.
46.4
.
On the fuller side, Vihari drives it towards the fielder at covers. He makes a good stop diving to his right.
46.3
.
One more delivery around off, it is defended nicely.
46.2
.
Outside off, it is left alone.
46.1
.
NOT OUT! It indeed is going down leg. Poor review from the Kiwis! They are now left with no reviews. It is full and around leg stump. Vihari misses the flick and gets hit on the pads. An appeal but it is turned down. The Kiwis review. Replays roll in and they show the on-field call is the right one.
Howzzattt? An appeal for an LBW has been turned down. New Zealand review. It looks like it is slipping down leg.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0W
0
Trent Boult 18/3(11)
45.6
1
On middle, Vihari works it towards mid-wicket.
45.5
.
One more bumper, it is ducked under.
45.4
.
On off, Vihari keeps it out.
45.3
.
Isn't Vihari watching from the dressing room? Didn't he see Pujara's wicket. It is not a good option leaving Boult's deliveries especially when he is bowling from around the wicket. This time he gets away with it as the ball goes agonizingly close past the off pole.
Hanuma Vihari is the new man to the crease. He replaces his skipper in the middle.
45.2
W
OUT! TAKEN! New Zealand are over the moon! Kane Williamson take a bow, Trent Boult take a bow! He was brought back into the attack for this very reason. They needed either of the Indian skipper or the vice captain and Boult has got the big fish, the Indian skipper. Boult comes steaming in from around the wicket and bangs it short. Kohli looks to pull but the ball kisses the gloves and goes into the gloves of the keeper. An appeal and up goes the finger. Once again Kohli fails to make an impact on this tour. India trail by 70. New Zealand will be hoping for a few more wickets before Stumps!
45.1
.
Fuller and on off, Kohli strokes it to covers.
Trent Boult is back on! He has two wickets so far but New Zealand will love it if he can get one of these two.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
0
0
Colin de Grandhomme 20/0(9)
44.6
.
Another ball that is on a length and on off, Rahane keeps it out off the front foot.
44.5
.
Length ball on off, Rahane blocks it off the back foot.
44.4
4
FOUR! Length ball outside off, width on offer too. Rahane frees his arms and drives it through covers for a boundary.
44.3
.
Another ball that is on the pads, Rahane flicks it to mid-wicket.
44.2
.
Full and on off, Rahane flicks it to the leg side.
44.1
.
Length and outside off, Rahane takes a big stride forward. The ball swings away and brushes the pads on its way to the keeper.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
1wd
1
0
Kyle Jamieson 19/0(12)
43.6
.
Down the leg side, Kohli lets it go.
43.5
.
Back of a length and on off, kept out.
43.4
.
One more bumper on middle, it is ducked under.
43.3
1
On off, this is pushed towards cover for one.
43.3
1wd
Short and outside off, Rahane leaves it alone. Way too short though. Wided.
43.2
1
Back of a length and on off, Kohli taps it towards covers and takes one.
43.1
.
On middle, it is worked towards the man at mid-wicket.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Colin de Grandhomme 16/0(8)
42.6
.
On a length and on off, Rahane is happy to play that off the front foot and into the ground.
42.5
.
Good length ball on off, Rahane blocks it off the back foot.
42.4
1
Full and on the pads, Kohli flicks it to square leg and takes a run. The keeper runs to that side and has a shy at the striker's end but misses it.
42.3
.
Outside off, left alone.
42.2
.
Length and on middle and leg, Kohli flicks it to mid-wicket.
42.1
.
Length ball outside off, Kohli shoulders arms to it.
Colin de Grandhomme is back on.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
0
0
Kyle Jamieson 16/0(11)
41.6
.
One more short ball, Rahane keeps it out.
41.5
4
FOUR! Up and over! Ajinkya Rahane won't back down. He will play his shots. This is a clever shot though. It is short and angling away from off. Rahane cuts it over point and bags a boundary.
41.4
.
One more short ball, Rahane this time looks to pull but misses.
41.3
.
Short in length outside off, Rahane evades it awkwardly.
41.2
.
Down the leg side, it has been left alone.
41.1
.
A short one on the body, Rahane does not play a shot and it hits him on the body.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Tim Southee 39/1(11)
40.6
.
Another short ball on the body. Kohli hops and keeps it out.
40.5
.
Way down the leg side, Kohli lets it be. Not wided.
40.4
.
A short one and on middle, Kohli ducks under it.
40.3
.
Shorter in length and on the body, Kohli works it towards the leg gully fielder.
40.2
.
One more short one on middle, Kohli hops and keeps it out.
40.1
.
Good length and on off, it is kept out.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
4
0
Kyle Jamieson 12/0(10)
39.6
.
Some chin music but the line is down the leg side, Rahane ducks under it.
39.5
.
Length and outside off, Rahane cuts it straight to point.
39.4
1
Full and on the pads, Kohli flicks it on the leg side and gets to the other end.
39.3
.
Length and on off, Kohli keeps it out off the front foot.
39.2
4
FOUR! Virat plays his trademark cover drive. Full and around off, Kohli takes a stride forward and then drives it crisply through covers for a boundary. 100 up for India!
39.1
.
Length and outside off, left alone by Kohli.
In over# 1
0
0
0W
0
0
0
Tim Southee 39/1(10)
38.6
.
Another bumper on middle, it is ducked under.
38.5
.
A short ball to welcome Rahane. He defends it out.
Ajinkya Rahane is the new man in.
38.4
W
OUT! India lose their one of the two reviews as there is a spike when the ball passes the bat and Agarwal is a goner! I'll write it once again, not sure why he reviewed, he has a puzzled look on his face as he walks back but that sound could have been nothing but of the edge as the bat was not even close to touching the ground. A soft dismissal in the end. It is a full ball down the leg side, Agarwal looks to flick. There is a tickle on it. Watling takes it and appeals. Up goes the finger. Agarwal stands there for a minute, not sure why? He then starts walking. Kohli stops him and has a word. Mayank then signals the 'T'. Time for the replays and they show that the on-field call is the right one. A good innings by Agarwal comes to an end but India needed him to stay longer. They are in trouble now as they trail by another 87!
The replays roll in! Hot Spot has found nothing but Snicko is showing a spike. Mayank will have to go.
With just the one second left, Agarwal has reviewed. He has been given out caught behind. Not sure why he did not review immediately if he was ultimately going to review, You would obviously know if you have hit it or not.
38.3
.
Short and on leg, Agarwal lets it be.
38.2
.
Southee goes short and on middle and leg, Agarwal goes for the pull but fails to get any wood behind the ball.
38.1
.
Length and on off, defended off the back foot towards the leg side.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kyle Jamieson 7/0(9)
37.6
.
Outside off again, Kohli does not fiddle with it.
37.5
.
One more delivery outside off, it is not played at.
37.4
.
Angled into the off pole. Kohli lunges and keeps it out.
37.3
.
A little too short and a little too wide. Left alone.
37.2
.
One more ball outside off, left alone.
37.1
.
Outside off and on a length. Not played at.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
0
0
Tim Southee 39/0(9)
36.6
.
Length ball down the leg side, Agarwal does not fiddle with it.
36.5
4
FOUR! That's pulled with disdain. Short ball on middle and leg, Agarwal rides the bounce and pulls it over square leg for a boundary.
36.4
.
Short and on middle, Agarwal lets it be.
36.3
.
Short ball on the hips, Agarwal looks to flick it to the leg side. The ball lobs behind off the thigh pad where the keeper collects it by putting in a dive.
36.2
.
Length ball on off, Agarwal blocks it off the back foot.
36.1
.
A short one on the body, Agarwal evades it.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kyle Jamieson 7/0(8)
35.6
.
On the stumps, it is kept out.
35.5
.
Uppish again but on the bounce! Fuller and on off, Kohli drives but fails to keep it down. It does not carry to mid off.
35.4
.
Outside off, it is left alone.
35.3
.
Fuller and on off, it is driven to mid off.
35.2
.
A short ball, Kohli ducks under it.
35.1
.
Shorter and outside off, Kohli lets it be.
In over# 1
1
1
1
4
0
0
Tim Southee 35/0(8)
34.6
1
One more ball on middle, Kohli works it through mid-wicket for a single.
34.5
1
Shorter in length and on the body, it is pulled down to fine leg for one.
34.4
1
On the pads, this time he works it nicely through square leg for one.
34.3
4
EDGY FOUR! Kohli is living dangerously here. This is full and it is moving away from around off. Kohli looks to flick but closes the face of the bat early. He gets a leading edge which goes between widish first slip and gully and down to the third man fence.
34.2
.
Outside off again, it is left alone.
34.1
.
Good length and on off, Kohli defends it.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kyle Jamieson 7/0(7)
33.6
.
One more back of a length ball around off, Agarwal guides it towards point. Kohli wants a run but is sent back by his partner.
33.5
.
One more delivery on a length outside off. Left alone.
33.4
.
A short one now and MA ducks under it.
33.3
.
Edged but short! Good stop in the end! Back of a length around off, Agarwal plays a touch away from his body. It goes off the outside edge but falls short of Nicholls at gully who dives to his left and stops it.
33.2
.
Good length and on off, Agarwal guides it to point.
33.1
.
Loose stroke! Short and wide outside off, Agarwal goes after it away from his body but gets beaten.
Kyle Jamieson is back on now.
In over# 1
0
0
2
4
0
1
Tim Southee 28/0(7)
32.6
.
One more ball outside off, it is left alone.
32.5
.
Outside off, left alone.
32.4
2
A little too straight this time, Kohli works it through square leg for two. The trail is now under 100!
32.3
4
FOUR! In the air but in the gap! Full and outside off, it swings away further. Kohli strokes it, it goes uppishly past short cover and cover and into the fence.
32.2
.
On a length and angling into Kohli. He pushes it to mid on.
32.1
1
On the pads, it is worked through square leg for one.
We are back for the final session of Day 3. Indian skipper, Virat Kohli is the new man in to partner Mayank Agarwal in the middle. New Zealand players are all set to begin the session as Tim Southee starts to bowl.
... Day 3, Session 3 ...
A wicket right at the end of the session means it is the Kiwis who will be pleased with how things have gone! They got rid of Shaw early on but then Agarwal and Pujara grinded hard out there. The two added a 51-run stand. However, just at the stroke of the break Boult strikes to get his second. He has been the best bowler for the hosts so far. New Zealand will hope he gets more support from the other end. India, on the other hand, need their skipper to fire and Agarwal to continue. They would hope to go wicket-less in the last session. Can they do so? We will find out in a while.
In over# 1
0W
0
0
0
0
0
Trent Boult 17/2(10)
31.6
W
OUT! KABOOM! A wicket just at the stroke of Tea! We saw a wicket on the first ball of the first session and now a wicket of the last ball of the second session. This is poor from Pujara. An error there by him. Can't leave a ball bowled by a left-arm seamer who is tailing the ball back in and bowling from around the wicket. Also, it was not that far away from the off pole to begin with. Pujara does not cover his off pole and shoulders arms to it. The ball finds the stumps. Boult is pumped up and this is exactly what the Kiwis needed. End of a stand which was looking solid. Pujara's poor run in New Zealand continues. He walks back and along with the rest of the players as IT IS TEA ON DAY 3 AND INDIA TRAIL BY 105!
31.5
.
Length ball on off, Pujara keeps it out off the front foot.
31.4
.
Short ball on middle and leg, Pujara ducks under it.
31.3
.
Outside off, Pujara plays it back to the bowler.
31.2
.
Full and outside off, Pujara blocks it off the front foot towards covers.
31.1
.
Full and on off, Pujara defends it to mid on off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
3
0
0
0
1
Ajaz Patel 18/0(3)
30.6
.
On off, Agarwal pushes it to covers.
30.5
3
Pujara comes down the track and works this through square leg for three.
30.4
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
30.3
.
Nicely bowled! Slows it up and lands it on middle, Pujara looks to defend but it goes off the outer half towards first slip where the fielder makes a good stop diving to his right.
30.2
.
Pujara comes down the track but does not get to the pitch of it. He keeps it out.
30.1
1
Floats it up on middle, this is eased down to long on for one.
In over# 1
0
0
0
2
0
0
Trent Boult 17/1(9)
29.6
.
One more delivery outside off, not played at.
29.5
.
Back of a length and on middle, Pujara stays back and keeps it out.
29.4
.
On the fuller side, Pujara strokes it to mid off.
29.3
2
Nicely played! Boult goes full and outside off, Pujara strokes it through covers and takes two.
29.2
.
One more short one on middle, Pujara ducks under it.
29.1
.
Shorter in length and on middle, Pujara keeps it out.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
4
0
Ajaz Patel 14/0(2)
28.6
.
Flatter and on middle, Agarwal stays back and defends it.
28.5
.
Slower through the air and on middle, kept out.
28.4
.
Quicker and on off, defended.
28.3
.
Shorter and around off, this is pushed to covers.
28.2
4
FOUR! Fifty for Agarwal, his 4th in Tests! Another good knock from him. Showed promise in the first innings and doing well in the second as well. Gets there by sweeping this ball on the leg stump fine towards the fine leg fence. He needs to keep going now.
28.1
.
Turn and bounce! It lands on middle, and then turns away. There is also extra bounce. Agarwal looks to defend but gets hit on the body.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Trent Boult 15/1(8)
27.6
.
One more short ball, Pujara ducks under it with ease.
27.5
.
Close! That came back in sharply. Behind a length and outside off. It comes back in late. Pujara looks to keep it out but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
27.4
.
On the pads again, Pujara works it to square leg.
27.3
.
Shortish and on the body, Pujara works it towards square leg.
27.2
.
A short one on the body, Pujara ducks under it.
27.1
.
The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads.
In over# 1
0
6
0
4
0
0
Ajaz Patel 10/0(1)
26.6
.
On middle, it is worked to mid-wicket.
26.5
6
SIX! Floated ball on middle and off, Agarwal dances down the track and lofts it over the bowler for maximum at long off.
26.4
.
Floated ball on off, Agarwal taps it to point.
26.3
4
FOUR! Flatter and shorter on middle, Agarwal rocks onto the back foot and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
26.2
.
Tossed up ball on off, Agarwal plays it to point.
26.1
.
Full ball down the leg side, Agarwal defends it to short leg.
Ajaz Patel is on now.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Trent Boult 15/1(7)
25.6
.
Short of a length ball on leg, Pujara keeps it out off the back foot towards the leg side.
25.5
.
Full and on the pads, Pujara flicks it to mid-wicket.
25.4
.
Bumper! Pujara lets it sail over him.
25.3
.
Full and on the pads, Pujara flicks it to mid-wicket.
25.2
.
Short of a length ball on middle and leg, Che keeps it out on the leg side.
25.1
.
Good length ball off, Pujara keeps it out off the front foot.
Trent Boult is back on.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
4
Colin de Grandhomme 15/0(7)
24.6
.
Length and outside off, played to point.
24.5
.
Good length ball outside off, Agarwal makes a leave.
24.4
.
Outside off, Agarwal lets it go through.
24.3
.
Length ball on off, Agarwal blocks it to covers.
24.2
.
Length and on off, Agarwal defends it off the front foot.
24.1
4
FOUR! Width on offer and Agarwal cuts it uppishly through gully and into the fence at third man for a boundary.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kyle Jamieson 7/0(6)
23.6
.
Shortish and outside off, Pujara does not play at it.
23.5
.
One more bumper, it is ducked under.
23.4
.
Shorter and on middle, Pujara stays back and keeps it out.
23.3
.
Back of a length and on middle, kept out.
23.2
.
Shorter in length again, Pujara works it to mid-wicket.
23.1
.
A bumper and it is ducked under.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Colin de Grandhomme 11/0(6)
22.6
.
Outside off, left alone.
22.5
.
Another ball on middle, kept out.
22.4
.
The batsman defends it from within the crease.
22.3
.
OHHH! Just outside off and tailing away further. Agarwal looks to block but is beaten.
22.2
.
Gets this one to come back in a little after landing on middle, it is kept out.
22.1
.
Fuller and on off, Agarwal strokes it to covers.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
3
Kyle Jamieson 7/0(5)
21.6
.
On the pads again, Pujara works it to backward square leg again.
21.5
.
On the body, this is worked towards backward square leg.
21.4
.
A good short one on middle, Pujara ducks under it.
21.3
.
On a length and around off, blocked.
21.2
.
Outside off, left alone.
21.1
3
KJ comes around the wicket now and bangs it short! Agarwal takes on the challenge of pulling it. He drags it through mid-wicket and takes three.
In over# 1
0
0
0
3
1
0
Colin de Grandhomme 11/0(5)
20.6
.
Outside off, not played at.
20.5
.
Angled into the batter, Pujara defends it.
20.4
.
Outside off, it is left alone.
20.3
3
Three runs! Shorter and around off, Agarwal pulls it through mid-wicket for three. It is not right off middle and hence, does not get to the fence. Ajaz does the mopping up job.
20.2
1
The batsman has nudged the ball fine down the leg side. They have run through for a single.
20.1
.
Full and wide outside off, it swings away. Left alone.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kyle Jamieson 4/0(4)
19.6
.
Short ball but the line is down the leg side, Agarwal ducks under it.
19.5
.
Full and angled into the pads, Agarwal flicks it to mid-wicket.
19.4
.
Outside off, left alone.
19.3
.
Length and on middle, Agarwal defends it to mid on.
19.2
.
Length ball outside off, Agarwal lets it be.
19.1
.
A nasty one! Length ball on off, Agarwal does well to defend it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
2
1
0
0
Colin de Grandhomme 7/0(4)
18.6
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
18.5
.
One more ball on a length and around off, it is kept out.
18.4
2
On middle, it is worked through square leg for two.
18.3
1
On the pads, it is worked through square leg for one.
18.2
.
Back of a length and on off, kept out.
18.1
.
On off, solidly defended.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1wd
0
0
0
Kyle Jamieson 4/0(3)
17.6
.
Shorter in length and on middle, it is not played at.
17.5
.
Good length and on off, blocked.
17.4
.
Confusion but no harm done! On a length and around off, Pujara drops it towards the off side and takes off. Agarwal sends him back just in time. Williamson did rush in and had a shy at the striker's end but misses. Pujara would have been in though.
17.4
1wd
Way too short this time and it has been wided.
17.3
.
Another nasty delivery! Shorter and around off, Pujara looks to fend at it but does well to drop his hands in the end.
17.2
.
One more short ball and on middle, Pujara stays back and keeps it out.
17.1
.
Shorter in length and outside off, Pujara does not play at it.
DRINKS!
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
4
Colin de Grandhomme 4/0(3)
16.6
.
Huge appeal but nothing from the umpire. De Grandhomme dishes one down the leg side and Agarwal once again goes for the flick. He though misses it. The ball goes to the keeper where Watling collects it and goes in an appeal but the umpire is unmoved. Off the thigh pad though.
16.5
.
Another ball that is around off, Agarwal plays it to point.
16.4
.
Good length and outside off, Agarwal taps it to point.
16.3
.
Length ball down the leg side, Agarwal misses his flick and the keeper collects it.
16.2
.
Length ball on off, Agarwal blocks it off the back foot.
16.1
4
FOUR! Superbly played. Short and wide outside off, Agarwal drives it through the vacant point region for a boundary.
In over# 1
0
0
1
2
0
0
Kyle Jamieson 3/0(2)
15.6
.
NOT OUT! Nothing conclusive and the original decision stays! It was very close but in the end, one feels it is the right call. A short one on middle, Pujara is taken by surprise. He takes his eyes off the ball and tries to fend it but the ball kisses some part of the arm and goes to the keeper. An appeal for a caught behind but it is turned down. New Zealand review. Replays roll in but from the first one it is very difficult to decide whether it is the arm guard or the glove. Hot Spot then shows a mark on the arm guard. Some more replays are seen but the umpire does not find anything conclusive to overturn the on-field decision so New Zealand end up losing their review.
A huge appeal for a caught behind has been turned down! New Zealand review. Not sure what it was off, it looked like the arm guard.
15.5
.
A good short one, Pujara ducks under it and lets it go over him quite comfortably.
15.4
1
Angled into the off pole. Agarwal drops it towards covers and takes one.
15.3
2
A couple! Fuller and around off, Agarwal strokes it uppishly but wide of KJ and through mid off for two.
15.2
.
Angled into the pads, Agarwal works it towards mid on.
15.1
.
Length and on off, this is pushed to mid off.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Colin de Grandhomme 0/0(2)
14.6
.
A good nut to end! Continues landing it around the off pole and this time gets it to move away. Pujara looks to defend but is beaten.
14.5
.
Along the ground though! That is what the Kiwis are looking for. Fuller and around off, Pujara drives it towards short cover.
14.4
.
On the fuller side around off, it is driven back towards the bowler.
14.3
.
Another one on a length and around off, CP keeps it out nicely.
14.2
.
Length and on off, Pujara watchfully keeps it out.
14.1
.
On middle, Pujara works it to mid-wicket.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kyle Jamieson 0/0(1)
13.6
.
Another short one on middle, Agarwal ducks under it.
13.5
.
Slips this one down the leg side. Agarwal looks to flick but misses.
13.4
.
One more delivery on a length and around off, Agarwal pushes it towards covers.
13.3
.
One more shot ball but outside off, Agarwal sways away.
13.2
.
Shortish and on off, MA hops and tries to defend but gets an inside edge onto the body.
13.1
.
Slightly shorter and outside off, left alone. Some away swing for Jamieson.
Kyle Jamieson to bowl now. He replaces Trent Boult.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Colin de Grandhomme 0/0(1)
12.6
.
A dot to end! Colin starts with a maiden! On a length and around off, defended.
12.5
.
On the fuller side on off, Pujara works it to mid on.
12.4
.
Gets it right this time. Lands it on off and then moves it away. Pujara looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
12.3
.
Closer to the off pole this time but not close enough to make the batter play.
12.2
.
Way too short and way too wide. Left alone again.
12.1
.
Outside off, not played at.
Colin de Grandhomme is on now.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Trent Boult 15/1(6)
11.6
.
One more short one and it is ducked under again.
11.5
.
Angles this away from the right-hander after landing it on a length. Agarwal looks to defend but it goes off the outer half towards gully.
11.4
.
Goes back to over the wicket and bangs it short on the body. Agarwal lets it go over him.
11.3
.
Shorter and on middle, MA keeps it out nicely.
11.2
.
A good short one on middle, Agarwal ducks under it. This one though does not bounce a lot.
11.1
.
Fuller and around off, Agarwal pushes it towards mid off and wants a run but is sent back.
In over# 1
0
3
1
0
0
0
Tim Southee 21/0(6)
10.6
.
Goes wide of the crease and bowls this outside off. It is left alone.
10.5
3
That was very close! Full and on middle, Agarwal plants his front foot way too across. He though does well to get bat on ball, it goes uppishly but away from short mid-wicket and the batters take three. He had to get bat to that or he was a goner.
10.4
1
A little too straight, it is worked behind square on the leg side for one.
10.3
.
On a good length and around off, Pujara keeps it out.
10.2
.
A short one and on middle, CP lets it go over him.
10.1
.
Good length and on off, defended.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Trent Boult 15/1(5)
9.6
.
Good length and on middle, kept out.
9.5
.
One more short one, Agarwal ducks under it.
9.4
1
Uppish but away! Pujara living dangerously. A short one on middle, there is extra bounce again. Pujara looks to fend at it but it hits the gloves and goes down to fine leg for one.
9.3
.
Third leave in a row as it is once again bowled outside off.
9.2
.
One more ball outside off, not played at.
9.1
.
Outside off, it is left alone.
In over# 1
1
0
0
3
0
0
Tim Southee 17/0(5)
8.6
1
Another edge! On middle, Pujara looks to defend but it goes off the outer half through point for one.
8.5
.
Uppish again but short! On the pads, Pujara flicks it uppishly but well short of mid-wicket.
8.4
.
Leading edge but safe! This is on the pads, Pujara looks to flick but does so early. He gets a leading edge which goes wide of cover and lands short of mid off.
8.3
3
On the pads, Agarwal flicks it through mid-wicket. The fielder there dives over the ball and the batters then take three.
8.2
.
On the pads, this is worked towards mid-wicket where the fielder dives to his right and saves it.
8.1
.
OHHH! That is fuller and around off, it swings away late. Mayank is drawn into a drive but gets beaten.
In over# 1
0
0
0W
4
0
1
Trent Boult 14/1(4)
7.6
.
Shorter in length and outside off, not played at. End of a successful over by Boult.
7.5
.
Lands it on a length and around off, Pujara keeps it out.
Cheteshwar Pujara walks in at number 3.
7.4
W
OUT! Taken! The ploy to come around the wicket has worked! The plan against Shaw comes good. That is an excellent catch by Latham as well. Boult bangs it short and on middle, Shaw initially looks to glance but then there is extra bounce. He looks to bail out but in the end ends up playing a nothing shot. It hits the higher part of the bat and goes towards square leg. Latham there takes a good catch diving to his left. Another low score for Shaw. India lose one early, they still trail by another 156 runs.
7.3
4
FOUR! Well played! Shorter and around off, Shaw just uses the pace of the bowler and guides it past point. The ball races away to the fence.
7.2
.
Boult comes around the wicket and lands it on a length and around off, it is pushed towards extra cover.
7.1
1
One-legged pull! Shorter and on the body. Agarwal pulls it with his front leg up in the air towards fine leg for one.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
4
0
Tim Southee 13/0(4)
6.6
.
Length ball around off, it jags back in a bit. Shaw looks to defend it with an angled bat but the ball takes the inside edge and thuds into the pads. The ball later rolls towards the slip cordon.
6.5
.
Full and on middle, driven to mid on.
6.4
.
Length ball outside off, Shaw punches the ball to the off side off the back foot.
6.3
.
Good length ball on off, Shaw defends it off the back foot.
6.2
4
FOUR! Southee offers width outside the off pole and Shaw capitalizes on it. Length and wide outside off, Shaw sees the length early and drives it through covers for a boundary.
6.1
.
Short ball but down the leg side, Shaw does not bother to play at it.
In over# 1
0
2
0
0
4
0
Trent Boult 9/0(3)
5.6
.
On a good length and angling away from the batter, Agarwal shoulders arms to it.
5.5
2
Fuller length ball outside off, Agarwal takes a nice stride out and drives it through covers for a couple.
5.4
.
Short ball outside off, Agarwal sways away from it.
5.3
.
Length and around off, Agarwal lets it be.
5.2
4
FOUR! Overpitched and driven nicely by Agarwal. Boult in search of swing dishes out a very full delivery. Agarwal shows the full face of the bat and drives it through mid off for a boundary.
5.1
.
Short of a length ball on off, Agarwal blocks it off the back foot towards point.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Tim Southee 9/0(3)
4.6
.
Full and on middle and leg, Shaw drives it to mid on. A bit uppish but short of the fielder.
4.5
.
Good length and around off, Shaw pushes it to mid off.
4.4
.
Length and around off and middle, Shaw defends it to mid on off the back foot.
4.3
.
Fuller length ball on off, Shaw blocks it off the back foot towards the bowler.
4.2
.
Length and around off, Shaw defends it to mid off.
4.1
.
Full and around off, Shaw plays it to covers.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
1
Trent Boult 3/0(2)
3.6
.
On a good length and around off, Agarwal blocks it off the back foot.
3.5
1
Length and on the pads, Shaw clips it towards fine leg and takes a run.
3.4
.
On a length and around off, defended to the leg side this time by Shaw.
3.3
.
Length ball on middle, Shaw blocks it off the back foot towards mid-wicket.
3.2
.
This one is angled away from the off stump. Shaw pushes at it but gets beaten.
3.1
1
On the pads, it is worked behind square on the leg side for one.
In over# 1
2
1
1
0
0
0
Tim Southee 9/0(2)
2.6
2
Uppish but in the gap! On the pads, Shaw flicks it in the air but in the gap in the mid-wicket region for two.
2.5
1
A little too straight, it is clipped around the corner for one at fine leg.
2.4
1
Fuller and around off, Shaw goes at it with hard hands. It goes off the inner half through square leg for one.
2.3
.
Looks to bowl the magic delivery as he tries to swing it away from the leg pole to the off pole. No swing though and it is down the leg side.
2.2
.
BEAUTY! This starts on off and then moves away. Shaw has to play at it but gets beaten.
2.1
.
Down the leg side, Shaw looks to flick but misses.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Trent Boult 1/0(1)
1.6
.
On middle and it is a back of a length. Kept out. A steady over to begin by Boult.
1.5
.
Slightly fuller and gets it to tail back in from middle, Agarwal works it towards mid-wicket.
1.4
.
Angles this one away from the right-hander after landing it on off. It is left alone.
1.3
.
Length and around middle, MA keeps it out.
1.2
.
Good length and around off, Agarwal plays it late and towards gully.
1.1
1
On the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.
Trent Boult to bowl from the other end!
In over# 1
4
1
0
0
0
0
Tim Southee 5/0(1)
0.6
4
FOUR! Agarwal is underway in style! A gift for him. A half volley. Agarwal strokes it through covers and it races away to the fence. A good start for the Indians.
0.5
1
India are underway! On the pads, Shaw works it through mid-wicket and takes a single.
0.4
.
Angles this one now into the batter, PS works it to mid on.
0.3
.
Lands this on middle, Shaw gets right behind the line and keeps it out. Three good deliveries to begin with by Southee.
0.2
.
Once again! Gets it to move away from the middle stump line. Shaw looks to defend but it goes off the outer half towards point.
0.1
.
That has swung like a banana! This is angled into the leg pole line but then moves away. Shaw is squared up as he tries to defend. The ball misses his bat and hits the thigh pad. Big swing for Southee first up.
New Zealand's players are out in the middle and Tim Southee will start the proceedings with the ball for them.
We are back after the break. The opening pair of Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal are out in the middle to start India's reply to the Kiwi lead.
... Day 3, Session 2 ...
Now then, India have a huge task ahead of them but the good thing is, they will not be facing similar conditions as they did in their first innings which was very conducive for bowling. The wicket has eased out and you would expect much better performance with the bat from them. They though need to go session by session and not think long. The Kiwis, on the other hand, will want to replicate their bowling performance of the first innings. Will they do so? We will find out in a while after the Lunch break.
New Zealand's innings with the bat was all about partnerships. Their top order constructed a few handy ones with the best being between Taylor and Williamson which accounted for more than 90. The middle order failed to make an impact but the lower order covered up for them as the last three wickets managed to add more than 100 runs.
The Indian bowling was decent to begin with but as the morning progressed, they seemed to be running out of ideas. Yes, the wicket appeared very flat but the Indian bowlers were quite predictable which the Kiwi lower-order took advantage of. Ishant Sharma though was the pick of the bowlers as he finished with a fifer. Ashwin also took three. Bumrah and Shami were quite disappointing.
End of a valiant effort from the New Zealand lower-order and they have probably batted themselves into a position from where it is very difficult for them to lose the game. The session, however, did not start well for them as they lost both Watling and Southee in quick succession. At that time, it seemed that India are back in the game but the partnership between Jamieson and Colin de Grandhomme which accounted for 71 took the Kiwis back on top again. And 52 runs from the last two wickets extended their lead to 183.
100.2
W
OUT! CAUGHT! The change of end works in favour of Ishant Sharma and India. He also gets a 5-fer, his 11th in this format. Brilliant bowling from him. Sharma bowls short and on middle, Boult looks to fend it away this time but gets his gloves on it. Maybe Trent was undone by the extra bounce on that one. The ball flies towards the keeper and Rishabh Pant gobbles it up. NEW ZEALAND BOWLED OUT FOR 348!
100.1
2
Short ball on middle, Boult hooks it towards deep square leg and gets a couple.
Change of ends for Ishant Sharma. He just needs a wicket for his fifer. Will the change of ends work for him?
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
4
Mohammed Shami 91/1(23)
99.6
.
Short ball once again, Patel does well to evade it.
99.5
.
Short ball on off and middle, Patel swings wildly but fails to get anything behind that shot as the keeper collects it.
99.4
.
Full and outside off, Patel drives it with power but only to find mid off to perfection.
99.3
.
Length and around off, Patel defends it towards covers.
99.2
1
Short ball on off, Boult pulls it but cannot get it off the middle. It goes to mid on and the batsmen cross ends.
99.1
4
FOUR! Low full toss on middle and leg, Boult makes room and swats it through cover-point for a boundary. Brilliant batting from the Kiwi.
Mohammed Shami is back on.
In over# 1
1
0
6
0
0
0
Ravichandran Ashwin 99/3(29)
98.6
1
A single now as this is pushed towards cover. Boult keeps strike again.
98.5
.
On middle, defended.
98.4
6
SIX! This time he smokes it! Gets to the pitch of it and smashes it well over the long on fence. The way Boult is batting, he might take the Kiwi lead above 200.
98.3
.
Once again Boult skips down the track but does not get to the pitch of it. Defended.
Lunch has been extended by 30 mins as New Zealand are 9 down.
98.2
.
Bowls the one that goes away from the batter. It lands on off. Boult looks to drive but is beaten.
98.1
.
Comes down the track but does not get to the pitch of the ball entirely. It is kept out.
In over# 1
0
1
4
4
2
0
Ishant Sharma 66/4(22)
97.6
.
Ajaz keeps out the one ball he had to face! On a length and around middle, defended.
97.5
1
Now works it through square leg and takes one. This will really be frustrating India at the moment.
97.4
4
FOUR! Top edge this time! Boult is dealing in boundaries! He clears his front leg again. Sharma bowls it short. TB looks to pull but it goes off the top edge and to the fine leg fence.
97.3
4
DROPPED AND FOUR! That though was smashed back towards Sharma but it had to stick. It is on a length and around off, Boult thwacks it off the middle towards Sharma. It is to his left. He gets two hands to it but spills it and it races to the long off fence.
97.2
2
Nicely played! He shuffles across this time and Ishant bowls it on off, Boult guides it through point and takes two.
97.1
.
Boult makes room again and Sharma follows him with a short one. TB swings but misses.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
4
Ravichandran Ashwin 92/3(28)
96.6
.
Slower through the air again and on middle, defended.
96.5
.
Another tossed up ball on off, blocked.
96.4
.
Slower through the air and on off, Patel keeps it out.
96.3
.
Flatter and on middle, defended.
96.2
1
Follows the boundary with a single as this is eased through covers for one.
96.1
4
FOUR! Swatted! Boult comes down the track and Ashwin floats it outside off. Boult drags it through mid-wicket and bags a boundary.
In over# 1
1
2
0
0
0
4
Ishant Sharma 55/4(21)
95.6
1
On the pads, this is worked towards fine leg for one. He retains strike.
95.5
2
More runs! Frustrating runs for India! A slower one on middle, Boult waits for it this time and lofts it over mid off. Not right off the middle but hit well enough for two runs.
95.4
.
This is angled into the batter, Boult pushes it back to the bowler. Sharma followed him there.
95.3
.
Another swing and a miss! Full and wide outside off, Boult swings again but misses again.
95.2
.
Clears his front leg again and swings but misses this short ball outside off.
95.1
4
FOUR! Flat-batted! Boult is probably going to enjoy himself out there. He clears his front leg and Ishant bangs it short. Boult smashes it past mid off and then also holds the pose for the cameras. Excellent stuff. 150 is the lead now.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0W
0
Ravichandran Ashwin 87/3(27)
94.6
.
On middle, Patel keeps it out nicely.
94.5
.
On middle, Patel is solid in defense.
94.4
.
Outside off, it is left alone.
94.3
1
Boult is off the mark! He comes down the track and pushes it towards cover for one.
Trent Boult is the last man in for New Zealand.
94.2
W
OUT! Wow, just wow! Take a bow Colin de Grandhomme. You might be wondering why I'm praising Colin de Grandhomme when he has got out... Reason - He has walked. The umpire wasn't going to give him out there, India had no reviews left but Colin de Grandhomme straightaway starts walking. Ashwin tosses it up and bowls it down the leg side. Colin looks to flick but it jumps and kisses the gloves. Pant takes a fine reflex catch to his left and is appealing. The umpire initially is unmoved but de Grandhomme walks. After that the official raises his finger. A very handy innings from him comes to an end. Can India now bowl out New Zealand before Lunch?
94.1
.
Quicker and flatter on off, Colin pushes it to the left of the bowler who fields it.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Ishant Sharma 48/4(20)
93.6
1
Full and on off, it's driven straight through mid off and Colin keeps the strike.
93.5
.
Full ball on middle and leg, Colin flicks it to mid-wicket.
93.4
.
Fuller length ball around off, de Grandhomme keeps it out off the back foot.
93.3
.
On a good length and outside off, CdG lets it go through to the keeper.
93.2
.
Length ball around off, Colin blocks it solidly off the front foot.
93.1
.
Down the leg side, Colin looks to flick but misses.
Ishant Sharma is back!
In over# 1
0
0
1
2
4
2
Ravichandran Ashwin 86/2(26)
92.6
.
Floats it up on middle, blocked.
92.5
.
Outside off, left alone.
92.4
1
Takes a single now as he pushes it down to long on. Good batting, already nine from the over so he need not take another risk.
92.3
2
Another couple now! So de Grandhomme's intentions are clear. He is going for it. Comes down the track and swings but it goes off the inner half down towards fine leg for two.
92.2
4
FOUR! Over the head of the fine leg fielder who is quite ahead of the ropes! On the pads, Colin plays the slog sweep. It goes over that fielder's head and into the fence.
92.1
2
On middle, it is worked through square leg. It is in the gap and two taken.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
4
Jasprit Bumrah 88/1(26)
91.6
.
Short of a length ball outside off, Patel looks to cut it but there is no room to play that shot. He still goes through with it and gets a bottom edge past the stumps towards the right of the keeper.
91.5
.
Short ball on middle, Patel does well to sit under it.
91.4
.
BUMPER! Patel does well to sway away from the line.
91.3
.
Full and outside off, Patel digs it out.
91.2
.
Length ball around off, Patel looks to defend it but gets an inside edge on it onto the pads.
91.1
4
FOUR! Streaky! New Zealand won't mind though. 300 comes up. On a length and around off, it skids through. Ajaz is a little late in bringing his bat down. It goes off the inside edge, past the leg pole and down to the fine leg fence.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0W
1
Ravichandran Ashwin 77/2(25)
90.6
.
On middle, defended.
90.5
.
Shorter and around off, CdG stays back and defends it.
90.4
.
On middle, defended again.
90.3
.
On middle, it is kept out.
Ajaz Patel is the new man in.
90.2
W
OUT! Jamieson holes out! End of a brilliant partnership and an entertaining innings from KJ. He goes back 6 short of a half ton. Nevertheless, this innings will surely be remembered. Ashwin tosses it up and lands it on middle. He wants KJ to go big. Jamieson obliges and looks to slog it over the mid-wicket fence but does not time it well. Vihari at long on runs to his right and takes a good catch. Can India now take the remaining two wickets quickly? Will we see Colin de Grandhomme throw caution to the wind now?
90.1
1
On middle, this is eased down to long on for one.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
3
0
Jasprit Bumrah 84/1(25)
89.6
.
Slower length ball on off, Kyle plays it out off the front foot towards point.
89.5
.
Length ball on off, Jamieson blocks it to the leg side.
89.4
.
Brilliant yorker and brilliantly played too. De Grandhomme digs it out.
89.3
1
Short of a length ball outside off, CdG cuts it through point for a single.
89.2
3
Full and angled into the pads, Jamieson flicks it through wide mid on and gets three.
89.1
.
Length and on off, driven straight to mid off.
In over# 1
0
1
1
0
0
1
Ravichandran Ashwin 76/1(24)
88.6
.
The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket.
88.5
1
Just over! This is on middle, Jamieson flicks. He seems to be a touch early in the shot and hence gets it a lot straighter than he would have wanted to. Luckily for him, it goes over the mid-wicket fielder for one.
88.4
1
A single now as this is worked through mid-wicket.
88.3
.
Shorter and on middle, it is once again pushed back to the bowler.
88.2
.
Floats it up on off, Colin pushes it back to the bowler.
88.1
1
On the pads, it is worked through square leg for one.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Jasprit Bumrah 80/1(24)
87.6
.
Length ball around off, Colin keeps it out off the front foot.
87.5
.
Short of a length ball on off, Grandhomme defends it right off the middle of the bat.
87.4
.
Length ball and outside off, de Grandhomme lets it be.
87.3
.
Edged but just short! Brilliant bowling this from Bumrah. He bowls one on a fuller length and outside off, inviting the drive from de Grandhomme. Colin obliges and plays the drive without any footwork. The ball takes the outside edge and flies towards first slip. Virat Kohli goes for the catch by going to his left but the ball drops just short of him.
87.2
.
Length ball on off, de Grandhomme blocks it off the back foot.
87.1
.
Length ball nipping back in, Colin blocks it off the front foot towards covers.
Jasprit Bumrah is back on.
In over# 1
0
0
6
0
6
0
Ravichandran Ashwin 73/1(23)
86.6
.
On off, kept out safely.
86.5
.
Goes around the wicket does Ashwin. He gets it to drift away from the batter. It lands on off and then goes away with the angle. KJ tries to put bat on ball but misses.
86.4
6
SIX! Another huge one! KJ is dealing in biggies. Ashwin once again tempts him by giving it a lot of loop. Jamieson swings, connects well again and it goes well over the mid-wicket stand again.
86.3
.
Flatter and on middle, it is kept out.
86.2
6
SIX! This has been nailed! He has picked the bones out of this one. Ashwin tempts Jamieson by tossing it up outside off. Jamieson goes with the turn and slogs it well over the mid-wicket stand.
86.1
.
Down the leg side, KJ goes after it but misses.
In over# 1
0
0
3
0
0
1
Mohammed Shami 86/1(22)
85.6
.
One more length delivery around off, blocked.
85.5
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
85.4
3
That shot deserved a boundary! Nevertheless, three handy runs. It also brings up the 50-run stand. Vital one for the Kiwis and a frustrating one for the visitors. Because of this stand, the hosts have taken their lead above the 100-run mark. It is full and around off, Jamieson creams it through mid off and takes three.
85.3
.
Length and on off, it is kept out.
85.2
.
One more length ball around off, KJ pushes it towards covers.
85.1
1
Back of a length around off, Colin de Grandhomme looks to defend but it goes off the outer half through point for one.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Ravichandran Ashwin 61/1(22)
84.6
.
Slower through the air and on the pads, Jamieson looks to go big once again but misses to get hit on the pads.
84.5
.
Quicker and on off, it is pushed back to the bowler.
84.4
.
On the pads, Jamieson looks to go big but it goes off the inner half towards square leg.
84.3
.
Flatter and around off, kept out.
84.2
.
Tosses it up around off, blocked.
84.1
1
Shorter and on middle, Colin de Grandhomme works it through mid-wicket for one.
Ravichandran Ashwin is on for the first time today!
In over# 1
0
0
6
1
0
1
Mohammed Shami 82/1(21)
83.6
.
Good length and around off, Jamieson pushes it towards covers.
83.5
.
He was in two minds there! It is slightly shorter and outside off, KJ is initially tempted to pull but then bails out and defends it.
83.4
6
TOP EDGE AND SIX! Jamieson continues to play freely! One more short ball and on middle, he takes on the challenge of pulling it. It goes off the top edge, over the keeper and over the fine leg fence.
83.3
1
This one is angled into the batter, Colin de Grandhomme looks to defend but it goes off the inner half through square leg for one. The lead is now 100. That did not look possible at the start of the day. They still have three wickets in hand.
83.2
.
Length delivery and on off, Colin de Grandhomme keeps it out.
83.1
1
Good running! On the fuller side and on off, it is jammed to the right of mid off for an easy run.
DRINKS! A brilliant session from India's point of view. They started the day right on the money as Jasprit Bumrah sent BJ Watling off the first delivery of the day. Ishant then came back to send Tim Southee back. At that moment it looked like New Zealand would bundle out quickly but a 38-run association between Colin de Grandhomme and Kyle Jamieson has taken their lead close to 100. Will India finish things off in this hour or will New Zealand continue to run away with the game?
In over# 1
0
0
1wd
0
1
1
0
Jasprit Bumrah 80/1(23)
82.6
.
Length again, it is kept out nicely.
82.5
.
The batsman defends it from within the crease.
82.5
1wd
One more bumper on middle, it is ducked under again. It has been wided.
82.4
.
A short one and on the body, CdG ducks under it.
82.3
1
Thick outside edge for one! On the fuller side again, KJ looks to drive but it goes off the outer half towards deep point for one.
82.2
1
Slightly fuller this time, Colin strokes it square on the off side for one.
82.1
.
One more delivery on a good length. Blocked.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
1
0
Mohammed Shami 74/1(20)
81.6
1
On the pads, it is worked through mid-wicket for one.
81.5
.
Fuller in length and on middle, this is worked towards the man at mid on.
81.4
.
Another length ball around off, Colin de Grandhomme keeps it out.
81.3
.
One more length ball around off, Colin de Grandhomme looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
81.2
1
Length and around off, Jamieson looks to defend but it goes off the inside edge and down to the fine leg fielder for one.
81.1
.
DROPPED! A lazy effort to be honest by Shami. He could have put in a dive there. It is short and around off, Jamieson looks to defend but it hits the splice of the bat and lobs to the right of Shami. He stretches his right hand out but the ball brushes the fingertips. The dive was needed there.
In over# 1
0
0
0
4
0
4
Jasprit Bumrah 77/1(22)
80.6
.
One more ball on a length. It is kept out nicely.
80.5
.
Length delivery outside off, it is left alone.
80.4
.
A short one now, CdG ducks under it.
80.3
4
FOUR! Second boundary in the over and this is even better than the last one. The lead is now into the 90s. Full and on middle, Colin de Grandhomme shows the full face of the bat and strokes it past the diving mid on fielder.
80.2
.
Good length and on off, Colin de Grandhomme keeps it out.
80.1
4
FOUR! Poor ball to begin with the second new ball! Full and on the pads, Colin just puts bat to ball and works it through mid-wicket. It is the new ball so it races off the bat and through the field for a boundary.
The second new ball is due now and it is taken straightaway. Jasprit Bumrah to use it first up.
In over# 1
1
0
1
1
1
1
Mohammed Shami 72/1(19)
79.6
1
Back of a length delivery and on off, it is guided through point for one. 250 up for the Kiwis. Good recovery by them after losing two wickets in no time today morning. They need to keep going though.
79.5
.
Good length and on off, it is kept out.
79.4
1
On the pads, Jamieson looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It rolls on the leg side for one.
79.3
1
One more easy single! Outside off, Colin plays it late through backward point for one.
79.2
1
Well fielded! Length ball and around off, KJ strokes it on the up towards covers. The fielder dives to his left and gets a hand to it. Can't stop the single though.
79.1
1
Shortish in length and on off, it is pushed through covers for one.
In over# 1
4
0
0
1
0
0
Ishant Sharma 47/4(19)
78.6
4
FOUR! Do not bowl short to Jamieson, he will pull you to the boundary every single time. Short and on the body again. KJ swivels and pulls it behind square on the leg for another boundary. Runs flowing at the moment. Lead now 20 short of 100.
78.5
.
Very full and on middle, it is hit down to mid on.
78.4
.
Angled into the batter, KJ works it to mid-wicket.
78.3
1
In the air... short! On the body and it is short. Colin de Grandhomme looks to pull but does so awkwardly. It hits the splice and lands well short of fine leg. A run taken.
78.2
.
A bumper now on middle, it is ducked under.
78.1
.
Outside off, it is not played at.
In over# 1
0
0
0
6
0
0
Mohammed Shami 67/1(18)
77.6
.
On a length now and on middle, KJ blocks it quite comfortably.
77.5
.
Well bowled and well played! A yorker now by Shami on middle, it is jammed out nicely. The big man gets his bat down in time quickly.
77.4
.
Goes back to bowling a fuller length. Jamieson keeps it out.
77.3
6
SIX! Goes all the way! This guy can bat and hit it big, we saw that in one of the ODIs too. A short one, Jamieson picks the length early and pulls it high and over the mid-wicket stand. Absolutely dispatched!
77.2
.
Good length and around off, it is defended nicely.
77.1
.
Good length and on off, KJ guides it to point.
Mohammed Shami for the first time on Day 3. 17-2-61-1 so far from him.
In over# 1
2
4
0
0
1
0
Ishant Sharma 42/4(18)
76.6
2
Two taken! Full and on the pads, Colin works it wide of the fielder at deep mid-wicket and comes back for two.
76.5
4
FOUR! Powered! Stand and deliver stuff! A little too full, right in de Grandhomme's arc. He smashes it through mid off and bags a boundary. Probably that is the way Colin should play and that is what his actual game is.
76.4
.
BEAUTY! This is angled into the off pole and the bowler gets it to straighten after pitching. Colin's outside edge is beaten as he tries to defend.
76.3
.
NOT OUT! It is off the pad! Never seemed out to be honest and even the sound was not woody! It is down the leg side. Colin de Grandhomme looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. Pant takes it and appeals. The umpire shakes his head. Kohli and Ishant are heard saying they heard two noises and they challenge the decision. Replays roll in and they show there is no bat at all. India lose both their reviews.
India review now! An appeal for a caught behind has been turned down. Kohli and Ishant though hear two noises and hence, they take the DRS. Pant though did not seem that confident.
76.2
1
Fuller and around off, it tails back in late. Jamieson looks to flick but it goes off the inner half through mid-wicket for one.
76.1
.
On a length and around off, Jamieson keeps it out.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Jasprit Bumrah 69/1(21)
75.6
.
On a length again, Colin keeps it out.
75.5
.
Length and on off, it is pushed towards mid off.
75.4
.
NOT OUT! Missing the leg pole! The Kiwi dressing room will breathe a huge sigh of relief. It did seem a marginal call, at the most it would have been clipping the leg pole. It though is missing it by some distance. A good review by Colin. Bumrah angles it into the batter, de Grandhomme looks to play it with a straight bat but misses to get hit on the pad. An appeal and up goes the finger. Colin de Grandhomme reviews. Replays roll in and they show that the on-field call has to be overturned.
Colin de Grandhomme has been give out LBW. He reviews. Seems like it would remain umpire's call. Big moment in the game.
75.3
.
One more delivery angling into the batter, Colin tries to keep it out but it goes off the inner half towards mid-wicket.
75.2
.
Goes wide of the crease and angles it into the off pole. Colin defends it out.
75.1
1
On middle, Jamieson pushes it past the bowler and towards mid on and takes one.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0W
1
0
Ishant Sharma 35/4(17)
74.6
.
Full and wide outside off, Colin watches it go through to the keeper.
74.5
1
Jamieson is off the mark! First run in Tests for him. On off, Jamieson pushes it towards cover for one.
74.4
.
A shortish delivery to the new batter. He sways out of the way.
Kyle Jamieson, the debutant, comes out to bat.
74.3
W
OUT! TAKEN! That is a soft, soft dismissal. Southee will be gutted with himself at the moment. India are right back in this with two early wickets today morning. That is way down the leg side. Southee flicks it uppishly but towards fine leg. Shami runs in and takes the catch easily. The lead is only 60. Three wickets more for India to take. One more wicket needed for Ishant to complete his fifer.
74.2
1
Slightly shorter in length and outside off, Colin cuts it through point. There is a fielder in the deep so just one.
74.1
.
Outside off, left alone.
In over# 1
0
0
1
1
0
4
Jasprit Bumrah 68/1(20)
73.6
.
Back of a length and on off, Southee keeps it out. A good over for the Kiwis.
73.5
.
OHHH! Length delivery, a little too wide outside off, it pitches and jags back in. Southee pushes outside the line and gets beaten.
73.4
1
One more length ball outside off, Colin guides it through point and gets to the other end. This is the thing about the two, they will look to score. So, runs will come thick and fast while the two are out.
73.3
1
One more length delivery around off, Southee plays yet another good looking stroke but this time only for a single towards mid off.
73.2
.
Looks to repeat what he did on the last ball but this time he pushes it towards the man at covers.
73.1
4
FOUR! Lovely shot to score the first boundary of the day! Shorter and around off, Southee stands tall and pushes it through covers. It is right off the middle and it races away to the boundary.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
1
Ishant Sharma 33/3(16)
72.6
.
On the pads, Colin works it straight to the fielder at short mid-wicket.
72.5
.
On the fuller side, Colin de Grandhomme pushes at it but it goes off the outer half towards cover.
72.4
1
A little too straight this time, Southee works it around the corner and takes one. He is off the mark.
72.3
.
On off, Southee pushes it to mid on.
72.2
.
Length and it comes back in from outside off. Southee looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
72.1
1
First run today! Good fielding! Full and on the pads, Colin works it towards mid-wicket where the fielder dives to his left. He gets a hand to it. Saves a run at least.
Ishant Sharma to bowl from the other end. 15-6-31-3 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0W
4
Jasprit Bumrah 62/1(19)
71.6
.
BEATEN! On a length and outside off, Southee looks to push at it but gets beaten.
71.5
.
One more length delivery around off, Southee keeps it out.
71.4
.
Good length and outside off, Southee looks to defend but it goes off the inner half towards the leg side.
71.3
.
Fuller and around off, Southee strokes it towards covers.
Tim Southee is the new man in.
71.2
W
OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! India could not have asked for a better start to the day's play. Wow! Bumrah has finally, finally taken a wicket, he had to wait for 48.1 international overs to get it. It is a short ball outside off, a harmless delivery to be honest. Watling could have easily left it but instead he pokes at it. The ball goes off the outside edge and Pant takes a decent catch to his right. There was some extra bounce too. Big blow to the Kiwis. Can India now keep the lead under 75?
We are all set to begin Day 3 as the two overnight Kiwi batsmen Colin de Grandhomme and BJ Watling will resume their innings. The Indian players are on the field taking their respective fielding positions. Jasprit Bumrah will complete his unfinished over from Day 2.
Hello and a warm welcome to Day 3 of the first Test between New Zealand and India. The game is nicely poised with the hosts having their noses in front. They could have easily been in a better position had it not been for the wickets they lost late in the day on Day 2. The visitors though need to pick the remaining 5 wickets quickly as the lead is already over 50. The hosts on the other hand, know that one partnership and they would strengthen their hold on this game. There was a lot of overnight rain however it is clear now and we will have a start on time. An important first session awaits...
... Day 3, Session 1 ...
Right! 51 is the lead for New Zealand right now. Pretty tough to say what is enough on this deck. The ball is turning and the Kiwis would want to get a sizeable lead, somewhere close to 150, if possible, so that they do not get a big target while batting fourth. Having said that, India are just a wicket away from quickly wrapping this up in the morning. Join us at 11.30 am local (2230 GMT, previous day) to see what could be a batting paradise. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!
Ishant Sharma was India's reinforcer, taking 3 wickets to fall upfront before Shami and Ashwin chipped in with a wicket each. But the bowling was decent in general, with the only problem being that of nothing much happening with the ball. The Kiwis found a lot of swing and movement but strangely, the Indians did not get much of that. Bounce was the factor and Ishant made full use of that.
A 67-33 share of the ratio of the day then! New Zealand started the day well, dismissing India quickly and then dominated a major portion of the day, before India came back strongly towards the end. Kane Williamson was the hero of the day, stroking a fine 89 and forging useful partnerships.
Well, the umpires are getting together for a chat. They discuss and then take the players off. Virat Kohli is not happy. The light is not that bad but it has indeed deteriorated. Strangely, no light meter was shown, nor was the light checked. Given that this has happened in the extended section of play, it will be STUMPS ON DAY 2 as well.
71.1
4
EDGED, FOUR! How has that gone through? Full and outside off, Watling looks to defend but the ball goes off the outside edge, along the ground and between second slip and gully to third man!
Jasprit Bumrah is back on too. 18-4-58-0 so far.
In over# 1
4
1
0
0
0
0
Ishant Sharma 31/3(15)
70.6
4
FOUR! In the gap. A short ball, outside off, de Grandhomme punches it through the covers. Two fielders run after it but in vain.
70.5
1
On middle, worked through mid-wicket for a run.
70.4
.
Way down the leg side, left alone.
70.3
.
Full and around middle, flicked towards short leg this time.
70.2
.
On middle and leg, flicked towards square leg.
70.1
.
Around off, defended watchfully.
Ishant Sharma returns. 14-6-26-3 so far.
In over# 1
0
0W
0
1
1
3
Ravichandran Ashwin 60/1(21)
69.6
.
Full and outside off, watchfully defended.
Colin de Grandhomme now. Around 30 minutes for Stumps.
69.5
W
OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! India getting some wickets before the close. Plenty of turn already on this surface. Landed around middle, Nicholls looks to defend but the ball spins away and that beats him. The outside edge is taken and the ball flies straight to second slip. Good sharp catch by Virat Kohli. Ashwin has his first.
69.4
.
Full and around middle, watchfully defended.
69.3
1
Around off, whipped through mid-wicket for a run.
69.2
1
On middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
69.1
3
Short and outside off, Watling rocks back and cuts it through point. A tired fielder dives to his right but misses. Cheteshwar Pujara hobbles after it from cover-point and gets to it as the ball stops. Three runs taken.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
1
4
Mohammed Shami 61/1(17)
68.6
.
Outside off, left alone.
68.5
.
Full and straight, watchfully defended.
68.4
.
Landed outside off, left alone.
68.3
1
Another flick, another single.
68.2
1
On middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
68.1
4
FOUR! Great shot. But what kind of fielding was that? Tired bodies. Full and around middle, Nicholls drives it straight down the ground. Shami leaps but the ball goes over his jump. Ishant Sharma gets across from mid on but does not even bother to dive or even slide. Ashwin from mid off stops, assuming that the ball will be stopped. But now, has to run to stop the ball. In vain.
In over# 1
0
0
2
0
0
0
Ravichandran Ashwin 55/0(20)
67.6
.
Full and outside off, pushed to the off side.
67.5
.
Around off, blocked in front of short leg.
67.4
2
Excellent shot. Full and outside off, Watling leans and flicks it through mid-wicket. Jasprit Bumrah runs to his right from mid on and keeps the batsmen to a couple.
67.3
.
Fired in outside off, watchfully defended.
67.2
.
Full and straight, flicked towards short leg.
67.1
.
Full and outside off, watchfully defended.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
4
0
Mohammed Shami 55/1(16)
66.6
.
Around off, well blocked out.
66.5
.
On a good length around off, let through to the keeper.
66.4
.
Landed outside off, left alone.
66.3
.
Full and outside off, pushed straight to cover.
66.2
4
FOUR! A freebie. A genuine half volley, around middle, Nicholls flicks it wide of mid on. Shami does not even bother to chase.
66.1
.
On a length, around off, solidly defended.
DRINKS BREAK. Second of the session.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
1
1
Ravichandran Ashwin 53/0(19)
65.6
.
Full and around off, watchfully defended.
65.5
.
Around off, well blocked out.
65.4
1
Full and down the leg side, another sweep comes out, this time for one.
65.3
.
Landed outside off, watchfully defended.
65.2
1
Full and outside off, this is pushed through the covers for a run.
65.1
1
Full and around leg stump, swept through square leg for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Mohammed Shami 51/1(15)
64.6
.
Landed outside off, left alone.
64.5
.
Full and around off, watchfully defended.
64.4
.
A bouncer on middle, ducked under.
64.3
.
Outside off, blocked solidly.
64.2
.
On a good length outside off, watchfully defended.
64.1
.
A length ball, outside off, defended watchfully.
In over# 1
1
0
0
1
0
0
Ravichandran Ashwin 50/0(18)
63.6
1
Outside off, tapped through point for a single.
63.5
.
Full and around off, watchfully defended.
63.4
.
Around off, defended watchfully.
63.3
1
Full and down the leg side, for a single.
63.2
.
Down the leg side, flicked to the leg side but off the pads.
63.1
.
Full and around off, watchfully defended.
In over# 1
0
0
0W
2
2
0
Mohammed Shami 51/1(14)
62.6
.
A short ball, outside off, Watling ducks again.
62.5
.
A bouncer to the new batsman, ducked under.
Who will come in next Colin de Grandhomme or BJ Watling? It is the latter.
62.4
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Ravindra Jadeja, the substitute, gets into action. One of the rare errors from the New Zealand skipper. The ball is a full one, outside off, Williamson leans and drives. The shot is uppish though, as the bat turns in his hand. The ball goes towards short extra cover where substitute Ravindra Jadeja takes it sharply. Big, big wicket. A century was there for the taking.
62.3
2
A short ball, outside off, Williamson rocks back and pulls it over square leg for a couple.
62.2
2
Length ball on off, Williamson dabs it through backward point and gets a couple.
62.1
.
On the pads, Williamson flicks it to the leg side.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Ravichandran Ashwin 48/0(17)
61.6
.
Shorter on off, Nicholls punches it to the off side.
61.5
.
The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball.
61.4
1
Flatter on off, Williamson strokes it towards cover for a single.
61.3
.
Flighted on off, Kane looks to defend it with soft hands but it goes towards cover off the leading edge.
61.2
.
Flighted on off, Kane looks to defend it with soft hands but it goes towards cover off the leading edge.
61.1
.
Floated off spinner on off, Williamson tucks it to the leg side.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Jasprit Bumrah 58/0(18)
60.6
.
Fuller on off, Nicholls pushes it to mid off.
60.5
.
Another one outside off, Nicholls shoulders arms to it.
60.4
.
Length ball outside off, this one swings away late on, Nicholls has no business with it.
60.3
.
Good length ball outside off, Henry Nicholls shoulders arms to it.
60.2
.
Outside off, Nicholls leaves it alone.
60.1
.
Good length ball on off, Nicholls defends it.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
0
Ravichandran Ashwin 47/0(16)
59.6
.
No run.
59.5
1
Flatter and outside off, it is pushed through covers for one.
59.4
.
The batsman works it down the leg side.
59.3
.
Flighted ball and on off, Nicholls is solid in defense.
59.2
.
On middle, kept out.
59.1
.
Floats it up on middle, defended.
In over# 1
0
4
1
0
0
1
Jasprit Bumrah 58/0(17)
58.6
.
On off, Kane blocks it.
58.5
4
FOUR! Bad ball and Williamson gets a boundary. Down the leg side, Williamson flicks it fine down the leg side and fetches himself a boundary.
58.4
1
Length ball on middle, Nicholls punches it towards mid on for a single.
58.3
.
Fuller on off, Nicholls defends it with a dead bat.
58.2
.
Good length ball outside off, Nicholls leaves it alone.
58.1
1
Direct hit and it would have been close. Full on off, Williamson flicks it towards mid-wicket and calls for a quick run. Substitute Jadeja gets to the ball quickly and has a shy at the keeper's end but misses.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Ravichandran Ashwin 46/0(15)
57.6
.
The last ball is worked towards mid-wicket.
57.5
.
Another tossed up delivery on middle, it is kept out.
57.4
.
Loopy ball on middle, Nicholls prods forward and defends.
57.3
.
Quicker and on middle, the batter goes back and keeps it out nicely.
57.2
1
Loopy ball on off, this is hit through covers for one.
57.1
.
Outside off, a little too wide to make Williamson play.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Jasprit Bumrah 52/0(16)
56.6
.
Nicholls has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
56.5
.
Angling into the batsman from around off, Nicholls is behind the line in defense.
56.4
.
Fuller length ball on off, Henry is on the front foot as he drives it back to the bowler. Bumrah collects the ball and mimes a throw at the striker's end. Signs of frustration? You usually don't see Jasprit do that!
56.3
.
Chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
56.2
.
A length ball around off, Nicholls pushes it with an angled bat to point.
56.1
1
On the pads, it is worked through square leg for one.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Ravichandran Ashwin 45/0(14)
55.6
.
Outside off, this is left alone.
55.5
.
On the stumps, defended.
55.4
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
55.3
.
Loopy ball on off, HN keeps it out.
55.2
.
Well bowled! Slower through the air, it lands on off and then turns away. Nicholls goes back and tries to defend but is beaten by the turn.
55.1
1
On the pads, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.
In over# 1
0
0
0
2
0
1
Ishant Sharma 26/3(14)
54.6
.
The last ball is a harmless one, outside off and it is left alone.
54.5
.
Outside off and on the shorter side. HN plays it with soft hands towards point.
54.4
.
Good length and around off, Nicholls lunges forward and keeps it out nicely.
54.3
2
Uppish but safe! Fuller and on middle, Henry Nicholls chips it over the bowler's head. He did not chip it, he was a touch early in the shot and hence, it went uppishly over mid on for two.
54.2
.
Outside off, left alone.
54.1
1
Shortish and outside off, this is guided down to deep point for one.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Ravichandran Ashwin 44/0(13)
53.6
.
The slider on off, HN stays back and keeps it out again.
53.5
.
Quicker and on off, Henry goes back and pushes it back to the bowler.
53.4
1
A little too short this time, Williamson works it through square leg for one.
53.3
.
On middle, Williamson goes back and works it to mid-wicket.
53.2
.
On off, Williamson pushes it towards covers.
53.1
.
Flatter and on off, it is worked to mid-wicket.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0W
Ishant Sharma 23/3(13)
52.6
.
Just outside off, left alone.
52.5
.
Fuller and outside off, HN leaves it alone.
52.4
.
On middle, Nicholls works it towards mid on.
52.3
.
Good length and on off, Nicholls is solid in defense.
52.2
.
BEATEN! This is on a length and around off, it shapes away. Nicholls looks to defend but is beaten.
DRINKS! Henry Nicholls walks out to bat.
52.1
W
OUT! TAKEN! A wicket completely against the run of play! Once again it is Ishant Sharma who strikes with his big booming inswinger. It is on a length and it comes back in. There is extra bounce. Taylor looks to keep it out but the ball hits the glove and lobs towards Pujara at backward square leg. He was actually taken by surprise by the extra bounce and then could not deal with it. End of the 93-run stand. Taylor departs 6 short of a half ton. A good innings by him though.
In over# 1
0
0
2
0
0
0
Jasprit Bumrah 51/0(15)
51.6
.
Good length and on off, Williamson keeps it out.
51.5
.
Just short! Just behind a driving length and on off, Williamson strokes it back uppishly but well short of the bowler.
51.4
2
On middle, Taylor works it through square leg for two. NEW ZEALAND ARE NOW INTO THE LEAD!
51.3
.
Angled into the middle pole, Williamson keeps it out again. There is absolutely nothing happening off the wicket here. Very tough for the bowlers at the moment.
51.2
.
Crisp! On a length and around off, Williamson strokes it nicely but straight to covers.
51.1
.
On middle, Williamson gets right behind the line and defends it onto the ground.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
4
0
Ishant Sharma 23/2(12)
50.6
.
Full and on middle, it is stroked to mid on.
50.5
1
A single now as this is worked towards wide mid on.
50.4
.
Outside off, left alone.
50.3
.
Shorter and on middle, it is kept out.
50.2
4
FOUR! Up and over! Width on offer and Williamson makes Ishant pay. He cuts it over the fielder at point and it races away to the fence.
50.1
.
On the pads, this is worked towards mid-wicket.
In over# 1
0
0
2
4
0
0
Jasprit Bumrah 49/0(14)
49.6
.
On off, defended.
49.5
.
Well bowled again! This is on a length and around off, straightens after pitching. Taylor plays inside the line and gets beaten.
49.4
2
A couple now! Very full and outside off, Taylor squeezes it out nicely through backward point for two.
49.3
4
EDGY FOUR! The trail now below 10. Shorter and outside off, Taylor looks to cut but there is not enough room to play that shot. He gets an inside edge which just goes past the off pole and down to the fine leg fence.
49.2
.
Length again, this pitches and then straightens. Taylor looks to block but it goes off the outer half towards point.
49.1
.
A huge shout but too high! On a length and around off, it jags back in after pitching. Taylor looks to defend but misses to get hit high on the pads.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Ishant Sharma 18/2(11)
48.6
.
Outside off, Williamson does not fiddle with it.
48.5
.
On middle, KW pushes it to mid off.
48.4
.
On the pads, this is clipped around the corner for one.
48.3
.
Outside off, not played at.
48.2
1
On the pads, this is clipped around the corner for one.
48.1
.
The batsman gets a leading edge on that one.
Ishant Sharma is back! He has both the wickets so far and India need another one from him.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
0
0
Jasprit Bumrah 43/0(13)
47.6
.
Short ball and on middle, it is ducked under.
47.5
.
Almost does it again! Fuller and around off, Williamson strokes it towards cover where the fielder again dives to his left and stops it.
47.4
4
FOUR! 150 up with a delightful stroke! There are three fielders in the cover region. One at short covers, one at normal covers and the other at extra cover. Williamson still manages to find the gap as he strokes this full ball through that region and it races away.
47.3
.
Good length and on off, Williamson stays back and keeps it out.
47.2
.
Good stop! Fuller and around off, Williamson strokes it nicely towards cover where the fielder dives to his left and stops it.
47.1
.
Outside off, not played at.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
4
Mohammed Shami 47/0(13)
46.6
.
Fuller and on middle, Taylor works it to mid on.
46.5
.
Loose stroke! This is fuller and shaping away from outside off. Taylor's feet move nowhere and he goes for the drive but gets beaten.
46.4
.
Short and on middle, Taylor ducks under it.
46.3
.
On a good length around off, it is kept out.
46.2
.
Well bowled! Bowls the yorker, Taylor jams it out.
46.1
4
FOUR! Creamed! Williamson played one through that region earlier but this is better. Slightly fuller and around off, Taylor strokes it through covers and it races away to the fence.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
1
0
Jasprit Bumrah 39/0(12)
45.6
.
Good length delivery on off, Williamson blocks it to get through the over.
45.5
.
Length ball outside off, Taylor defends it with straight bat.
45.4
1
On the pads, Taylor flicks it towards backward square leg for a single.
45.3
.
Good length ball coming in with the angle. Taylor defends it towards mid on.
45.2
1
Length delivery on middle, Kane turns it towards square leg and gets a single.
45.1
.
Good length delivery on off, Williamson punches it to the off side.
Jasprit Bumrah is back. 11-3-37-0, his numbers so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
4
1
0
Mohammed Shami 43/0(12)
44.6
.
On a length and around off, Taylor drives it on the up and hits it to covers.
44.5
.
BEATEN! Slightly short and outside off, Taylor goes after it but does not connect. That was a little too close to play that shot.
44.4
.
Goes back to bowling length and on off, it is kept out.
44.3
4
FOUR! Poor from Shami! He has a off side heavy field but sprays this on the pads. Taylor works it fine on the leg side and it races away to the fence.
44.2
1
On the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.
44.1
.
Fuller and on middle, this is driven to mid on.
In over# 1
0
1
4
0
0
1
Ravichandran Ashwin 43/0(12)
43.6
.
On off, blocked.
43.5
1
Now a run! Ashwin bowls another short one outside off, it is cut behind point for a single.
43.4
4
FOUR! Slaps this one hard for a boundary! This is a nothing delivery. Short and outside off, no turn here and it sits up to be hit. Williamson smashes it through covers for a boundary.
43.3
.
Big turn! Shorter and outside off, it turns back in. Williamson initially wanted to cut but then adjusts and pushes it to the man at covers.
43.2
.
On middle, Williamson works it with the turn towards short leg.
43.1
1
On the pads, Taylor works it through square leg for one.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
4
Mohammed Shami 38/0(11)
42.6
.
The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
42.5
.
On off, Williamson stays back and blocks.
42.4
.
Back of a length and on off, Williamson guides it to point.
42.3
.
On middle, it is defended onto the ground.
42.2
.
Fuller and on off, it is hit towards mid off.
42.1
4
FOUR! You need not run for that. Not a soul moved to chase that down. Right from the moment it left the bat, it was certain it is a boundary. Full and wide outside off, Williamson creams it through covers and the ball races away to the fence.
In over# 1
0
1
0
4
1
0
Ravichandran Ashwin 37/0(11)
41.6
.
The last ball is worked towards square leg.
41.5
1
Outside off, Williamson pushes it through covers for one.
41.4
.
On middle, kept out.
41.3
4
FOUR! Fifty for Williamson! A very solid knock from him so far. He has looked really assured and now would be eyeing a big one. Gets there in style. He steps out and gets to the pitch of it. Whips it with the turn over mid-wicket and bags a boundary. His 32nd in the format.
41.2
1
On middle, it is eased down to long on for one.
41.1
.
Loopy ball on off, it turns back in. Taylor looks to defend but it goes off the inner half towards short leg.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Mohammed Shami 34/0(10)
40.6
.
Another defensive stroke to this ball on off. Maiden from Shami.
40.5
.
On middle, KW gets right behind the line and defends it.
40.4
.
Short and on off, Williamson pushes it towards the man at covers.
40.3
.
On off, Williamson plays it late and towards gully.
40.2
.
Length and outside off again. It is left alone.
40.1
.
Starts off with a delivery wide outside off, Williamson guides it towards gully.
Mohammed Shami to bowl from the other end. His figures so far are 9-0-34-0.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
1
0
Ravichandran Ashwin 31/0(10)
39.6
.
On off, Taylor keeps it out.
The leg slip is back!
39.5
4
FOUR! Clever! The leg slip is now not in place so out comes the paddle sweep. Taylor plays it nice and fine on the leg side and bags a boundary.
39.4
.
Flatter and on middle, RT works it to mid-wicket.
39.3
.
On off, Taylor plays it with the turn on the leg side.
39.2
1
Gives it a lot of air and lands it around off, KW strokes it wide of the fielder at mid off and gets to the other end. First run of the session.
39.1
.
Floats it up on off, Williamson keeps it out.
We are back for the final session which is going to be yet another long one! Also, it is an important one as India need this to go their way or they will fall well behind the 8-ball. Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson will resume their innings. Ravichandran Ashwin to start the proceedings for the visitors. Here we go...
... Day 2, Session 3 ...
Another session which clearly belonged to the Kiwis. They scored 99 runs and lost two wickets of Blundell and Latham. Williamson has continued his fine work and Taylor has joined him in it. The pair is going strong and looking very comfortable. India look jaded and out of ideas. It has been a long time since we have witnessed it. Jasprit Bumrah has been lacklustre and that has been a big worry for the Asian side. Virat Kohli will need to inspire his troops if they are to make a comeback in this game. Can India end the day strongly or will it be another Kiwi dominated session? Join us after the break for the final session of the day.
In over# 1
4
5wd
0
0
0
0
0
Jasprit Bumrah 37/0(11)
38.6
4
FOUR! Wow, what a way to close the session! Fuller in length and outside off, Taylor unfurls a beautiful cover drive to find the fence. TEA ON DAY 2!
38.6
5wd
FIVE WIDES! Bumrah digs in a short ball around off, Taylor ducks and it shoots over to beat the jump of Pant. Bonus runs for New Zealand!
38.5
.
Bouncer around middle and leg, Rosco ducks at the last second.
38.4
.
A length ball on off, Taylor stays and defends it to cover-point.
38.3
.
On off, Taylor prods forward and keeps it out.
38.2
.
Once again attacks the stumps, Taylor though gets his bat down in time and keeps it out.
38.1
.
On the off pole, Taylor keeps it out.
In over# 1
1lb
0
0
0
1
0
Ravichandran Ashwin 26/0(9)
37.6
1lb
In the air... wide! It was off the pad though. On middle, it turns into the batter. Taylor looks to flick but it hits the pad and goes on the leg side for one. Leg bye signaled.
37.5
.
On middle, RT keeps it out.
37.4
.
Misread the length there! It is floated up on off, Taylor goes back to play it. He does well to get his bat down and keep it out.
37.3
.
On the pads, Taylor works it to leg slip.
37.2
1
Shorter and around middle, Williamson works it around the corner and gets off strike.
37.1
.
Floats it up on off, Williamson works it with the turn towards short leg.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Jasprit Bumrah 28/0(10)
36.6
.
A good bumper to end the over but Taylor ducks under it.
36.5
.
On the stumps again, Taylor defends it towards mid on.
36.4
1
Fuller and on off, Williamson strokes it wide of mid off and gets to the other end.
36.3
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
36.2
.
On a length and around middle, Williamson plays it nice and late under his eyes. The ball hits the bat, hits the ground and then his pad.
36.1
.
On the pads, Williamson works it to square leg.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Ravichandran Ashwin 25/0(8)
35.6
.
Floated ball on off, driven to mid on.
35.5
.
Floated ball on off, Taylor keeps it out.
35.4
.
Another tossed up ball on middle, Ross blocks it off the front foot.
35.3
.
Loopy ball on off, Taylor defends it off the front foot.
35.2
.
Floats it up on middle, Taylor keeps it out.
35.1
.
Flatter and on middle, defended.
In over# 1
2
0
0
0
4
0
Jasprit Bumrah 27/0(9)
34.6
2
Another two! Shorter and around off, Williamson pushes it through covers and takes a brace.
34.5
.
On the middle stump, Williamson keeps it out easily.
34.4
.
Full again and on middle, this is hit back to the bowler.
34.3
.
On off, defended.
34.2
4
FOUR! 100 up for New Zealand! Shortish and outside off, a little bit of width on offer and Williamson pounces onto it. He plays it nice and late through backward point for a boundary.
34.1
.
Slightly fuller and on off, it is stroked towards covers.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
1
Ravichandran Ashwin 25/0(7)
33.6
.
On off, defended again.
33.5
.
On off, Taylor defends.
33.4
1
On middle, this is worked towards mid-wicket.
33.3
.
The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads but not in the gap.
33.2
.
On the shorter side, Williamson pushes it to the fielder at cover.
33.1
1
On middle, this is hit down to long on for one.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Jasprit Bumrah 21/0(8)
32.6
.
On off this time. KW keeps it out.
32.5
.
Outside off again, Williamson makes another leave.
32.4
.
Outside off, not played at.
32.3
.
Lovely! Bumrah goes wide of the crease and then angles it into the off pole. He gets it to leave the right-hander after pitching. Williamson looks to defend but is beaten.
32.2
.
Outside off, Williamson pushes it towards covers.
32.1
.
Shorter and outside off, Williamson lets it be.
Jasprit Bumrah is back on! 7-2-21-0 so far from him.
In over# 1
0
1
1
3
0
0
Ravichandran Ashwin 23/0(6)
31.6
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
31.5
1
A little too full, it is eased down to long on for one.
31.4
1
Quicker and shorter on middle, Taylor flicks it through mid-wicket and gets to the other end.
31.3
3
Three runs! Shorter and outside off, Williamson pushes it through point and takes three.
31.2
.
Another appeal but not given! Floats it up outside off, this one also turns back in sharply. Williamson looks to defend but misses to get hit on the pads. Too high and the impact too was an issue.
31.1
.
On middle, it is worked towards mid-wicket.
In over# 1
1
0
1
4
0
0
Ishant Sharma 17/2(10)
30.6
1
This one is angled into the pads of the batter, Williamson works it through square leg and takes one.
30.5
.
On the fuller side, Williamson strokes it to mid off.
30.4
1
A single now as this is worked down to the fine leg fielder.
30.3
4
In the air... safe and FOUR! Taylor would have been worried for a second. It is short and outside off, Taylor looks to upper cut it but it hits the back of the bat and lobs over the keeper who runs after it. He fails to reach it and it trickles over the fine leg fence.
30.2
.
On middle, Taylor gets his bat down in time and keeps it out.
30.1
.
This one lands around off and then jags back in. Taylor looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
In over# 1
1
0
6
0
0
0
Ravichandran Ashwin 18/0(5)
29.6
1
Shorter and on off, Taylor pushes it through covers for one.
29.5
.
Good comeback! This is floated up outside off, it turns back in sharply. Taylor looks to defend but misses to get hit on the front pad. An appeal but it is turning down leg.
29.4
6
SIX! Trademark Ross Taylor! Out comes the slog sweep. Hits it with the turn so the risk is minimum. He drags it from outside off, gets it right off the middle and clears the mid-wicket fence.
29.3
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
29.2
.
Flatter and on off, Taylor keeps it out.
29.1
.
Fuller and on off, Taylor strokes it back to the bowler.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Ishant Sharma 11/2(9)
28.6
.
Outside off, Williamson watches the ball closely as he makes the leave.
28.5
.
Length ball down the leg side, KW misses his flick and the ball goes to the keeper.
28.4
.
Fuller length ball around off, Kane defends it off the front foot towards point.
28.3
.
On a good length and outside off, Kane lifts his bat high in the air and lets the ball sail through to the keeper.
28.2
.
Full and on off and middle, Williamson taps it to the leg side off the back foot.
28.1
.
Length ball around off, KW defends it off the back foot towards the off side.
In over# 1
1
1
0
0
0
2
Ravichandran Ashwin 11/0(4)
27.6
1
Shorter and on middle this is pushed to long on for a single.
27.5
1
Gets off strike now as he works it through square leg.
27.4
.
On the stumps again, Taylor blocks.
27.3
.
Gives it air and lands it on off, RT keeps it out.
27.2
.
Floats it up on off, Taylor is solid in defense.
27.1
2
Very full outside off, Taylor squeezes it out towards third man for two.
In over# 1
1
0
0W
0
0
1
Ishant Sharma 11/2(8)
26.6
1
Taylor is off the mark! He works this one on the pads towards fine leg for one.
26.5
.
Length delivery and on off, it is kept out.
Ross Taylor walks in to bat in his 100th Test. He gets a huge round of applause from the crowd at the Basin Reserve as he arrives in the middle.
26.4
W
OUT! TIMBER! Ishant Sharma gets another one! He is once again the man to provide the much-needed breakthrough. Blundell walks back after getting a start. This is a fuller delivery. It comes seaming back in from outside off. Blundell looks to defend but the ball sneaks between the gap of bat and pad and hits the stumps. Blundell was half-forward there. He needed a bigger stride to cover the movement. Replays later show that the ball clipped the back pad on its way to the stumps. India need to continue to keep chipping away at the wickets. The Kiwis trail by another 92 runs.
26.3
.
Outside off, it is not played at.
26.2
.
This tails back in again from outside off, Blundell pushes it back to the bowler.
26.1
1
Gets some inward movement but the line is on the pads. Williamson works it down to fine leg for one.
Ishant Sharma is back on now!
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
1b
0
Ravichandran Ashwin 7/0(3)
25.6
1
Floated on the pads, Williamson flicks it to the leg side and retains the strike.
25.5
.
Flighted ball on off, Kane keeps it out.
25.4
.
Another ball that is tossed up on middle, Williamson blocks it off the front foot and into the ground.
25.3
.
Floated ball on off, Williamson blocks it off the front foot.
25.2
1b
OHHH! Close to getting a wicket. Ashwin tosses one up on off and it spins past the forward prod of Blundell. The ball goes between the bat and the body and goes over the stumps. The keeper too fails to collect it. The batsmen take a bye.
25.1
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
4
2
Mohammed Shami 34/0(9)
24.6
.
One more delivery outside off, Williamson does not play at it.
24.5
.
Outside off, it is left alone.
24.4
.
Good length and on off, KW keeps it out.
24.3
.
Shorter and on middle, it is ducked under.
24.2
4
FOUR! Straight down the ground! Williamson is in his elements now! On off, it is very full. Williamson strokes it down to the long off fence. The Kiwis trail by below 100 now.
24.1
2
On the pads, it is worked through square leg for two.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Ravichandran Ashwin 6/0(2)
23.6
.
OHHH! This is floated up on off, it turns back in. Blundell looks to defend but misses to get hit high on the pads.
23.5
.
On middle, it is kept out.
23.4
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
23.3
1
On middle, it is worked through mid-wicket for one.
23.2
.
Quicker and outside off, it turns back in. It is pushed towards cover.
23.1
.
Flatter on off, Williamson keeps it out.
DRINKS! An intriguing session of play. New Zealand have slowly moved towards the Indian score of 165. Kane Williamson and Tom Blundell have been brilliant in their approach. India have tried hard but have not been consistent enough with their lines and lengths.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
3
Mohammed Shami 28/0(8)
22.6
.
Yes, no situation but no trouble! Shorter and on middle, it is worked towards mid-wicket. Blundell initially calls for one but then sends Williamson back in time.
22.5
.
On off, Blundell plays it late. It bounces behind him and goes towards the keeper.
22.4
.
On the shorter side again, TB is solid in defense.
22.3
.
Good length and on off, Blundell lunges forward and defends it.
22.2
.
Back of a length and on middle, Blundell keeps it out.
22.1
3
Good placement! Back of a length and on off, Williamson plays it late, he guides it through backward point and three is taken. Runs now have started to come at a quicker pace.
In over# 1
0
0
3
1
1
0
Ravichandran Ashwin 5/0(1)
21.6
.
A little bit of turn there! It is outside off and comes back in. Blundell plays it with the turn to square leg.
21.5
.
On middle, this is worked towards square leg.
21.4
3
Three! Slightly shorter in length and around off, Williamson makes room and pushes it through covers.
21.3
1
Floats it up on middle, this is worked wide of mid on for another run.
21.2
1
One more short ball, Williamson pushes it towards mid on for one.
21.1
.
Shorter and on middle, Williamson goes back and tries to flick but hits the man at short leg.
Ravichandran Ashwin is on now!
In over# 1
0
0
1
1
0
0
Mohammed Shami 25/0(7)
20.6
.
EDGED AND SHORT! Length ball outside off, Blundell looks to defend it out but the ball goes off the outside edge towards second slip on the bounce.
20.5
.
Length and on off, Blundell defends it off the front foot.
20.4
1
Short of a length ball on off, KW punches it towards covers and gets to the other end.
20.3
1
Back of a length ball on middle, Tom flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.
20.2
.
Length and outside off, Blundell plays it to point.
20.1
.
Play and a miss! Fuller length ball outside off, Blundell hangs his bat out to defend. The ball goes past the outside edge and into the mitts of the keeper.
In over# 1
4
0
0
4
0
1
Jasprit Bumrah 21/0(7)
19.6
4
FOUR! This is probably the shot of the innings so far! Exquisite! The sound of the bat meeting the ball and the balance in the shot was just brilliant. Fuller and on off, Williamson did not try to hit it too hard, he just put bat to ball, uses the pace of the bowler and strokes it through covers for another boundary. 50 up!
19.5
.
The batsman drives the ball straight down the ground.
19.4
.
Very full and on off, Williamson jams it out towards the bowler.
19.3
4
FOUR! Another excellent shot! Shorter and around off, Williamson hops and punches it through covers. This is timed brilliantly and it races away to the fence.
19.2
.
Fuller and outside off, wanting Williamson to play a loose stroke. KW just lets it be.
19.1
1
On the pads, it is worked through square leg for one more run. A wild throw by Shami towards the non-striker's end. It is backed up nicely though.
In over# 1
1
0
4
0
2
0
Mohammed Shami 23/0(6)
18.6
1
Shorter in length again and on the body, this is worked through square leg for a single.
18.5
.
Shami goes back to bowling length and outside off, it is left alone.
18.4
4
FOUR! Cracking pull shot! We have seen Blundell play a couple of excellent pull shots. He is a good back foot player and that is evident here. It is short and on middle, Blundell pulls it through mid-wicket and it races away to the fence.
18.3
.
Shorter in length and on middle, TB looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the body.
18.2
2
Good shot! Shorter and on off, Blundell stays back and pushes it through covers for a couple.
18.1
.
Lands it on a length and outside off, Blundell lets it go. It has been slow going from the Kiwis as the Indians are really bowling good lines and lengths.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Jasprit Bumrah 12/0(6)
17.6
.
Slightly fuller and outside off, Williamson shoulders arms to this one.
17.5
.
Continues bowling it on a length and around off, Williamson looks to defend but it goes off the outer half towards gully.
17.4
.
Angles this one on the off pole. Williamson keeps it out nicely.
17.3
.
Well fielded! Fuller and outside off, Williamson strokes it right off the middle towards cover where the fielder dives to his left and saves a few runs for his side.
17.2
.
On off, Williamson plays it late and towards gully.
17.1
1
A little too straight, it is turned away nicely towards fine leg for one.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
4
Mohammed Shami 16/0(5)
16.6
.
On middle, Williamson defends it nicely.
16.5
.
Too wide outside off to make the batter play.
16.4
.
Back of a length and on off, KW guides it to gully.
16.3
.
Outside off, not played at.
16.2
.
Good length and on off, Williamson keeps it out.
16.1
4
FOUR! Nicely played! It is short and outside off, Williamson hops, gets on top of the bounce nicely and guides it past the diving point fielder for a boundary.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Jasprit Bumrah 11/0(5)
15.6
.
Back of a length and on off, Tom is solid in defense.
15.5
.
Lands it on a length again and on off, TB keeps it out.
15.4
.
Outside off, not played at.
15.3
.
Shortish and on off, Blundell defends it onto the ground.
15.2
.
One more length ball on off, TB keeps it out nicely.
15.1
.
Back of a length and on off, Blundell defends it out.
Jasprit Bumrah is back on. 4-1-11-0 so far from him.
In over# 1
0
3
0
0
0
0
Ishant Sharma 9/1(7)
14.6
.
Down the leg side, Williamson looks to flick but misses.
14.5
3
Three! A little too full this time and on off, Blundell strokes it through covers and takes three. It was not hit right off the middle.
14.4
.
Good length and on middle, kept out.
14.3
.
Back of a length and on off, Blundell stays back and keeps it out.
14.2
.
Blundell works this with the angle towards square leg.
14.1
.
Length delivery and outside off, Blundell lets it be.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
2
Mohammed Shami 12/0(4)
13.6
.
Full and outside off, Kane squeezes it to point.
13.5
.
Short of a length ball on off, Williamson taps it to gully.
13.4
.
Back of a length ball on off, Kane hops inside the crease and keeps it out to the off side.
13.3
.
Full and angled onto the off pole, KW flicks it to mid on.
13.2
.
Length and outside off, left alone by KW.
13.1
2
Short of a length ball outside off, Williamson cuts it through point and gets a couple to get off the mark.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Ishant Sharma 6/1(6)
12.6
.
On the pads, this is worked to mid-wicket. Maiden again by Sharma!
12.5
.
On middle, Blundell works it to mid-wicket.
12.4
.
Back of a length and on off, Blundell goes back and keeps it out.
12.3
.
Just outside off, Blundell prods forward and shoulders arms to this one.
12.2
.
On off this time. Blundell keeps it out.
12.1
.
Outside off, Blundell lets it be.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Mohammed Shami 10/0(3)
11.6
.
One more length ball just outside off, Williamson lets it go through to the keeper. End of a testing over by Shami.
11.5
.
Back of a length and on off, Williamson looks to push it on the off side but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
11.4
.
On the shorter side and on middle, Williamson hops and works it on the leg side.
11.3
.
Just outside off, KW covers his off pole and makes a leave.
11.2
1
On middle, this is worked towards mid on for a quick run.
11.1
.
Safe again! Suddenly, there is something happening after the break! This is slightly short and around off, Blundell looks to work it on the leg side but closes the face of the bat a little too early. It goes off the leading edge but lands well short of mid off. New Zealand living dangerously at the moment.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0W
0
Ishant Sharma 6/1(5)
10.6
.
Good length and on middle, Williamson keeps it out nicely. End of a successful over by Ishant. A wicket maiden!
10.5
.
Angled into the pads, Williamson works it to square leg.
10.4
.
Fuller and on middle, Williamson strokes it to mid off.
The physio is out in the middle to tend to Williamson. He got hit on the gloves and looks to be in some discomfort.
10.3
.
In the air... safe! Lucky Williamson! Shorter and on the body, there is extra bounce. Williamson looks to fend but fails to get on top of the bounce. It hits the gloves and lobs on the off side. Lands safe near gully. He is in little pain at the moment.
Kane Williamson walks in at number 3.
10.2
W
OUT! Latham is strangled down the leg side! A soft dismissal but India won't care. They have got the much-needed wicket. It is down the leg side. Latham looks to flick but it goes off the inner half. Pant moves to his right and takes it. An appeal and up goes the finger. Latham walks straightaway. The front foot is then checked but that is fine. Good start after the break for the visitors. New Zealand still trail by another 139 runs.
10.1
.
Slightly fuller and around off, Latham keeps it out.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
0
0
Mohammed Shami 9/0(2)
9.6
.
After a cracking pull, offers a solid back foot defense to this delivery on off.
9.5
4
FOUR! Crunched! Picked the length early there! It is short and on middle, Blundell rocks back and hammers the pull shot over mid-wicket for a boundary. A shot of authority. Brilliant.
9.4
.
On off, TB is solid in defense again.
9.3
.
Back of a length and on off, Blundell stays back and keeps it out.
9.2
.
Just outside off, left alone.
9.1
.
A little too straight, Blundell looks to flick but misses to get hit high on the pads.
Mohammed Shami to bowl from the other end. 1-0-5-0 so far from him.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
4
0
Ishant Sharma 6/0(4)
8.6
.
Close leave! It starts way outside off and then tails back in. Latham makes a leave. It came back in a long way and was pretty close to the off pole.
8.5
.
From around the wicket to the left-hander, Ishant lands it on off, Latham keeps it out.
8.4
1
On middle, Blundell looks to defend but it goes off the inner half towards square leg for one.
8.3
.
Cut him into half! Excellent delivery! It is on a length and around off, it jags back in sharply. Blundell fails to negotiate the movement and it goes between the gap of bat and pad and over the middle pole.
8.2
4
FOUR! Off the mark in this session with a boundary! Lovely timing and placement! Yes, it is a half volley but it still has to be put away. On off, Blundell leans into it and strokes it past cover and mid off for a boundary.
8.1
.
Looks to bowl a yorker first up but ends up bowling a full toss. Blundell works it to mid-wicket.
We are back for the afternoon session as the two Kiwi openers Tom Blundell and Tom Latham make their way out to the middle to resume their innings. The Indian players are out to take their respective fielding positions. Ishant Sharma will start the proceedings with the ball for this session. The 2nd session will be extended by 15 mins to compensate for the overs lost on Day 1 due to rain.
... Day 2, Session 2 ...
End of an excellent session for the hosts! Firstly, they picked the remaining Indian wickets quickly this morning and now enter the break unscathed, exactly what they would have wanted. Both Latham and Blundell have got through the tricky period and also cut 17 runs from the deficit. More of the same is what the Kiwis would want. India, on the other hand, have not been very bad with their bowling. Bumrah has been a tad short but Ishant has been good. The wicket though seems to have eased out and it is not offering a lot of assistance. Wickets - that's the call of the hour for the visitors. Can they get a few immediately after Lunch? Do join us in a short while to find out.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
4
0
Mohammed Shami 5/0(1)
7.6
.
Another delivery that is wide outside off, Latham lets it be to see off the session. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 2!
7.5
.
On a good length and outside off, Latham does not fiddle with it.
7.4
1
Full and angling into the middle and leg stump, Blundell flicks it towards fine leg and gets to the other end.
7.3
.
Length ball around off, defended off the back foot.
7.2
4
EDGED AND FOUR! Blundell is lucky here. Back of a length ball around off and middle, Tom looks to flick it to the leg side but closes the bat face early to get a leading edge. It flies over the slip cordon and into the third man fence for a boundary.
7.1
.
Length ball on off, Blundell gets right behind the line of the ball and keeps it out.
Mohammed Shami is on! This could well be the last over before Lunch.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
3
0
Jasprit Bumrah 11/0(4)
6.6
.
Outside off, it is left alone.
6.5
.
The batsman has been struck on the thigh pad.
6.4
1
TB is finally off the mark and the crowd loves it. Local lad, they will probably enjoy every run he scores. On off, Blundell taps it towards the off side and takes one.
6.3
.
NOT OUT! There is a huge inside edge and India lose one of their reviews. Not sure how Bumrah missed that because it was a big deflection. Can't blame Kohli here as he was behind the batter. Bumrah angles this into the batsman. It is slightly fuller. Blundell is rooted to his crease as he looks to defend but seems to have missed it. There are two noises out of which one is the ball hitting the pad. An appeal and it is turned down. Kohli, after a word with his keeper and his bowler, reviews. Replays show that the on-field call is the right one.
A huge shout for LBW and it has been turned down! Kohli reviews. If no inside edge, it seems very close.
6.2
3
Nicely timed! It still does not get to the boundary though but three taken! On the pads, Latham works it through mid-wicket and takes three.
6.1
.
Length delivery and on middle, Latham defends it nicely.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Ishant Sharma 1/0(3)
5.6
.
One more ball outside off, Blundell does not fiddle with it.
5.5
.
Gets this one to shape back in nicely but it starts from a little too close to the off pole. It ends up on the leg stump. Blundell looks to flick but misses to get hit on the thigh pad. It deflects onto the gloves and then onto his body again.
5.4
.
In the 5th stump channel outside off. Not played at.
5.3
.
Slightly fuller and on middle, TB keeps it out nicely. Good bowling from Ishant.
5.2
.
On the pads, Blundell looks to flick but misses to get hit high on the pads.
5.1
.
Good length and on off, Blundell keeps it out off the back foot.
In over# 1
2
0
0
0
2
0
Jasprit Bumrah 7/0(3)
4.6
2
Another couple! On the pads, Latham looks to flick but it goes off the inner half through square leg for a couple.
4.5
.
On the stumps, Latham keeps it out nicely.
4.4
.
Angled into the batter, Tom nudges it on the leg side.
4.3
.
Goes back to bowling a touch outside off, Latham once again lets it go to the keeper.
4.2
2
Nicely played! Does not go to the boundary but two! Full and on the pads, Latham works it through square leg.
4.1
.
Now comes from around the wicket, bowls this one outside off, Latham does not play at it.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Ishant Sharma 1/0(2)
3.6
.
Again! On the off pole and on a length. Blocked.
3.5
.
Just outside off, Blundell shoulders arms to this one. Ishant Sharma has really started well. He is hitting the right lines and lengths on most occasions.
3.4
1
This one is angled into the pads, Latham works it towards mid-wicket for one.
3.3
.
On the fuller side again and outside off, left alone.
3.2
.
Edged but short! Sharma lands this on off, it is on a length. It straightens a touch. Latham is half-forward as he tries to defend. He does so with soft hands and hence, the outside edge does not carry to third slip.
3.1
.
On middle, Latham gets right behind the line and keeps it out.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Jasprit Bumrah 3/0(2)
2.6
.
Like that! Attacks the stumps, still a little too straight though. Blundell looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.
2.5
.
Wide outside off, another leave. Bumrah needs to attack the stumps here. At the moment, he is wasting the new ball.
2.4
.
This is angled into the batter, Blundell works it to short leg.
2.3
.
Closer to the off pole this time but not close enough to make the batter play.
2.2
.
Wide outside off, Blundell this time lets it go to the keeper.
2.1
.
Shorter and outside off, Blundell guides it to gully. Not sure if he needed to play at that. Quite risky.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Ishant Sharma 0/0(1)
1.6
.
That is a beauty! He angles it into the batter from around the wicket which means Latham has to play at it. Gets the ball to straighten after pitching and it beats the outside edge of the bat.
1.5
.
Another tempter! Full and wide outside off, Latham is not tempted and lets it go to the keeper.
1.4
.
Bowls another one outside off, Latham this time does not go after it.
1.3
.
OHHH! Fuller and outside off, it shapes away. Latham is tempted to play away from his body but then at the end bails out of the shot. That is not needed, especially so early in the innings.
1.2
.
Attacks the off pole this time. Latham defends it.
1.1
.
Starts off with a length delivery around off, gets it to shape away. Latham makes a leave.
Ishant Sharma to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
0
3
0
0
0
Jasprit Bumrah 3/0(1)
0.6
.
Drags his length back a little again and it is outside off, left alone.
0.5
.
Nice delivery! This initially angles into the batter but then leaves Blundell. The batter thinks of playing at it but then at the very end, pulls his bat back. The length though was correct here by Bumrah. Slightly fuller.
0.4
3
New Zealand and Latham are underway! On the pads, Latham works it through square leg. They take two, Blundell wants the third and goes for it. Completes it with ease. Replays now show that it was uppish and was not far away from the fielder at short leg.
0.3
.
Third delivery outside off, Latham makes another leave. Bumrah is a little too short so far. He needs to get it up there if he wants to extract something from this strip.
0.2
.
One more delivery outside off, Latham does not play at it.
0.1
.
Starts off with a length delivery around off, it angles away. Latham makes a leave.
The Indians, on the other hand, need wickets upfront with the new ball. The pitch is offering some assistance and they will also hope to make full use of it. Can they do so? We will find out in a while.
So the Kiwi bowlers have done their job and it is now over to the batters. They will want to bat long and once, if possible. Take a big lead and then bowl India out cheaply again.
Tim Southee is down for a chat and he says that it was outstanding the way they bowled on Day 1. Mentions that Colin de Grandhomme and others bowled their hearts out. Also adds that Jamieson was brilliant on his debut. Tells that it was great to bowl with the new ball as there was some assistance early on. Feels that if they survive the initial phase against the new ball, they can score runs freely.
For the Kiwis, Southee and Jamieson were the pick of the bowlers. Both ended with 4 wickets each. Boult had one to his name. Colin de Grandhomme did not pick a wicket but kept it really tight. He played a good supporting role. Ajaz Patel just bowled the three overs. Overall a very satisfying bowling performance from the hosts.
5 wickets in a little more than an hour rounds up an excellent bowling performance from the Kiwis! Kane Williamson could not have asked for anything more from his bowlers after electing to bowl. They got rid of the top order cheaply. The middle order did not show any resistance and the lower order too failed to do anything substantial today. Just the 43 runs added by India this morning. Rahane was the only man who showed some fight. Pant also was looking good before he got run out. The procession started from there on and India got bundled out for a paltry first innings total.
68.1
W
OUT! Shami holes out! Southee gets his man! A length ball outside off, Shami swings but only manages to hit it high up in the air towards the cover region. Blundell runs in and takes it. They go upstairs to check the back foot landing but it is fine. INDIA HAVE BEEN BOWLED OUT FOR 165!
In over# 1
0
0
0
0W
1
0
Kyle Jamieson 39/4(16)
67.6
.
Misses his fifer by a whisker! Fuller again, this is angled into the off pole and then gets it to shape away. Bumrah looks to put bat on ball but the ball whizzes past the outside edge.
67.5
.
Fuller and just outside off, Bumrah does go after it but is beaten.
67.4
.
Outside off, Bumrah does not play at it.
Jasprit Bumrah is the last man in for India.
DRINKS! Another session that has gone to the Kiwis. They have been brilliant with the ball. They have plucked out 4 wickets in the first hour. The Indian batsmen on the other hand have been susceptible to the swing and seam movement. They have just not been able to adjust. Also, some poor shot selection have added to their misery.
67.3
W
OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Jamieson gets his fourth now! A short one just outside off, Ishant pokes at it. The ball takes the outside edge and goes into the gloves of Watling. The stand which was getting the Kiwis frustrated has been broken. Jamieson has three more balls to take a fifer on debut in this over.
67.2
1
Back of a length and on off, this is guided towards point for one.
67.1
.
Shorter and around off, Shami guides it towards point.
In over# 1
1
2
4
0
0
0
Tim Southee 49/3(20)
66.6
1
In the air... safe! Shami continues to ride his luck. This is fuller and around middle, Shami swings but only manages to mistime it. It falls safe in the mid-wicket region for one. Another good over for India.
66.5
2
Just safe! Shami is living dangerously here but is managing to score some handy runs! Fuller and outside off, Shami goes hard after it. He ends up slicing it just over the diving cover fielder and takes two.
66.4
4
FOUR! Another boundary for Shami! This will be hurting Kane and really frustrating the Kiwis! A short one and on the body, Shami pulls and hits it in the gap in the square leg region.
66.3
.
Slightly fuller again around off, Shami strokes it to covers.
66.2
.
A short one now on middle, Shami is a touch early in the pull. It goes off the toe end towards the slip cordon.
66.1
.
Wide outside off, left alone.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kyle Jamieson 38/3(15)
65.6
.
Length ball outside off, Sharma is happy to let that be.
65.5
.
BEATEN! Length ball outside off, Sharma goes chasing at it but misses. The ball swings away from the bat and goes past the outside edge.
65.4
.
Back of a length ball outside off, Sharma hops inside the crease and taps it to point.
65.3
.
On a length and outside off, defended towards point off the back foot.
65.2
.
Length ball outside off, Sharma just stays on the back foot and shoulders arms to it.
65.1
.
Length ball outside off, played to point by Ishant.
Kyle Jamieson is back on.
In over# 1
0
4
1
1
4
0
Tim Southee 42/3(19)
64.6
.
On off, Shami pushes it to covers. End of a very good over for India.
64.5
4
FOUR! That is right off the middle. Powerful shot. Fuller and on middle, Shami hits it hard down to the long on fence.
64.4
1
On middle, this is worked towards mid on for one.
64.3
1
DROPPED! Williamson is the culprit. How rare is that? How often do you see KW drop a catch? Don't remember the last time he did so. It is fuller and around off, Shami swings across the line. He gets a top edge which goes high in the air towards mid off. Williamson looks to take it with his fingers pointing upwards but spills it. A single taken.
64.2
4
FOUR! Streaky but India won't mind as long as they keep coming! Fuller and outside off, Shami looks to drive but it goes off the outside edge over the leaping gully fielder and down to the third man fence. 150 up for India.
64.1
.
Fullish and on middle, Shami hits it to mid on.
In over# 1
0
3
0
0
0
0
Trent Boult 57/1(18)
63.6
.
On off, Sharma gets right behind the line and defends it.
63.5
3
Handy runs! On the pads, it is a full toss. Shami flicks it through mid-wicket and takes three.
63.4
.
Slightly fuller and around off, Shami hits it nicely but finds mid off.
63.3
.
A short one on the body, Shami decides late to pull but misses.
63.2
.
Very full and on off, Shami strokes it nicely but to mid off.
63.1
.
Shorter and around off, Shami keeps it out.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0W
0
0
Tim Southee 32/3(18)
62.6
.
Fuller and on middle, this is driven down towards mid on.
62.5
.
NOT OUT! Ishant survives to fight another day. Nothing on Hot Spot and nothing on Snicko. A fuller ball around off, it tails away. Ishant plays inside the line. There is a noise as the ball passes the bat. Watling takes it and then appeals. Dar thinks and then raises his finger. Ishant reviews immediately. Replays roll in and they show the noise was of the ball hitting the back pad. They then check for the LBW too but the impact is outside off. The on-field call has to be overturned. Good review by Sharma.
A review straightaway! Ishant has been given out caught behind but he signals the 'T' almost immediately. By looking at the initial replay, it seems to have hit the pad.
62.4
1
Shami is off the mark! On the pads, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.
Mohammed Shami is the new man in.
62.3
W
OUT! Rahane is out of here! The last recognized batter is gone! Southee is on fire today morning. His second wicket in this session and his third overall. India are in big, big trouble at the moment. It is a harmless delivery to be honest. It is full and wide outside off. Rahane is in two minds whether to leave it or play at it. In the end he tries to leave but it hits the inside edge and goes low towards Watling who takes a tumbling catch. A gritty knock from Rahane comes to an end but at the wrong time for India.
62.2
.
One more bumper, Rahane ducks under it.
62.1
.
On the fuller side and tailing away. Rahane lets it be as it is outside off.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
2
0
Trent Boult 54/1(17)
61.6
.
Full again and on middle, Ishant pushes it towards extra cover.
61.5
.
One more short ball but this is down the leg side. Ishant ducks under it.
61.4
.
On the shorter side this time. Ishant hops and keeps it out.
61.3
.
Fuller and on the middle, Ishant stays back in his crease and gets his bat down in time.
61.2
2
Nicely played! Fuller and on middle, Ishant works it through mid on for a couple.
61.1
.
Down the leg side, Sharma looks to flick but misses.
In over# 1
0
1
0
1
0
0
Tim Southee 31/2(17)
60.6
.
A short one to end! Rahane evades it. So he fails to retain strike, just what the Kiwis would have wanted.
60.5
1
Just over Blundell! A single! On the pads again, Sharma flicks it uppishly, over the outstretched hand of Tom for a run.
60.4
.
OHHH! Southee goes very wide of the crease and angles it into the stumps. Ishant works it right across and flicks it towards square leg. He had to get bat to that.
60.3
1
This is angled into the pad, Rahane works it through mid-wicket for one.
60.2
.
A sharp bumper, Rahane looks to pull but misses. Rahane has probably decided to play his shots now and rightly so.
60.1
.
On a length and around off, blocked.
In over# 1
1
4
0
1
1
0
Trent Boult 52/1(16)
59.6
1
Top edge but safe! A short one and on middle, Rahane looks to pull but fails to get on top of the bounce. It takes the top edge but falls short of fine leg. A single taken. Rahane retains strike and this ends up being a good over for India.
59.5
4
FOUR! Up and over! A welcome boundary for India. This is full and wide outside off. Rahane goes after it. He hits it off the outer half of his bat over the point fielder and finds the fence. One would feel Rahane would take every opportunity of scoring that is offered to him.
59.4
.
Good length and on off, Rahane keeps it out.
59.3
1
Uppish but safe and Sharma is off the mark! This is short and on the body, Sharma hops and works it uppishly but wide of short leg and through square leg for one.
A short leg in place for Sharma! Some chin music for him probably.
59.2
1
Shorter and on the body, this is worked down to fine leg for one.
59.1
.
Good length and on off, this is guided to point.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0W
0W
0
Tim Southee 29/2(16)
58.6
.
Fuller and on off, Sharma strokes it to mid off. Two wickets in the over. A momentum changing one.
58.5
.
Outside off, it is left alone.
58.4
.
Down the leg side, Sharma walks right across and tries to flick but misses.
Ishant Sharma walks out to bat.
58.3
W
OUT! Knocks him over! One brings two and that is exactly the case for the Kiwis. A top nut to get on the first delivery! Ashwin missed that by a long, long way. He was completely bamboozled. Southee goes wide of the crease and angles it into the batter. It is on a fuller length but the ball then tails away. Ashwin plays down the wrong line and the ball clips the off pole. Two early wickets for the Kiwis and they are into the Indian tail. Can they keep India below 150?
Ravichandran Ashwin walks out to bat.
58.2
W
OUT! RUN OUT! A huge, huge mix-up and Rishabh Pant has sacrificed his wicket. The last thing India wanted today. Pant was looking nice and positive today, he really gave that feeling that he is quite focused and determined to do something special but he falls in the last manner a batter would want to be dismissed. This is a back of a length delivery, Rahane guides it towards point. He takes off, he is charging towards the other end. Pant is not interested as he wants Rahane to go back although after taking a start. Till the time Rahane sees that, he is halfway down the track. He continues running and hence, Pant has to go for it. Ajaz Patel picks the ball up, he knows he has time on his hands, takes aim and hits the stumps. Pant is way short, he never had any chance of making it. Rishabh walks back disappointed and the Kiwis celebrate. Ideal start for them.
58.1
.
Outside off, Rahane does not play at it.
Pant is in a little pain and the physio is out. Does not seem something serious, he is probably taking a breather.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Trent Boult 45/1(15)
57.6
.
Extra bounce! This lands on middle and then jags back in a little. There is also some extra bounce. Pant looks to defend but misses to get hit near the box. A good first over by Boult. He was not at his best yesterday but starts off well today.
57.5
.
Just outside off, another leave from Pant.
57.4
.
On the pads, Pant looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The batters think of a run but then don't go for it.
57.3
.
Another away-swinger but the line is outside off this time. Pant lets it be.
57.2
.
That is a lovely delivery! It is a length ball, starts on off and then moves away. Pant hangs his bat out and gets beaten.
57.1
1
Good running! Shorter and on off, Rahane taps it towards the off side and takes one.
So just a single one over for Patel as Trent Boult now comes into the attack. 14-2-44-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
2
0
0
0
0
0
Tim Southee 29/1(15)
56.6
2
Gets this one to shape back in from the middle pole. Pant though works it with the movement through mid-wicket for two. Pant has started on a positive note here.
56.5
.
Another one on a fuller length, Pant pushes it towards cover. No seam movement for Southee today till now!
56.4
.
On the fuller side and around off, Pant plants his front foot forward and keeps it out.
56.3
.
Shorter and outside off, Pant leaves it alone.
56.2
.
A little too straight, Pant works it towards square leg where the fielder dives to his left and stops it.
56.1
.
Errs in line to begin with. Slips this one down the leg side. Pant looks to flick but misses.
Tim Southee to bowl from the other end!
In over# 1
0
1
6
0
0
0
Ajaz Patel 7/0(3)
55.6
.
Flatter and around off, Rahane stays back and keeps it out. 7 from the first over of the day. Also, there probably will be a change from this end. Don't think Ajaz will be getting another over.
55.5
1
Follows the biggie with a single as this is worked through mid-wicket.
55.4
6
SIX! First runs of the day and it is in the form of a biggie! It is also the first maximum of the game. Pant loves playing against someone who turns the ball back into him. Uses his feet, gets to the pitch of it and tonks it well over the long on fence.
55.3
.
Another tossed up ball on middle, Pant keeps it out nicely.
55.2
.
Floats it up on middle, Pant keeps it out nicely.
55.1
.
Gets away with a loosener! Short and down the leg side. Pant looks to pull but misses.
We are all set for the action to resume! The sun is out and it seems to be excellent conditions for a day of cricket. The Kiwi players make their way out to the middle. Ajinkya Rahane and Rishabh Pant will resume their innings. A surprise from the Kiwis as it is Ajaz Patel who will get us underway. Here we go...
Kyle Jamieson is caught for a quick review. Says that he feels really good as Day 1 went really well for him. States he was quite relaxed out there and wasn't very nervous. Further adds his friends and family play a massive part in where he is today and he is happy they could witness him play. On what did his teammates say when he took the first wicket, Kyle smiles and replies that he blanked out after taking the first wicket and only remembers that they congratulated him.
Welcome, folks! We are here again to bring you the coverage of the second day of the first Test match at Basin Reserve, Wellington. The hosts have their noses in front at the moment. 5 wickets have already been taken and they would be eager to take the remaining wickets quickly. India, on the other hand, need a partnership. The two who will resume their innings today, Pant and Rahane, are amidst a promising stand. India will hope they can continue and take them to a fighting total. The first hour is quite crucial. Stay tuned for it...
... DAY 2, SESSION 1 ...
An excellent day of cricket for the Black Caps! They are well in command of the game and probably everything has gone right for them on Day 1. At the start of the day, they won the toss and elected to field under overcast conditions on a green wicket. Their bowlers justified the decision as they kept taking wickets at regular intervals and also made scoring very tough for India. Debutant Kyle Jamieson was the pick of the bowlers for them as he took three wickets which included Kohli and Pujara. Rahane though has fought hard out there along with Pant but with not a lot of batting to come, the visitors would be hoping for this pair to maximize the partnership. 250 is what India will be aiming for but they will need to bat really well if they are to get there. Saturday will be a new day! Will we see India make a comeback in the game or will the same script continue? Join us to find out on Day 2.
Update 1737 local - The good news did not last for long as the rain is back! The covers are firmly placed and it is coming down nice and hard. Just as I write that, the news coming in is that PLAY HAS BEEN CALLED OFF FOR THE DAY!
Update 1705 local - We have some good news for you! The rain has stopped and the umpires were out doing an inspection. However, they weren't quite happy with the conditions and they have scheduled another one at 1730 local which is 25 minutes from now. Fingers crossed.
... Day 1, Session 3 ...
Update 1625 local (0325 GMT) - Well, well, it is pouring down at the moment! The groundsmen have rushed onto the pitch with the covers to cover the pitch. Let's hope it is a passing shower and we get some action soon.
Another session which belonged to the hosts! Once again they have not let India score freely and have also managed to take two wickets. The home side managed to break the promising stand between Agarwal and Rahane early and then got rid of Vihari too. Rahane and Pant have dug in and are looking to take the visitors to safer shores. They need to bat well though to do so. Rahane is set and Pant is slowly building an innings. The Kiwis, on the other hand, will want to continue the good work and take the remaining five wickets as quickly as possible. They would know that one more wicket and they will be into the lower order. Will we see India win a session or will the Kiwis make it 3-0?
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Trent Boult 44/1(14)
54.6
.
Fuller now and on off, AR strokes it to mid off. THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 1!
54.5
.
One more ball on a length and around off, Rahane keeps it out towards covers.
54.4
.
Outside off, not played at.
54.3
1
Shorter and on the body, Pant is hurried on the pull. He mistimes it towards fine leg for one. Went off his gloves.
54.2
.
Excellent fielding! Shorter and around off, Pant cuts it hard. It goes towards gully where Nicholls dives to his left and saves a boundary.
54.1
.
Good length and on off, it is kept out.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Ajaz Patel 0/0(2)
53.6
.
Tossed up ball on off, Rahane defends it off the front foot.
53.5
.
Floated ball on off, Rahane keeps it out.
53.4
.
Turn and bounce for Patel. Floated ball outside off, Rahane lets it be as the ball spins past him after pitching.
53.3
.
Loopy ball outside off, Rahane defends it to point off the front foot.
53.2
.
Flighted ball outside off, Rahane shoulders arms to it.
53.1
.
Floated ball on off, defended off the front foot towards covers.
In over# 1
0
2
1
0
0
1
Trent Boult 43/1(13)
52.6
.
Length and on off, defended off the front foot.
52.5
2
Full and on the pads, Pant works it towards backward square leg and gets a couple this time.
52.4
1
Fuller in length and on off, Rahane strokes one towards mid off and takes off for a run. The fielder there has a shy at the keeper's end but misses.
52.3
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
52.2
.
On middle, Rahane blocks it.
52.1
1
On the pads, it is worked through square leg for one.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Ajaz Patel 0/0(1)
51.6
.
On middle, Rahane prods forward and keeps it out.
51.5
.
The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads.
51.4
.
Stump-to-stump line again, it is kept out.
51.3
.
Slower through the air and on off, AR keeps it out.
51.2
.
Tosses it up on middle, Rahane is once again solid in defense.
51.1
.
Floats it up on middle, Rahane keeps it out.
Spin time! Ajaz Patel is on now.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Trent Boult 39/1(12)
50.6
.
Length ball outside off, Pant goes chasing at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
50.5
.
Back of a length ball on off, Pant pulls it but can only get it to the man at mid on.
50.4
.
Length and in that channel outside off, Pant shoulders arms to it.
Patel is seen warming up!
50.3
1
Short and on middle and leg, pulled through mid-wicket for a single by Rahane.
50.2
.
Length and on off, AR drives it to covers.
50.1
.
Length ball on off and middle, defended off the back foot towards mid off.
Trent Boult is back on.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
1
0
Tim Southee 27/1(14)
49.6
.
Around off, Pant guides it towards point.
49.5
.
Back of a length and on off, defended.
49.4
4
FOUR! Nicely played! Shorter in length and on the body, Pant swivels and pulls it down to the fine leg fence for a boundary. First for Pant.
49.3
.
Outside off, Pant does not want to fiddle with it.
49.2
1
Shorter in length and on middle, Rahane pulls it through square leg and takes one.
49.1
.
The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Colin de Grandhomme 12/0(11)
48.6
.
Driven through mid off by the batsman.
48.5
.
Slightly fuller and on off, Pant pushes it towards cover.
48.4
.
One more delivery outside off, Pant lets it go to the keeper.
48.3
.
One more length ball outside off, not played at.
48.2
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
48.1
.
Outside off, left alone.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Tim Southee 22/1(13)
47.6
.
Outside off, Rahane does not fiddle with it.
47.5
.
A short one and on middle, it is ducked under.
47.4
.
On the stumps again, Rahane once again works it towards mid on.
47.3
.
Angled into the pads, Rahane works it towards mid on.
47.2
.
On off, defended.
47.1
.
Outside off, left alone.
In over# 1
0
0
1
1
0
0
Colin de Grandhomme 12/0(10)
46.6
.
Length ball on the pads, Pant flicks it off his pads towards mid-wicket.
46.5
.
Length and around off, blocked off the front foot towards covers.
46.4
1
Length ball on off, Rahane tucks it off the front foot towards square leg and calls for a single. Pant hesitates. Tom Blundell though fumbles and allows the run to be completed.
46.3
1
Full and angled into the pads, Pant flicks it towards mid-wicket and gets to the other end.
46.2
.
On a good length and on off, Pant blocks it off the back foot.
46.1
.
Length ball and angling across the southpaw. Pant defends it off the front foot towards covers.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Tim Southee 22/1(12)
45.6
.
Good length and on off, AR keeps it out.
45.5
.
Fuller and around off, Rahane eases it to covers.
45.4
1
Pant is finally off the mark! Fuller and around off, he strokes it down the ground for a single.
45.3
.
Good length and on off, Pant keeps it out.
45.2
.
Outside off, not played at.
45.1
.
Slightly fuller and on off, Pant strokes it to mid off. He is yet to get off the mark.
Tim Southee is back on! 11-3-21-1 so far from him.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Colin de Grandhomme 10/0(9)
44.6
.
Another one which is bowled on length and on middle, Rahane defends it off the back foot.
44.5
.
Length and on off, Rahane keeps it out off the back foot.
44.4
.
Length and on off, Rahane blocks it off the front foot once again.
44.3
.
Length ball on off, Rahane defends it off the front foot towards covers.
44.2
.
On a length and on middle, defended off the front foot towards the leg side.
44.1
.
Length ball angled on middle, flicked towards mid-wicket.
In over# 1
0
0
1wd
0
0
1
0
Kyle Jamieson 38/3(14)
43.6
.
The batsman has driven it to mid off.
43.5
.
A half-hearted appeal but turned down! A little too straight. Pant looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. Seemed to be pitching outside leg.
43.5
1wd
A short one but it is way too short. Wided.
43.4
.
Full and on the pads, RP looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.
43.3
.
Back of a length and on off, Pant keeps it out.
43.2
1
A short one on the body, Rahane mistimes his pull towards fine leg. He takes one, Boult misfields but no extra run conceded.
43.1
.
A short one on middle, Rahane ducks under it.
In over# 1
1
4
0
0
0
0
Colin de Grandhomme 10/0(8)
42.6
1
On the pads, it is worked through mid-wicket for one.
42.5
4
FOUR! Superb timing! Slightly fuller and on middle, Rahane strokes it with the full face of the bat and it races to the long on fence. Quite a few boundaries in that region today.
42.4
.
Extremely full and on middle, Rahane jams it out back to the bowler.
42.3
.
Gets this one to tail back in, Rahane works it with the swing to mid-wicket.
42.2
.
Good length and on off, Rahane keeps it out.
42.1
.
Full and tailing away but outside off. Rahane watches it go to the keeper.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0W
Kyle Jamieson 36/3(13)
41.6
.
Another one? No! A short one on the body, Pant looks to work it on the leg side but it hits the thigh pad and lobs towards short leg. Nicholls dives forward and takes it. A stifled appeal but nothing from the umpire.
41.5
.
Awkwardly played! Shorter and on the body, Pant fends at it awkwardly. It falls safe on the leg side.
41.4
.
Well bowled! Good use of the angle there. It is on off and angles away. Pant looks to defend but is beaten.
41.3
.
Good length and around off, extra bounce there. Pant does well to defend it onto the ground by taking a hand off the handle.
41.2
.
A short one to welcome Pant. He evades it.
With half the side back in the hut, Rishabh Pant is the new man in.
41.1
W
OUT! Caught behind! Another one bites the dust! Jamieson bags another one. A three-fer for him. Half the side back in the hut for India and they are just over the 100-run mark. Also, a wicket immediately after Drinks, how often do we see that? It is another good delivery. On a length and around off, it holds its line. Vihari looks to defend but the ball takes the outside edge. Watling dives and takes a good catch to his right.
DRINKS!
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Colin de Grandhomme 5/0(7)
40.6
.
Very full and on off, this is squeezed out towards the bowler.
40.5
.
Slightly fuller and around off, Rahane looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
40.4
1
Angled into the pads, HV works it down to fine leg and takes a single.
40.3
.
Good length and on off, Vihari gets right behind the line and defends it.
40.2
.
On the pads, this is worked towards square leg.
40.1
.
Outside off, left alone.
Colin de Grandhomme to bowl now. 6-3-4-0 so far from him.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
1lb
0
Kyle Jamieson 36/2(12)
39.6
.
Back of a length and on off, Rahane guides it to point.
39.5
.
Outside off, left alone.
39.4
4
FOUR! Just over! Rahane gets away with one. He had no clue where the ball was. It is short and on the body. Rahane looks to fend at it by taking his eyes off the ball. It hits the glove and lobs over the leaping keeper and into the fine leg fence. 100 up for India.
39.3
.
Down the leg side, left alone.
39.2
1lb
On the pads, Vihari looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad and rolls on the leg side for one. Leg bye signaled.
39.1
.
Back of a length and on middle, Vihari stays back and keeps it out.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Trent Boult 38/1(11)
38.6
.
Fuller and on off, AR keeps it out nicely.
38.5
.
Shorter and on middle, Rahane ducks under it.
38.4
.
On off, Rahane prods forward and keeps it out.
38.3
.
Outside off, not played at.
38.2
.
The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads.
38.1
.
Length and around off, Rahane defends it towards cover.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
4
0
Kyle Jamieson 32/2(11)
37.6
.
Outside off and it is an easy leave for Vihari.
37.5
.
Angles this one into the pads, Vihari looks to flick but misses and gets hit high on the pads.
37.4
.
On off, Vihari lunges forward and keeps it out nicely.
37.3
.
Excellent comeback! This is fuller and just behind a driving length around off. It shapes away. Vihari looks to drive again but this time gets beaten.
37.2
4
FOUR! Top, top shot! Fuller and on middle, Vihari strokes it right off the middle and it races away to the long on fence. A confident stroke.
37.1
.
BEATEN! Shorter and around off, Vihari plays inside the line and gets beaten.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Trent Boult 38/1(10)
36.6
.
Outside off, not played at.
36.5
.
Length and on off, Rahane gets right behind the line and defends.
36.4
.
Fullish and on off, Rahane jams it out towards cover.
36.3
.
On off, AR is solid in defense.
36.2
.
One more length delivery around off, Rahane defends it onto the ground.
36.1
.
Good length and on off, blocked.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Kyle Jamieson 28/2(10)
35.6
.
Length and on middle, Vihari keeps it out.
35.5
.
Almost! After two short balls, he goes full. It shapes away a touch. Vihari looks to push at it but it goes off the outer half but lands well short of gully.
35.4
.
One more short ball but once again outside off. It is evaded again.
35.3
.
Yes, a short one straightaway but it is outside off. Vihari lets it go.
A short leg in place for Vihari! Maybe some chin music for him?
35.2
1
Good length and around off, Rahane pushes it towards cover for a brisk single.
35.1
.
Good length and outside off, it is not played at.
In over# 1
2
0
0
0W
0
0
Trent Boult 38/1(9)
34.6
2
Full and outside off, Vihari pushes it through covers and gets an easy couple.
34.5
.
Length and outside off, left alone this time.
34.4
.
Length and on off, Vihari defends it off the back foot.
Hanuma Vihari walks out to bat.
34.3
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Boult has a big smile. He would be a relieved man. The drop did not cost him and his team much. He goes short and on middle and leg, Agarwal goes for the pull but fails to get it off the middle. Mayank plays it uppishly and the ball goes towards long leg where Kyle Jamieson runs to his left and tumbles to take the catch safely.
34.2
.
Full and on off, Agarwal drives it to mid off.
34.1
.
OHH! Did that carry? Yes, it did. Boult has been brilliant with the catches in his followthrough throughout his Test career. This time also he does get the hand but fails to hold onto it. He bowls it full and on middle, Agarwal looks to flick it to the leg side but he closes the bat face early to hit it back to the bowler who gets a hand to it but fails to hold on.
Trent Boult is back on.
In over# 1
0
0
2
0
0
0
Kyle Jamieson 27/2(9)
33.6
.
Shorter and around off, it is guided to point.
33.5
.
One more short one, this time Rahane lets it go through to the keeper.
33.4
2
Very well played! On the shorter side and on middle, Rahane gets on top of the bounce nicely and pulls it all along the ground through square leg. The fine leg fielder runs to his left and saves two for his side.
33.3
.
Another delivery outside off, Rahane need not play at it.
33.2
.
On off, Rahane strokes it to mid off.
33.1
.
Outside off, not played at.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Tim Southee 21/1(11)
32.6
.
That is a beauty! Clever bowling! Goes wide of the crease and angles it into the off pole. Now, due to the angle, Agarwal is drawn into playing at it. He tries to block but the ball moves away and whizzes past the outside edge.
32.5
.
On the fuller side, Agarwal strokes it to mid off.
32.4
.
A short one on the body, Agarwal ducks under it.
32.3
.
Good shot but for no runs! Fuller and around off, Agarwal pushes it firmly towards mid off.
32.2
.
One more length ball on off, MA blocks.
32.1
.
Back of a length and on middle, Agarwal stays back and keeps it out.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Kyle Jamieson 25/2(8)
31.6
.
One more length delivery, Rahane is solid in defense.
31.5
.
A little too wide outside off, Rahane does not fiddle with it.
31.4
.
On a length and around off, Rahane prods forward and keeps it out.
31.3
.
Good length and outside off, Rahane covers his off pole and lets it go.
31.2
1
Very full and on middle, it is worked towards mid on. Boult runs to his right but fumbles and concedes a run.
31.1
.
Shorter and outside off, Agarwal lets it go to the keeper.
In over# 1
0
0
0
2
0
0
Tim Southee 21/1(10)
30.6
.
The sucker ball now! Full and wide outside off, Rahane resists the temptation and makes a leave.
30.5
.
Bowled on the off pole, Rahane is solid in defense.
30.4
.
This is angled into the pads, Rahane stays back and keeps it out.
30.3
2
Slightly fuller around off, Rahane looks to drive but it goes off the outer half through point for two.
30.2
.
Down the leg side, Rahane looks to flick but misses.
30.1
.
Shorter and outside off, Rahane evades it.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
0
0
Kyle Jamieson 24/2(7)
29.6
.
Full and outside off, Agarwal lets it be.
29.5
4
FOUR! Jamieson strays one down the leg side and pays the price. Kyle bowls one on a length but the line is down the leg side, Mayank just helps it on its way towards the fine leg fence for a boundary.
29.4
.
Length ball on off, Agarwal defends it off the back foot towards the off side.
29.3
.
Length ball outside off, bowled from wide of the crease. Agarwal looks to defend it but the ball rears up and the keeper does well to collect it.
29.2
.
Full and on middle and leg, Agarwal plays it towards mid-wicket.
29.1
.
Length ball on off, played towards the leg side.
Kyle Jamieson to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Tim Southee 19/1(9)
28.6
.
Slightly back of a length ball on off, Rahane defends it off the back foot towards point. A maiden to start.
28.5
.
Good length and around off, Rahane defends it with soft hands towards covers.
28.4
.
Full and around off, Rahane drives it to mid on.
28.3
.
Another one that is bowled in the channel of uncertainty. Rahane makes a leave.
28.2
.
Full and on middle, Rahane defends it off the back foot towards the leg side.
28.1
.
Starts with a length ball but way outside off, Rahane makes a leave.
We are back for the afternoon session. The two unbeaten batsmen Mayank Agarwal and Ajinkya Rahane make their way out to resume their innings. The Kiwi players are all in readiness. Tim Southee to inaugurate the session with the ball.
... Day 1, Session 2 ...
The Kiwis have been brilliant so far and would want to keep the pressure in the afternoon session as well. They would be expecting Boult to make an impact as he has not been at his best so far. Both Jamieson and Southee have been very good, especially the former, who was unplayable at times. New Zealand would know they need to get rid of the two batting out there quickly as they can prove to be dangerous. Can they do so and get into the lower-middle order quickly or will India continue their fightback? Join us in a while to find out.
New Zealand's session quite easily! They have not only taken three wickets but have also not let India score freely. Right from the start, their bowlers kept it nice and tight. Southee got Shaw early. Pujara and Agarwal then looked to steady the ship but the former became Kyle Jamieson's first wicket and then the Indian skipper also fell prey to him. The Indians were in deep trouble at 40 for 3 but Agarwal and Rahane have surged a fightback. The two are amidst a good stand and India will hope they can continue the good work.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Trent Boult 36/0(8)
27.6
.
BOUNCER! Agarwal ducks under it and sees off the session. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 1!
27.5
.
Full and on off, Agarwal brings out the solid front foot defense. Last ball coming up before Lunch.
27.4
1
Length ball on middle, Rahane plays it to mid-wicket and gets to the other end.
27.3
.
BUMPER! Rahane sees it and ducks under it.
27.2
.
Length and on off, blocked off the front foot to the off side.
27.1
.
BEAUTY! Boult almost has his man this time. Bowls it fuller on middle and then makes the ball to move away late. Agarwal looks to defend but gets beaten by the movement. Lucky for him that he did not edge that.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Tim Southee 19/1(8)
26.6
.
A short one to end down the leg side. Left alone. Aleem Dar then looks at the square leg umpire who is walking towards the stumps at the other end and we will have another over.
26.5
.
Fuller and around off, Agarwal strokes it to covers.
26.4
.
On the pads, Agarwal looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. MA sets off for a run but then realizes it has only gone as far as the keeper. Gets back in.
26.3
.
Angled into the pads, MA works it to mid on.
26.2
1
On a length and around off, Rahane looks to defend but does so outside the line. It goes off the inner half through square leg for one.
26.1
.
A short one on the body, Rahane evades it nicely.
In over# 1
0
4
1
0
0
4
Trent Boult 35/0(7)
25.6
.
Length and on off, Agarwal plays it off the front foot towards mid on.
25.5
4
FOUR! Another edge but once again it evades the fielder. This time it is Agarwal who gets it. Boult bowls one on the off pole and gets it to move away. Agarwal looks to defend it but the ball flies through the gap between third slip and gully off the outside edge for a boundary.
25.4
1
Short of a length and on leg, Rahane takes his one hand off as he defends it to the leg side for a run.
25.3
.
Full and on middle, driven to mid on.
25.2
.
Length and on off, Rahane plays it to mid off.
25.1
4
FOUR! Edgy but Rahane won't mind. Length ball on off, Rahane looks to defend it but the ball goes off the outside edge and past the third slip for a boundary at third man. He controlled it well though.
In over# 1
0
0
0
4
0
0
Tim Southee 18/1(7)
24.6
.
Wide of the crease goes Southee and angles it into the off pole. Agarwal keeps it out.
24.5
.
Down the leg side, Agarwal looks to flick but misses.
24.4
.
On off, this time Agarwal is solid in defense.
24.3
4
FOUR! That is a very fortunate boundary! Agarwal really played a poor shot there. It is very wide and full outside off. Agarwal reaches out for it. He plays a half-hearted stroke. The ball flies off the outside edge, between gully and third slip for a boundary.
24.2
.
Fuller and on middle, Agarwal strokes it to mid on.
24.1
.
Outside off, not played at.
In over# 1
1
4
0
0
2
0
Trent Boult 26/0(6)
23.6
1
Follows the boundary with a single down to fine leg.
23.5
4
FOUR! A very confident shot! It is not a full delivery, it is a length ball. Angling away from off. Agarwal strokes it on the up through covers and it races away to the fence.
23.4
.
One more length delivery around off, MA is solid in defense.
23.3
.
Good length and on off, Agarwal guides it towards gully.
23.2
2
Nicely played! This is fuller and it is angled across the right-hander. Agarwal plants his front foot ahead and then strokes it through covers for two.
23.1
.
A bumper to begin his new spell! Agarwal ducks under it.
Kane Williamson goes back to his strike bowlers as Trent Boult comes back too. 5-0-19-0 so far from him.
In over# 1
0
1
1
0
0
0
Tim Southee 14/1(6)
22.6
.
On a length now and on off, Rahane gets right behind the line and keeps it out.
22.5
1
Another one on the pads, it is a low full toss. Mayank works it through square leg for one. Southee is looking to move the ball away from the leg pole but is not getting the movement.
22.4
1
One more delivery on the pads, Rahane works it down to fine leg and takes one.
22.3
.
Slips this one down the leg side, Rahane lets it be.
22.2
.
One more length delivery around off, Rahane gets right behind the line and keeps it out.
22.1
.
On a length and around off, Rahane keeps it out.
Tim Southee is back for his second spell. So far he has bowled 5-1-12-1.
In over# 1
4
0
0
1
0
0
Kyle Jamieson 20/2(6)
21.6
4
FOUR! Lovely shot! Just used the pace of the bowler! On the fuller side around middle, Agarwal shows the full face of the bat and creams it down to the long on fence.
21.5
.
Back of a length again and on middle, Agarwal stays back and keeps it out.
21.4
.
On the shorter side around off, Agarwal pushes it towards cover.
21.3
1
On the pads, Rahane flicks it towards the square leg region for one.
21.2
.
Slightly fuller and on off, Rahane pushes it towards cover.
21.1
.
On the shorter side, Rahane takes one hand off the handle and keeps it out.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
0
Colin de Grandhomme 4/0(6)
20.6
.
A dot to end! On off, Agarwal works it to mid on.
20.5
1
On the pads, Rahane works it around the corner and takes one. 50 up for India. They though have lost three wickets.
20.4
.
Wider outside off, Rahane watches it go to the keeper.
20.3
.
On off, Rahane keeps it out nicely.
20.2
.
Just outside off, left alone.
20.1
.
On middle, Rahane works it to mid-wicket.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
4
0
Kyle Jamieson 15/2(5)
19.6
.
Goes wide of the crease and bangs it short on the body. Agarwal stays back and keeps it out.
19.5
.
Just outside off, left alone.
19.4
1
Leading edge but a run! On the pads, Rahane is early in the flick. It goes off the leading edge towards cover for one.
19.3
.
Higher part of the bat! Length and on off, Rahane looks to defend but it hits the sticker and rolls towards gully.
19.2
4
FOUR! A little too full and Rahane takes full toll of it. On middle, Rahane eases it down to the long on fence for a much-needed boundary.
19.1
.
On the fuller side, it is pushed to mid off.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Colin de Grandhomme 3/0(5)
18.6
1
Rahane had to get bat on that! It was on middle and Rahane flicks it right off the stumps down to fine leg for one. Had he missed, he was an LBW candidate.
18.5
.
One more delivery outside off, Rahane does not fiddle with it.
18.4
.
Just outside off, Rahane walks across and lets it be.
18.3
.
Outside off, Rahane shoulders arms to this one.
18.2
.
Outside off, Rahane does what Kohli should have done. Left it alone.
18.1
.
Rahane walks down the track and Colin lands it on middle. It is pushed back to the bowler.
In over# 1
3
0W
0
2
0
0
Kyle Jamieson 10/2(4)
17.6
3
Rahane is off the mark! A gift for him. A full toss on the pads, Rahane works it through mid-wicket and takes three. End of another successful over for KJ.
Ajinkya Rahane, India's reliable batsman in overseas condition, comes in to bat. He replaces his skipper in the middle.
17.5
W
OUT! TAKEN! Number three down and it is the biggest wicket in this Indian batting line-up. The skipper falls for a very low score. Jamieson is on fire here. Pujara first and now Kohli. The Kiwis right on top at the moment. Too early to play that shot to be honest. Especially on a wicket which is providing some assistance to the bowlers. It is slightly fuller in length, not a driving length, just behind it. Outside off and moving away. Kohli pushes at a delivery he should be leaving. It takes the outside edge and Taylor at first slip takes a simple catch in his 100th Test. The ball did not get settled into the bucket hands of Rosco but he managed somehow to hold onto it. This wicket actually reminded us of how Kohli used to get out in England in 2014. New Zealand now will be sensing an opportunity to get two more before Lunch.
17.4
.
On the shorter side, Kohli takes one hand off the handle as he defends it.
17.3
2
Kohli is off the mark! Fuller and on middle, VK pushes it through mid on and takes two.
17.2
.
A short one, Kohli spots it early and ducks under it.
17.1
.
On the fuller side, Kohli shuffles across and pushes it towards covers.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Colin de Grandhomme 2/0(4)
16.6
.
Length and around off, blocked off the back foot.
16.5
.
Length and on off, Agarwal defends it off the front foot towards the off side.
16.4
.
Length and on off, Agarwal plays it to covers off the back foot.
16.3
.
Length and around off, Agarwal comes forward and then makes a leave. A brave call though as the ball was just close to the off pole.
16.2
.
OHH! Short of a length ball outside off, Agarwal looks to cut it but gets a bottom edge which rolls towards the keeper.
16.1
.
Full and angled on off, Agarwal plays it to gully.
In over# 1
0
0
1
2wd
0W
0
0
Kyle Jamieson 5/1(3)
15.6
.
One more delivery outside off, it is left alone again. End of a top over from Jamieson.
15.5
.
Outside off, left alone.
15.4
1
A single! Fuller and on off, Agarwal strokes it through mid off. There could have been two but Kohli slips as he took off for the first run and hence, only one.
15.4
2wd
WIDE! Welcomes the Indian skipper with a bumper but it is way too short. Watling jumps, just gets a glove to it. Takes the pace of the delivery. The man from fine leg cuts it off and a bye is taken.
Out comes the skipper, Virat Kohli with a huge roar from the crowd.
15.3
W
OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! An absolute gem of a delivery to get rid of Pujara. FIRST TEST WICKET FOR Jamieson and he will remember it for a long, long time. He is delighted! The tall lad has been exceptional so far and it is a well-deserved wicket. It is a length delivery. It lands on middle and then straightens. Pujara does not do a lot wrong there. He looks to play the original trajectory but the ball kisses the outside edge due to the movement and goes into the gloves of the keeper. Big wicket as CP is known to play the long innings. New Zealand are reaping the reward for bowling the right lines and lengths here. India in a spot of bother.
15.2
.
Slips this one down the leg side. Pujara looks to flick but misses.
15.1
.
Shortish and outside off, Pujara does not play at it.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Colin de Grandhomme 2/0(3)
14.6
.
A dot to end a good over by Colin! On off, it is kept out.
14.5
.
Ohhh! Agarwal was probably in two minds there. It is on off and then shapes away. Agarwal is not sure whether to leave it or play at it. In the end he looks to defend but gets a bottom edge which goes on the bounce to the keeper.
14.4
.
Back of a length and on middle, Agarwal keeps it out.
14.3
.
Gets some nice shape away from the batter but the line is outside off. Not played at.
14.2
.
On the stumps this time, MA works it to mid-wicket.
14.1
.
Agarwal takes a few steps down the track but Colin shortens his length just a little and bowls it just outside off. Left alone.
DRINKS! A testing hour for the batsmen out there. Shaw and Agarwal started on a watchful note and were just about beginning to settle in when a Tim Southee beauty sent Shaw packing. Pujara and Agarwal have since then played it out safely. New Zealand have used 4 bowlers till now and all have been impressive though only Southee could get into the wickets' column. An intriguing hour of play coming up before the Lunch break.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
1
Kyle Jamieson 2/0(2)
13.6
.
Splice of the bat again! Shorter and on middle, Pujara looks to defend but it hits the higher part of the bat.
13.5
.
Well bowled and well played in the end! Back of a length, it is angled into the batter. It straightens a touch. Pujara does look to poke at it but in the end drops his hands.
13.4
.
Outside off, not played at.
13.3
1
Another good run! On off, Agarwal pushes it towards cover for a quick run.
A short leg comes in now!
13.2
.
Shortish and on middle, Agarwal hops and defends it onto the ground.
13.1
1
Direct hit and that would have been very close! A shortish delivery on the body, Pujara tucks it towards square leg and takes off. Agarwal is a touch late in taking off. The fielder from mid-wicket gets to the ball quickly and underarms it towards the striker's end but misses.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Colin de Grandhomme 2/0(2)
12.6
.
Length and outside off, left alone.
12.5
.
Good length and around middle, played towards the leg side by Agarwal.
12.4
.
Length and on middle, tucked towards the leg side.
12.3
.
Huge appeal but not given. Length ball on off, it goes on with the angle and Agarwal misses his flick. He is rapped on the pads and there is some appeal from the bowler. The umpire shakes his head.
12.2
.
Slightly fuller and outside off, Agarwal plays it off the back foot towards point.
12.1
.
On a length and around off, Agarwal taps it to point.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kyle Jamieson 0/0(1)
11.6
.
A good over by Jamieson to begin! A maiden! Outside off, left alone.
11.5
.
Length again but this is just outside off. Left alone.
11.4
.
Wow! That is some delivery! It is angled into the off pole which means Pujara has to play at it. It then swings away late and beats the outside edge of Pujara and also the off stump by a whisker. This will give KJ a lot of confidence.
11.3
.
Wide outside off this time and another leave by Pujara.
11.2
.
Back of a length and on off, Pujara works it on the leg side. He thinks of one but is sent back. That hit the splice of the bat. Extra bounce for Jamieson.
11.1
.
Starts off with a length ball outside off, Pujara does not play at it.
Double bowling change. Kyle Jamieson to bowl for the first time in Test cricket. He was impressive in the ODIs. Can he replicate it in the longest format?
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
1
Colin de Grandhomme 2/0(1)
10.6
1
One more delivery on the pads, Pujara works it towards fine leg and gets to the other end.
10.5
.
Angles this into the middle pole, Pujara works it to mid-wicket.
10.4
.
Down the leg side, Pujara looks to flick but misses.
10.3
.
Just outside off, Pujara covers his off pole and lets it go.
10.2
.
A huge shout but not given! Just outside off and it did not come back enough. It is slightly fuller. Pujara looks to leave it but it comes in just a tad. It hits the front pad. An appeal but it is turned down. Williamson doesn't opt for the referral.
10.1
1
Just the run! Very good fielding! On the pads, Agarwal works it through square leg and calls for two. Boult covers ground quickly to his left from fine leg and keeps the batsmen down to one.
Colin de Grandhomme to bowl now. He replaces Tim Southee. Can he get some help from the surface here?
In over# 1
0
2
0
0
3
0
Trent Boult 19/0(5)
9.6
.
Outside off, not played at.
9.5
2
More runs! Fuller and on middle, Pujara pushes it past mid on and takes two.
9.4
.
That is a lovely nut! Changes his length, bowls it slightly short and around off. Angles away. Pujara pokes at it and gets beaten.
9.3
.
Just outside off and angles it away. Left alone.
9.2
3
Good shot! Just a mere push! Fuller and around off, Agarwal pushes it through mid off. Williamson at extra cover hares after it. Slides and lobs it towards Patel who runs behind him from mid on. The two can't stop the third though.
9.1
.
Good length and outside off, Agarwal points his bat skywards and lets it be.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0
0
Tim Southee 12/1(5)
8.6
4
FOUR! A poor ball to end a good over by Southee and it costs him a boundary! A full toss on off, Pujara hits it down to the long on fence. First for Pujara.
8.5
.
Goes wide of the crease now but bowls it wide outside off. Pujara shoulders arms to this one.
8.4
.
Good bowling! Tim continues bowling it on a length and around off, Pujara though is playing the forward defense really nicely.
8.3
.
Once again on the off pole and on a length. Pujara looks to defend but it goes off the inner half towards mid-wicket.
8.2
.
On a length and around off, Pujara easily keeps it out.
8.1
.
Full, swinging away but wide outside off. Not played at.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
1
Trent Boult 14/0(4)
7.6
.
Angles this one away from the off pole, Agarwal makes a leave.
7.5
1
On off and it comes back in. Pujara looks to defend but it goes off the inner half towards fine leg for one.
7.4
.
On middle, Pujara keeps it out.
7.3
.
Good fielding! Full toss, wide outside off, Pujara guides it towards point. Blundell dives to his left and saves a boundary. Boult gets away with one there.
7.2
.
Very full but outside off, Pujara does not fiddle with it.
7.1
1
Good running! This is on off, Agarwal drops it towards cover, takes off for one and completes it.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Tim Southee 8/1(4)
6.6
.
On off, Pujara keeps it out nicely.
6.5
.
Attacks the stumps this time, Pujara looks to defend but it goes off the inner half towards mid-wicket.
6.4
.
Southee goes wide of the crease but does not bowl it close enough to the stumps to make the batter play.
6.3
.
Down the leg side this time, Pujara does not play at it.
6.2
.
One more length delivery outside off, left alone.
6.1
.
Good swing for Southee but the line is a little too wide outside off. Pujara watches it go to the keeper.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
2
Trent Boult 12/0(3)
5.6
.
Squared him up there! Length and on middle, it is angled away. Agarwal is squared up as he tries to defend but plays it well towards gully.
5.5
.
Length and outside off, left alone.
5.4
.
On the fuller side and on off, Agarwal strokes it to mid off.
5.3
.
Very wide outside off, not played at.
5.2
.
Probably the first short ball till now! A surprise element! Agarwal spots it early and ducks under it.
5.1
2
Gets it to swing back in but it is on the pads, Agarwal works it through mid-wicket and takes an easy two. Gets off the mark on the 9th ball.
In over# 1
0
0
2
0
0W
0
Tim Southee 8/1(3)
4.6
.
On the stumps, Pujara keeps it out. End of a successful over from Southee.
4.5
.
Goes wide of the crease and bowls it just outside off. Left alone.
4.4
2
Pujara is off the mark! On the pads, he works it through mid-wicket and takes two.
4.3
.
Looks to bowl another peach! Angles this into the batter but it keeps angling away and then goes down the leg side.
Cheteshwar Pujara walks in at number 3.
4.2
W
OUT! TIMBER! That is an absolute jaffa! Just outstanding from Southee. He has not been at his best till now but that is a gem. The length is the key here. Southee was a little too short till now. This time he goes full. It starts on middle and then tails away late. Shaw does not do a lot wrong, he plays it with a straight bat but plays the original trajectory. The ball though shapes away just enough to beat the outside edge and kiss the off pole. Shaw looked confident in the short time he stayed out there but is done in by a beauty. Early wicket for the hosts, just the start they would have wanted after electing to bowl. Replays also show that it flicked Shaw's back pad. Also, Shaw was not exactly playing with a straight bat, it was actually towards mid on. Played all around it actually. Still though, take nothing away from the delivery. Just top class.
4.1
.
Back of a length and on off, Shaw keeps it out.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
4
0
Trent Boult 10/0(2)
3.6
.
End of a testing over from Boult! On middle, Agarwal gets his bat down in time and keeps it out.
3.5
.
That is a peach! Unplayable to be honest! It starts on off and then initially tails back in. Agarwal looks to defend but the ball pitches and then straightens. Beats Agarwal all ends up.
3.4
1
Close! The inswinger now, it starts around off and then comes back in. Shaw looks to play it with a straight bat but it goes off the inside edge down to fine leg. He had to hit that, had he missed, he was a goner.
3.3
.
Back of a length and on off, Shaw plays it late and towards point.
3.2
4
EDGY FOUR! Through the gap between gully and third slip! Boult goes fuller this time, it is on off and angles away. Shaw looks to push at it but does so inside the line. It goes off the outside edge down to the third man fence.
3.1
.
Lands it on a length and around off, angles it away. Shaw guides it to point.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
4
Tim Southee 6/0(2)
2.6
.
Outside off, it is not played at. Not a lot of movement for Southee so far. Both his overs have been negotiated quite easily by the Indian openers.
2.5
1
Just a run! A little too straight this time, Shaw works it behind square on the leg side for one.
2.4
.
One more length delivery around off, Shaw pushes it to mid off.
2.3
.
Some outswing but the line is a little too wide outside off to make the batter play.
2.2
.
Attacks the stumps this time and lands it on middle, Shaw is solid in defense. Started off well here has the youngster.
2.1
4
FOUR! Up and over! First boundary of the Test! It is short and a little too wide. Shaw gets on top of the bounce and cuts it over point for a boundary.
In over# 1
1
2
0
0
2
0
Trent Boult 5/0(1)
1.6
1
Confusion but safe! Shorter and around off, Shaw guides it through backward point. They take one and think of a second. Agarwal is off but Shaw sends him back in time. 5 from Boult's first.
1.5
2
Nicely worked for another two! A little too straight. Shaw does not plant his front foot way too across and then works it through square leg for two.
1.4
.
Solid! Back of a length and on off, Shaw gets right behind and keeps it out.
1.3
.
Got the first two balls to come in and this time angles it away from the off pole. Shaw pokes at it and gets beaten.
1.2
2
A couple! A full toss this time on off, it tails back in again. Shaw looks to flick, does not get it right off the middle but still hits it well enough through mid-wicket for two.
1.1
.
Good start for Boult! He lands it slightly fuller and outside off. Excellent seam position there. It seams in. Shaw pushes at it with hard hands but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
Trent Boult to bowl from the other end. He is coming back into the side after an injury. Can he start well here?
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Tim Southee 1/0(1)
0.6
.
Angles the last ball into the batter, Agarwal hops and works it to mid-wicket. Just the single from the first over.
0.5
.
Goes fuller this time, tempts the batter to drive who does go for it. It goes off the inner half towards mid on.
0.4
.
Angles this into the batter, he looks to swing it away from around middle and leg. It goes on with the angle though. Agarwal looks to flick but it hits the pads and goes to the keeper. He makes an appeal but nothing from the umpire.
0.3
.
Shorter this time and no swing on offer. It is a little too wide to make the batter play.
0.2
.
Slightly fuller than the last ball, gets it to shape away just a little. Agarwal makes a leave.
0.1
1
India are underway! This is slightly short but there is a little shape away. Shaw goes back and looks to defend but it goes off the inner half towards the leg side for a quick run.
Done and dusted with the National Anthems. Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal walk out in the middle. It is heavily overcast and you can expect the bowlers to get some movement. Tim Southee has the new ball in hand and if there is some swing available, he will surely extract it. Three slips and a gully in place. You will expect him to take it away from the right-hander. Here we go...
Out come the players on the ground! It's heavily overcast at the moment and the bowlers will love the conditions. First up, it's time for the national anthems.
Ajinkya Rahane is up for an interview. He says the last couple of days have been very good, Wellington is a tricky place but they have had a couple of good practice sessions and they are up for the game. States the last time they came here, it was tricky but they need to adapt to the conditions. Mentions that they are playing after a long time and he is looking forward to this game. Ends by saying each and every game is important as it is a part of the WTC and they need to be at their best.
INDIA (PLAYING XI) - Prithvi Shaw, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (C), Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah.
NEW ZEALAND (PLAYING XI) - Tom Latham, Tom Blundell, Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling (WK), Colin de Grandhomme, Kyle Jamieson (DEBUT), Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, Trent Boult.
India skipper, Virat Kohli says they wanted to bowl first too, it is overcast conditions but the wicket seems much better than it was two days ago and they need to bat well. Informs Saha, Jadeja, Gill, Saini and Yadav miss out. States the wind is a big factor here and they need to adapt to that. Mentions that their bowling is very experienced now and they know what to do and they are ready for whatever comes their way.
New Zealand skipper, Kane Williamson says it is a little bit soft on the top, there has always been green tinge on the wicket but they need to land it on the right areas. Informs Daryl Mitchell misses out, the wicket looks a little different with a green tinge and they want to make use of it early on. States it is a very good opportunity for Jamieson and he hopes he can do well.
TOSS - It's toss time in Wellington. Kane Williamson will flip the coin. Virat Kohli calls heads and it lands in favour of Kane Williamson. NEW ZEALAND WIN THE TOSS AND WILL BOWL FIRST!
The Kiwis on the other hand, were blown away the last time they played a Test series, it was against the Aussies. They were whitewashed there and then were whitewashed against India too in the T20I series. However, they made a strong comeback after that and whitewashed the Indians in the 50-over format. They have winning momentum on their side at the moment and surely they would be eager to carry it forward and continue that momentum. Can they do so? We will find out soon. Welcome to our coverage and stay tuned for more.
T20I series - India 5-0 New Zealand, ODI series - New Zealand 3-0 India, it is now time for the longest format of the game. Two Tests await with the first one to kick off at Wellington. If the limited-over series is anything to go by, we can expect two extremely competitive Test matches. The visitors are in some form in this format, they have inflicted innings defeat on their opponents in the last 4 Tests they have played. All 4 though were at home and they will surely be facing a tougher challenge here. Given the side they have though, a mixture of youth and experience and given the way they have been playing, they would surely be very confident.

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