Match Center

So that is it from India's tour of New Zealand. India started on a positive note by pocketing the T20I series 5-0 but were outplayed in the ODIs and Test series that followed as they lost by a margin of 0-3 and 0-2 respectively. Now the cricketing action moves ahead with New Zealand touring their neighbours Australia for a 3-match ODI series which starts on 13th March. India, on the other hand, welcome South Africa for the 3-match ODI series which starts on 12th March. Hope to have your company for those games. Till then take care, cheers and goodbye!

New Zealand skipper, Kane Williamson, says that it is an outstanding feeling. Feels that the pitches were sporting for both the games as the bowlers had to bowl on right lines and lengths. Adds that he is really excited seeing Kyle Jamieson and credits him to do so well in his very first series. Credits him for his contributions with both bat and ball. Praises Blundell too and feels that the ball was doing enough and he hung in well. Feels that they got to learn a lot from this series. Finishes off by saying that they are looking forward to their next series when they take on their neighbors, Australia.

The Indian skipper, Virat Kohli, starts by saying that it was a matter of not having enough intent and feels that the inability of not winning the important phases didn't help. Tells that their bowlers could not bowl in the right areas for a longer time while the Kiwis executed their plans well. Feels that the batters didn't give enough runs for the bowlers to attack. Tells that it happened in South Africa too and here as well. Feels that they need to go to the drawing room and figure out what went wrong. Adds that the toss do play major roles but adds that they are not a side that gives excuses. Says that they are only taking learnings from this game. On the entire tour, the Indian skipper says that they had a very good T20 series and even in the ODIs, they did well but got outplayed by the Kiwis. And in this series, they failed to play the brand of cricket they wanted to play.

For his brilliant effort of 5/45 in the first innings and his batting efforts lower down the order, Kyle Jamieson is named as the Man of the Match. He says that it has been a good couple of weeks for him. Adds that they played as a unit throughout the series. Feels that the pitch conditions do help but they had to pitch the ball up and then bowl shorter ones too. Mentions that it is time for him to work on his batting too as his partnerships lower down the order made a difference in this game.

After getting a slender lead of 7, India needed efforts from their batters. But that never came. None of the batters could get going. The top order failed, the middle order failed and eventually the side got bowled out for a very small total. Tim Southee and Trent Boult were once again the destructor-in-chief as the duo shared 7 wickets between them. That meant that all the Kiwis needed was 132 to win the series. That eventually was trekked down by the Kiwis quite comfortably. Stay tuned for the presentations...

Coming to the Kiwi innings, they started well with Latham and Blundell adding 66 for the first wicket. However, in the morning session of Day 2, Bumrah and Shami made the ball talk and ripped the Kiwi middle order apart. However, their inability of getting rid of the tail-enders meant that New Zealand came very close to the Indian total as Jamieson and Wagner played valuable knocks.

Now, time for the match summary. After being asked to bat first, India started well on the back of a fine half ton from Shaw. After the dismissal of Shaw, the Indian middle order faltered which included skipper Kohli's wicket too. Pujara and Vihari batted well for their half tons and took India closer to 250. It was Kyle Jamieson who ripped the Indians apart with a fifer and he got support from Tim Southee and Trent Boult as the duo picked 2 each.

Let's talk about Day 3 first. India were just 97 ahead and had 4 wickets in their hands. They needed something big from Vihari and Pant but they failed to deliver as Southee and Boult ran through the lower order of the Indian batting line-up. Needing just 132 runs to win, Tom Latham and Tom Blundell quite comfortably added 103 runs for the opening wicket. India did get 2 more after the first wicket but they were hardly going to change the result.

An easy run chase in the end and the Kiwis thump India convincingly to seal the series 2-0. A thorough professional performance from them. With this win, they move to no. 3 on the ICC World Test Championship points table.

35.6

1

There is the winning run! Full and around off and middle, Nicholls forces it through mid on for a single. THE KIWIS WIN BY 7 WICKETS.

35.5

.

Shortish and on off, Nicholls keeps it out.

35.5

1nb

NO BALL! Jadeja has overstepped here. He bowls it flatter and outside off, Nicholls goes for the cut but fails to do so as the keeper collects it and appeals. The bowler and the keeper looks the most excited of the lot but the umpire is unmoved. Kohli takes the review and the replays roll in. Hang on folks! Jadeja has overstepped here.

Review time! India have reviewed for a caught behind. Let's see the replays. Well, hang on. It's a no ball.

35.4

.

Flatter on off, defended.

35.3

.

Full on the pads, flicked to mid-wicket.

35.2

.

Floated ball on off, blocked.

35.1

1

Floated on the pads, Taylor sweeps it towards fine leg for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja now. 4-0-21-0 from him so far.

34.6

.

Outside off, left alone.

34.5

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

34.4

4

FOUR! Nicholls gives the charge on this length ball outside off and hits it uppishly over point for a boundary.

34.3

.

Length ball on off, pushed to the cover region.

34.2

.

Short ball on off, Nicholls pulls it uppishly towards mid on where it lands just short of the fielder.

34.1

.

Length ball outside off, Henry makes an easiest of the leave.

Interesting! The Indian skipper, Virat Kohli, to bowl now. Some fun time for the crowd.

33.6

.

Good length ball on off, blocked.

33.5

.

Fuller and around off, pushed towards mid off.

33.4

4

FOUR! Short and on middle, Taylor goes on the back foot quickly and hammers the ball via a pull shot to deep square leg. 7 more needed.

33.3

.

Good length ball around off, Taylor comes forward and keeps it out.

33.2

.

Fuller one on off and middle, Taylor flicks it to mid-wicket.

33.1

.

Shortish and just outside off, pushed towards covers.

32.6

.

Length ball on off, Nicholls defends it off the back foot.

Henry Nicholls joins Ross Taylor out in the middle.

32.5

W

OUT! BOWLED! India are not going down without a fight. Bumrah roars in delight there. He was the one who was constantly asking questions at the batters and finally he gets the reward. It is bowled on a length and on off, It is a nip backer as Blundell looks to defend it leaving a big gap between his bat and pad. The ball sneaks through that gap and hits the top of off pole to send it for a cartwheel. The umpire stops the batter as they check for the no ball. The replays roll in and it shows that Bumrah has some part of his heel behind the popping crease. The third umpire to be completely sure sees the replay a few more times and then gives the marching orders for Blundell.

32.4

4

FOUR! Full and on off, driven through covers for a boundary.

32.3

.

Length ball on off, Blundell looks to defend it but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

32.2

1lb

Full and on the pads, Taylor plays it towards mid-wicket and takes a single. It went off the pads there and the umpire gives it as a leg bye.

32.1

.

Length ball on off, blocked off the back foot by Taylor.

31.6

.

Landed on a length and on middle, worked towards mid-wicket.

31.5

.

Good length ball around off, Tom guides it towards short third man.

31.4

4

FOUR! HALF TON FOR BLUNDELL! A short and outside off one from Yadav, Blundell goes on the back foot and slashes it through point to reach the landmark.

31.3

.

Angled into the pads on a fuller length, Blundell tries flicking but misses to get hit on the pads. An appeal follows but it dies down slowly.

31.2

.

Another fuller one around off, Blundell is solid in his defense once again.

31.1

.

Full and around off, Blundell keeps it out.

Ross Taylor is in next.

30.6

W

OUT! CAUGHT! A jaffa! Bumrah bowls a short one on off, Kane Williamson looks to evade this one but fails to get his wrists out of the line of the delivery. The ball also jags back into the batter there as it takes the gloves and lobs towards gully where Rahane takes the catch. Williamson's poor series with the bat ends here. 20 more needed for a win for New Zealand.

30.5

.

Short ball on middle, Williamson ducks under it.

30.4

.

Length and on off, pushed off the back foot by Kane.

30.3

.

Outside off, left alone.

30.2

.

BEATEN! Length ball outside off, Kane drives it only to get beaten on the outside edge.

30.1

4

FOUR! Full and outside off, Williamson defends it off the back foot and the ball rolls through gully and into the third man fence.

DRINKS! Just a formality left as New Zealand need another 24 runs to win the series. The game should get over in the next hour.

29.6

.

Outside off, left alone.

29.5

.

Short of a length ball outside off, it comes back in a bit. Blundell there looks to defend it off the back foot. The ball sneaks between the bat and the body and also goes over the sticks.

29.4

.

Length ball on off, Tom plays it off the back foot.

29.3

.

Short of a length ball on off, Blundlell pushes it to covers.

29.2

1

Length ball on middle, tucked towards square leg for a run.

29.1

.

Full on off, played back to the bowler off the front foot.

28.6

.

Length ball on off, Blundell plays it back to the bowler off the back foot.

28.5

.

Back of a length ball on off, Blundell plays it off the back foot to mid on.

28.4

.

Short of a length ball on off, Blundell taps it to point.

28.3

4

FOUR! That is crunched! Full and outside off, Blundell drives it through covers for a boundary. It was banished as soon as it came.

28.2

.

Length and outside off, Blundell makes a leave.

28.1

.

Length ball on off, pushed to covers by Tom.

Kane Williamson walks in to bat now. Also, change in bowling too as Jasprit Bumrah returns to bowl. 10-2-27-0 are his numbers so far.

27.6

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Sharp catch from Pant down the leg side. A bumper from Yadav, Latham goes for the pull but fails to connect. The ball takes the gloves and loops behind. Pant does well to move to his right and throw his right hand up to gobble the catch. Latham walked straightaway. They check for the no ball but Yadav is fine. India avoid another 10-wicket hammering.

27.5

.

Short ball down the leg side, Latham leaves it. The keeper too fails to collect it.

27.4

.

Length ball on off, Latham plays it to covers.

27.3

.

Good length ball outside off, left alone.

27.2

.

Good length ball on off, pushed to point.

27.1

.

Shorter one on the pads, Latham looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.

26.6

.

Bowls a shorter one around off, Blundell goes on the back foot and keeps it out.

26.5

.

On off, it is defended.

26.4

.

Tossed up ball on off, Blundell comes forward and defends it out.

26.3

.

Floated around off, it turns away after pitching to beat the outside edge.

26.2

1

On the pads, tucked behind square leg for a run.

26.1

4

FOUR! FIFTY FOR Latham. Batted brilliantly under pressure in the first innings and has done the same in this small run chase. Jadeja bowls it shorter one on middle, Latham hammers it via pull to deep mid-wicket. 100-run stand for the opening wicket.

25.6

.

The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot.

25.5

.

NOT OUT! Umpire's call there. Blundell survives. A good review there by India. Yadav bowls one on a length and on off, it comes a bit into the batter. Blundell goes for the defensive push but gets beaten and is rapped on the pads. There is an appeal from the bowler and his teammates. Kohli thinks about taking a review and then takes it finally. The replays roll in and first the Ultra Edge comes on. It shows that there is daylight as the ball passes the bat. Now comes the Ball Tracker, it shows that the ball in pitching in line, the impact is also in line and then when it hits the stumps it is umpire call as it just clip the bails.

Review time! Tom Blundell is the man in question. Lets see what the replays have to show. Nothing on the Ultra Edge. Ball Tracker now comes in. It shows umpire's call on hitting the stumps.

25.4

.

Length ball outside off, Blundell keeps the ball out to the off side off the outside half of the bat.

25.3

4

FOUR! That's exquisitely played. Short of a length ball outside off, Blundell punches the ball off the back foot through point and fetches a boundary.

25.2

.

Length ball on off, tucked towards mid-wicket now.

25.1

.

Full and on off, Blundell pushes it off the back foot.

24.6

1

Flatter and outside off, Blundell cuts it through point for a single.

24.5

.

Full and on off, driven to short cover once again.

24.4

.

Floated ball on leg, Blundell plays it to the leg side.

24.3

.

Outside off, left alone.

24.2

.

Full ball on off, blocked off the front foot.

24.1

.

Tossed up ball on off, Latham drives it to short cover.

23.6

.

Length ball on off, Latham keeps it out off the back foot.

23.5

.

BEATEN! Length ball around off, Latham goes for a poke on this ball but gets beaten on the outside edge.

23.4

.

Length ball on off, Latham defends it towards the off side.

23.3

4

FOUR! Wow ! Glorious hit there. Yadav bowls on a length and on middle, Latham drives it off the inside half of the bat through mid on and into the fence at long on for a boundary.

23.2

.

Outside off, Latham makes a leave.

23.1

.

Length and on middle, tucked to the leg side off the front foot.

Umesh Yadav returns for another burst. 8-2-28-0 from him so far.

22.6

.

Floated around off, Blundell keeps it out.

22.5

.

Comes down the track to this flatter ball and defends it out.

22.4

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

22.3

6

SIX! Blundell has cleared his intentions here. Jadeja floats one on off. Blundell's eyes lit up as he dances down the track and lofts it cleanly over the bowler's head and into the fence at long off for a biggie.

22.2

.

Tossed up on off, Blundell defends it to short leg.

22.1

1

Floated ball on leg, Latham tucks it towards square leg for a run.

21.6

.

Short of a length ball on middle, Blundell keeps it out off the back foot to the leg side.

21.5

.

Length ball on off, Blundell taps it to covers and shouts a loud 'wait on.

21.4

.

Another slightly shorter one which is around off and middle, Blundell pushes it towards mid on.

21.3

.

Shortish and around off again, Blundell is solid behind the line to defend.

21.2

.

Good length ball around off, Blundell pushes it towards point.

21.1

.

Good length ball around off, Blundell blocks it out.

20.6

1

Full and on the pads, Blundell plays it towards square leg for a single. New Zealand need 50 more to win!

20.5

3

Good running between the wickets there. Flatter and outside off, Latham plays it through point and gets three as the man at dee point mops it up.

20.4

.

Floated on off, Latham defends it off the front foot.

20.3

.

Full and on the pads, Latham plays it to the leg side.

20.2

.

Tossed up on off, Latham keeps it out off the back foot.

20.1

4

FOUR! Latham welcomes Jaddu into the attack in style. Flatter and outside off, Latham rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball through point for a boundary.

Spin for the first time in this innings. Let's see If Ravindra Jadeja can break the opening stand.

19.6

4

FOUR! Down the ground as New Zealand have done on many occasion in this series. It is bowled full and on middle, Blundell punches the ball through mid on and into the fence at long on.

19.5

.

Short of a length ball on off, Blundell defends it off the back foot.

19.4

.

Back of a length ball on off, Tom blocks it off the back foot towards the off side.

19.3

.

Short of a length ball on off, Blundell keeps it out off the back foot.

19.2

1

On the pads from Bumrah now, Latham easily clips it behind square leg for an easy single.

19.1

.

Shortish and around off, Latham taps it onto the pitch on the off side.

18.6

.

Landed on a length on middle, Blundell tucks it towards mid-wicket. 9 from the over. 63 more needed.

18.5

.

Good length ball angled into the right-hander. Blundell looks to work it towards the leg side but ends up getting an inside edge on the pads.

18.4

.

On middle and leg, Blundell keeps it out.

18.3

1

Another ball on the pads, Latham works it to fine leg for a run.

18.2

4

FOUR! Another bouncer and Latham hammers it again. This is really poor from Yadav. He bowls another bouncer but it is not threatening at all. Latham this time pulls it to the fine leg fence.

18.1

4

FOUR! Pummeled! Short and around off, Latham swiftly moves inside and hammers it to the deep square leg fence.

17.6

.

Good length ball around off, blocked.

17.5

.

Another slightly shorter ball around off, Blundell guides it towards gully.

17.4

.

Shortish in length and angled into the batter. Blocked.

17.3

1

Landed on middle, Latham easily clips it to deep square leg for a run.

17.2

.

Good length ball on middle, Latham looks to tuck it around the corner but the ball takes outer half of the bat and rolls towards the off side.

17.1

4

EDGY FOUR! Bumrah bangs it short and outside off, Latham looks to defend but the ball takes a thick outside edge and races away to the third man fence through gully.

16.6

2

A couple to end the over! A length ball on middle and off, Blundell clips it towards deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

16.5

1lb

Another ball which is on the pads, Latham looks to work it on the leg side but gets hit high on the thigh pad. The ball drops square of the wicket at that side and they steal a leg bye.

16.4

.

Landed on middle and leg on a good length, Latham works it towards mid-wicket.

16.3

1

Another length ball around off, Blundell dabs it down through point for an easy run.

16.2

.

Length ball outside off, punched to mid off.

16.1

.

Shortish and around off and middle, Latham pushes it to mid off.

Umesh Yadav to bowl from the other end.

15.6

.

Shortish and around off, Latham guides it towards the man at gully.

15.5

.

Length ball shaping away after pitching around middle and off, Latham lets it be.

15.4

.

Bouncer now but is way over. Latham ducks.

15.3

4

FOUR! Driven down the ground! A length ball around off, Latham shows full face of the bat and strokes it down the ground. The ball races away to the long off fence. 50 up for New Zealand.

15.2

.

Length ball around off, Latham keeps it out.

15.1

1

A full ball on middle to begin, Blundell easily flicks it to wide of the man at mid on. Easy single.

Welcome back for the second session. Probably, this could be the last session of this match. New Zealand need further 86 runs to seal a 2-0 victory. The two New Zealand openers Tom Latham and Tom Blundell will resume their innings. Also, the Indian players are out on the field. Jasprit Bumrah with the ball first up.

... Day 3, Session 2 ...

If India are to make a match out of it then they need to be spot on with their bowling and fielding there. New Zealand, on the other hand, will want their openers to continue the good work and take them closer to the target. How will the session after Lunch turn out? Who will come on top? Will India end up putting a fight with the ball here or will New Zealand continue their dominance? All the questions will be answered shortly. Do join us at 1410 local (0110 GMT) for the post Lunch session.

Another session that has gone New Zealand's way in this series. They are heading towards the 2-0 scoreline with ease here. In the hour earlier they bundled out India for just 124 as the Indian batting's sorry tale continued. India lost their last 4 wickets quickly as they could add only 34 runs to their overnight score. They could not stand a chance against the New Zealand bowlers as they made them dance to their tunes. Then came New Zealand's chance with the bat as they started their innings in pursuit of the target of 132. The Kiwi openers have looked at ease as compared to their Indian batters as they have already eaten up 46 runs from the target. Indian bowling has been good in patches as Bumrah and Shami have made the ball talk but the luck has not favoured them. Yadav has been disappointing as he has dished out more on the pads and failed to maintain consistent lines and lengths.

14.6

1

Shortish and around off and middle, Blundell pushes it towards mid-wicket for a single off his back foot. THAT IS LUNCH ON DAY 3.

14.5

.

Full and around off, Blundell drives it towards mid off where Vihari makes a fine stop with a dive to his right.

14.4

.

Good length ball around off, blocked.

14.3

1lb

Landed on a length and around the leg pole, Latham looks to nudge towards the leg side but misses to get hit on the pads. The ball rolls towards mid-wicket and they take a leg bye.

14.2

.

Good length ball around off, blocked by Latham off the front foot.

14.1

1

Full and on middle, flicked to deep square leg for a run.

13.6

.

Bouncer on middle. Latham ducks under it.

13.5

1

Good length ball around off, Blundell looks to defend but the ball takes inner half and rolls towards square leg. They take a quick single.

13.4

.

Shortish and around off, Blundell taps it towards gully.

13.3

.

Fuller and outside off, left alone.

13.2

.

Shortish and around off, Blundell keeps it out.

13.1

1

Good length ball around off, Latham clips it to deep mid-wicket and changes ends.

Shami continues. After bowling the last ball of his last over, he was seen holding his shoulders. It looked like he may not return to bowl but he is.

12.6

.

Good length ball around off, blocked.

12.5

.

He fails to control himself this time as he chases this length ball outside off again and once again he fails to connect.

12.4

.

In the channel outside off, this time Blundell controls himself and watches it go to the keeper.

12.3

.

Wide outside off, Blundell reaches out and tries to punch but misses.

12.2

.

Outside off, left alone.

12.1

.

Good length ball around off, Latham blocks it towards point.

Umesh Yadav is back on. 4-0-14-0 from him so far.

11.6

1

Full and on middle, pushed to the leg side for a run.

11.5

4

FOUR! He has played that with power. He has both his feet in the air as he plays this shot. It is a a short ball outside off, Blundell latches onto it as he cuts it uppishly over point and into the fence behind.

11.4

.

Length ball on off, Tom defends it off the back foot.

11.3

.

Length ball coming into the batter. Blundell looks to flick it but misses it to get hit high on the pads.

11.2

.

Length ball outside off, Blundell lets it be.

11.1

4

FOUR! Timing is beautiful. Full and on middle, Blundell gets on the front foot and drives it to long on past the mid on fielder.

10.6

1

Full and on middle, flicked to deep mid-wicket for an easy run.

10.5

.

In the channel outside off, blocked.

10.4

.

Around off on a length, Blundell hangs on the back foot and defends it out.

10.3

.

Play and a miss! Length ball just outside off, Blundell pokes at it to get beaten.

10.2

.

Slightly shorter and around off, Blundell blocks it off his back foot.

10.1

.

Just short! Bumrah bowls it fuller and outside off and draws Blundell forward. He goes for the drive only to get a thick outside edge. Kohli at second slip moves to his right to catch but it lands just short.

9.6

.

Bouncer! Latham ducks to get through the testing over.

9.5

.

Ouch! A sharp bouncer from Shami. It is aimed at the head of Latham. He tries to evade it but the ball hits the grill and then his arms and rolls towards short fine leg.

9.4

.

Shortish and around off, blocked.

9.3

4lb

FOUR LEG BYES! Down the leg side, Latham looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The ball goes behind and Pant throws himself to his right but fails to get to the ball and it then races away to the fence.

9.2

1lb

Huge appeal but that is surely going down the leg side. Full and swinging in. Blundell looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. They appeal but not out says the umpire.

9.1

.

Short and on off, Blundell keeps it out.

Mohammed Shami is on now.

8.6

.

And again! Bumrah is bowling brilliantly here. Once again it is Latham who is in trouble. This time Bumrah bowls one on a length and around off, Latham looks to defend it but gets rapped on the pads. There is an appeal but nothing from the umpire. Replays show that Latham got a big inside edge on it.

8.5

.

Another appeal! OHH! Huge shout for lbw and Indians are excited there. It is bowled on a length and jags back into the batter. Latham prods forward for a defensive push only to miss it and get rpped on the pads. The umpire does not give it in maybe the ball was doing too much there.

8.4

.

Appeal for LBW but nothing from the umpire. A good length ball around off, Latham lets it go to the keeper. There is some excitement from the Indian fielders there but nothing from the umpire. Replays show that the ball clipped the back pad on its way to the keeper.

8.3

1b

Dropped? Yes, replays confirm but the umpire gives it as byes. A good length coming in, Latham looks to defend but the ball comes back in sharply. It sneaks through the gap between his bat and pad and flies to the left of the keeper where Pant goes for it and misses it. Replays show that there was a massive inside edge on it. Hard luck for Bumrah there.

8.2

.

Good length ball just outside off, it comes into the right-hander with the angle. Blundell looks to defend but ends up getting an inside edge onto the pads.

8.1

1

Bumrah changes his angle and tries a bouncer on the body. It does not rise much and Latham helps it to fine leg for a run.

7.6

.

Full and down the leg side, Blundell looks to flick it but misses it.

7.5

.

Outside off, Blundell keeps it out once again off the back foot.

7.4

.

Length ball on off, Blundell defends it to point.

7.3

.

Length and on middle and leg, Blundell plays it to mid on off the back foot.

7.2

.

Length and on off, Blundell taps it to point this time.

7.1

.

Length ball but down the leg side, Blundell is happy to let that go.

6.6

.

Length and outside off, Latham makes a leave once again to see of the over.

6.5

.

Length and on off, Latham watches the ball closely as he shoulders arms to it.

6.4

.

Another short ball outside off, Latham sits under it.

6.3

.

Short ball outside off, Latham makes a leave. Pant behind the wickets does well to collect it.

6.2

4

FOUR! Beautiful shot! Pleasing to the eye there. Full and outside off, Latham drives it on the up through covers and the ball races to the fence there.

6.1

1

Short of a length ball on leg, Blundell plays it towards square leg for a single.

5.6

.

Outside off, Latham plays it to point.

5.5

.

Short ball on leg, Latham evades it.

5.4

.

Outside off, Latham makes a leave.

5.3

4

FOUR! That is hit powerfully. It is a short of a length ball outside off, Latham cuts it through point and fetches a boundary.

5.2

.

Good length ball outside off, Latham does not bother to play at it.

5.1

.

Length ball wide outside off, Latham makes a leave.

4.6

.

Fuller and around off, Blundell keeps it out coming forward.

4.5

.

Good length ball outside off, Blundell first thinks of playing at it but draws his bat away at the last moment.

4.4

2

Another couple.. A length ball around off, Blundell works it behind square leg and calls for a couple.

4.3

1

Full and on middle, he flicks it to mid-wicket for a run.

4.2

.

That is a cracker from Bumrah. Slightly shortish one which pitches on middle and moves away. Latham has to play at it. He does so but only to see the ball whistle past his outside edge.

4.1

.

Length ball outside off, Latham lets it be. But Pant has got to do a lot as the ball keeps going away from him. He dives to his left full stretch but fails to get to the ball. For his good luck, Pujara keeps the eyes on the ball and collects it at first slip.

3.6

.

BEATEN! The ball is spitting venom here. Yadav bowls in the channel outside off and Blundell plays inside the line to miss it.

3.5

4

FOUR! That is some shot from Blundell. He loves it there. Yadav bowls one outside off and Blundell stands tall as he punches it through covers for a boundary.

3.4

.

Sprays down the leg side. Blundell looks to flick but misses.

3.3

.

Slightly behind good length and outside off, Blundell keeps it out.

3.2

1

On the pads, Latham flicks it to fine leg for a run.

3.1

.

Good length ball outside off, Latham tries to leave it alone but the ball comes back in and Latham is late in pulling his bat away. He ends up getting a bottom edge towards the second slip.

2.6

.

Beaten! Length ball outside off, Blundell tries to force it to the off side but misses.

2.5

.

Full and outside off, Blundell lets it be.

2.4

2

NOT OUT! Latham survives there. Length ball on off, Blundell drives it through covers and calls for a couple. The batter go it too. Shubman Gill from covers runs behind the ball and fields it. He throws the ball towards the bowler's end where Jasprit Bumrah fails to collect it as Latham who is running to that end makes his ground. The umpire goes upstairs to check whether it is out or not and the big screen flashes it not out and Latham survives.

Run out appeal taken upstairs.

2.3

.

Outside off, Left alone.

2.2

.

Fuller and angling into batter, Blundell looks to flick it but gets hit on the pads and the ball rolls towards the off side.

2.1

.

Length ball outside off, Coming in towards the off pole but not enough as Blundell makes an easy leave.

1.6

.

Outside off on a length again, Latham lets it be.

1.5

.

Outside off, left alone.

1.4

4

FOUR! Latham picks up a boundary. A gentle short ball around off, Latham swivels and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

1.3

.

In the channel outside off, he this time lets it go to the keeper.

1.2

.

Latham is looking a bit itchy right now. A length ball outside off, he can easily leave it along but he goes after it away from his body, only to miss out.

1.1

1

Blundell and New Zealand are away. A length ball down the leg side, Blundell flicks it to deep square leg for an easy run.

Umesh Yadav to partner Jsprit Bumrah from the other end.

0.6

.

Beaten! This time Latham fails to control himself as he tries to play at this length ball just outside off. He misses as the shaping away ball beats his inside edge.

0.5

.

Another leave as this length ball moves away after pitching around off.

0.4

.

This one is fuller and just outside off, Latham trusts his instincts as he covers his stumps and lets it go to the keeper again.

0.3

.

In the channel outside off, shaping away. Latham shoulders arms.

0.2

.

Just behind good length and on middle, Latham keeps it out off his back foot.

0.1

.

Good length ball on middle, Latham looks to work it on the leg side but misses to get hit high on the pads.

Right, just 132 runs to seal the series. Not a very big total but one should know that these can be defended. But for that to happen, India needs massive efforts from their bowlers. The pitch is offering support to the pacers and If India can strike early, we can have an interesting run chase on our hands. Join us for that in a while.

That didn't last too long, isn't it. Just 34 runs. Not even one hour and India have been rolled over again by the Kiwis. The visitors needed efforts from Vihari and Pant but it didn't come. New Zealand needed just the two bowlers to finish the innings. Boult and Southee were too good for the Indians.

45.6

W

OUT! RUN OUT! Excellent awareness from Williamson. A shortish ball around middle, Jadeja taps it on the leg side. He takes a step forward and seeing that Bumrah responds and takes off. Jadeja though sees that Boult is charging at the ball, he sends Bumrah back. Boult collects the ball and fires the throw at the bowler's end but he misses. However, Williamson collects the throw and whips the bails quickly to find Bumrah short. The umpire raises his finger straightaway and does not think of checking it with the umpire upstairs. INDIA END WITH 124.

45.5

.

Sprays the length ball down the leg side. Jadeja goes for the flick but misses.

45.4

.

Shortish and around off and middle, Jadeja keeps it out off his back foot.

45.3

4

FOUR! The long on fielder is inside the ring and Jadeja pulls it over that fielder to bag another boundary. A length ball just outside off, Jadeja takes a step forward and lofts it over the mid on fielder for a boundary. The lead crosses 130 now.

45.2

.

Bouncer but it is down the leg side, Jadeja lets it go.

45.1

2

Call is for two and they will make it easily. A length ball around off, Jadeja looks to defend but the ball takes the inner half and goes towards deep mid-wicket. Jadeja quickly calls for a couple and completes it.

44.6

.

Not a great ball to finish as Southee bowls a high full toss. Bumrah negotiates it with ease to get through the over.

44.5

.

Play and a miss again! Full and just outside off from Southee again, Bumrah once again fails to put bat on ball. One more delivery to survive.

44.4

.

Goes full and just outside off, Bumrah looks to get bat on ball but is beaten as the ball tails away.

44.3

4

FOUR! Tickled fine and 4 more vital runs. Southee sprays down the leg side and Bumrah just helps it down to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

44.2

.

Full and just outside off, Bumrah lets it go to the keeper.

44.1

.

Survives the first ball as Southee bowls it wide outside off. An easy leave.

43.6

.

Tries to get a run and retain the strike as he goes to squeeze this fuller ball to deep cover but misses. Bumrah to face the next over.

43.5

6

SIX! Connects this time and sends it sailing over long on for maximum. Can he smack a few more to take India closer to 150? A length ball around off, Jadeja powers it over long on for a biggie. Vital six runs.

43.4

.

Swing and a miss! Full and just outside off, Jadeja goes for an all mighty slog but fails to connect. Had he connected, it would've landed in Australia.

43.3

.

Good length ball just outside off, Jadeja tries to push it towards the off side but misses.

43.2

.

Good length ball on middle, Jadeja keeps it out.

43.1

.

Length and outside off, Jadeja cuts it through point but denies the run.

42.6

.

Another leave as Southee bowls this one slightly fuller but outside off.

42.5

.

In the channel outside off, Bumrah lets it be.

Jasprit Bumrah is the last man in.

42.4

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Shami holes out! Not sure if it was the time for this shot but he is Shami and he can do whatever he wants when he has the willow in his hand. He tries to slog this length ball on middle over deep mid-wicket but ends up miscuing it as the ball takes the inner half of the bat. Blundell at deep mid-wicket, well inside the ropes pouches it with ease. Interestingly, Jadeja did not cross and it will be Bumrah who will face the last two balls.

42.3

1

Did that carry to Watling? No, just short. A length ball outside off, Jadeja once again flirts with it. This time he gets an outside edge and the ball goes behind. Watling dives to his left and tries to catch but the ball falls just short. It goes behind the slip cordon and a run is taken.

42.2

.

Beaten! Way outside off on a length, Jadeja tries to play at it but misses.

42.1

1

Bouncer on middle, Shami pulls it with control to deep square leg.

41.6

1

Jadeja goes for the single on the last ball this time as Shami works this length ball on middle to find leg.

41.5

.

It's a defensive stroke! A full ball outside off, Shami pushes it to covers.

41.4

1

Full and on middle, Jadeja flicks it to mid-wicket and takes a run. A couple of balls for Shami to survive. Not sure if that will be on Shami's mind though as he loves to use the long handle. Let's see what he does.

41.3

.

Goes full this time, Jadeja pushes it to mid off.

41.2

.

In the channel outside off, Jadeja flirts with it to get beaten.

41.1

.

Bouncer aimed at the head of Jadeja. He takes the challenge on and goes for the pull but misses. Watling behind the wicket times his jump and collects the ball over his head. Certainly saved 4 important runs, did Watling for his side.

40.6

.

Full and just outside off, Shami strokes it to deep cover but Jadeja denies the single.

40.5

1

Short and around off, Pant helps it towards mid on with a gentle pull. He calls for a quick run.

40.4

1

Full and around off, Shami strokes it to mid off for a run.

40.3

.

Back of a length ball on middle, Shami wanted to go for the slog initially but the ball came back in and Shami in the end tried to fend it off the back foot but ended but getting a blow on his shoulders.

40.2

2lb

Length ball on the pads, Shami tries to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The ball rolls to fine leg and the batters run a couple of leg byes.

40.1

1

Full and on middle, Jadeja flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a run. Southee won't mind bowling the next 5 balls to Shami. 100 up for India.

39.6

.

Beaten! Length ball just outside off, jags back in sharply as Shami tries to push at it.

39.5

2

Full and around off again, Shami flicks it uppishly towards mid on. The mid-wicket fielder gives it a chase and keeps it down to two.

39.4

.

Full and around off, Shami keeps it out.

Mohammed Shami is the new man in.

39.3

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Another one bites the dust and the Kiwis have a perfect start to the morning. A good length ball outside off, just a hint of away movement. Pant looks to force it to the off side but ends up getting an outside edge. The ball goes behind and Watling accepts the catch easily. Pant's poor run with the bat continues. These are the times when India needs a knock from someone like Pant but he has thrown away another chance. India just 104 ahead.

39.2

.

Landed around off on a length, Pant pushes it back to the bowler.

39.1

.

Beaten! Boult bowls this just outside off on a length, Pant fiddles with the line to get beaten.

38.6

.

Lands this one around off and makes it to move away. Jadeja initially thinks of playing at it but at the last moment lets it go. End of a successful over from Southee.

38.5

.

Very full and around off, Jadeja pushes it to mid off.

Ravindra Jadeja is the new man in with the bat for the visitors.

38.4

W

OUT! Strangled down the leg side and India lose Vihari early. A top catch from Watling. This is not a wicket-taking delivery but New Zealand won't mind. It is a length ball down the leg side, Vihari tries to glance it fine but ends up getting a tickle behind. Watling moves to his left and dives to take a very good catch with both hands.

38.3

.

Outside off now, Vihari lets it be.

38.2

4

FOUR! First boundary of the morning! Southee bowls this length ball outside off, Vihari comes forward and drives it through point for a boundary.

38.1

.

Southee begins his second over with a length ball outside off, Vihari does not fiddle with it.

37.6

.

Bouncer to end the over. It is a good one too as it is on middle. Pant spots that early and ducks under it.

37.5

.

Full ball on middle, Pant flicks it nicely but de Grandhomme at mid-wicket makes a fine stop to his left.

37.4

.

Good length ball on the pads, tucked to mid-wicket.

37.3

.

In the channel outside off, moving away after pitching. Pant leaves it alone.

37.2

.

Length and on off, Pant works it to mid-wicket.

37.1

.

Boult starts with a bouncer outside off, Pant lets it be.

Trent Boult will partner with Time Southee from the other end.

36.6

.

Good leave to finish the over. Southee bowls this outside off on a good length and makes it come back in. Vihari covers his stumps and shoulders arms, trusting the bounce and line of the delivery.

36.5

.

Good length ball just outside off, Vihari moves to his off pole a hint and defends it out.

36.4

1

Another good length ball around off, Pant clips it to deep mid-wicket for a run. The lead for India is 100 now.

36.3

.

Good length ball around off, Pant comes forward and keeps it out.

36.2

.

In the channel outside off, Pant makes a leave.

36.1

2

Runs straightaway! Southee starts with a fuller ball on the pads. It swings in as Pant flicks it to fine leg for a couple of runs before the fielder from deep square leg can come to cut it across.

Time for the action! The Kiwi players are in a huddle with their skipper giving the final advice outside the ropes. The skipper now leads them to the middle. The two overnight Indian batters, Hanuma Vihari and Rishabh Pant follow them to resume their innings. It is quite overcast right now. So, we might get rain interruptions. Well, let's not think about that for the moment. Pant will take the strike first up. Tim Southee with the ball. 2 slips and a gully in place. Here we go...

97 runs ahead with 4 wickets in hand. If they take this lead closer to 180-200, we will have a match on our hands. They still have got Vihari and Pant in the middle who can score these runs for them. There is Jadeja too who can add valuable runs. What about the Kiwis? All it would take for them is just 4 good deliveries to bundle the Indians. They will look to do that as quickly as possible. Let's see if they can do so. Welcome to our coverage of Day 3 of this final Test.

... Day 3, Session 1 ...

So then, India have their backs against the wall. Just 97 ahead and 6 already back to the pavilion. Vihari and Pant will return on Day 3 and try to score as many as they can. They will also hope for runs from the lower order too. What about the hosts? They will look to quickly get the remaining wickets and then chase the smallest of targets. What does Day 3 hold? Join us on 2nd March 2020 at 1130 local (2230 GMT, Previous day) to find out. Till then, goodbye and take care.

The Kiwi bowlers were relentless in this innings. They kept coming hard at the Indian batters. They kept taking wickets at regular intervals. Boult started the procession and then he ended it too as he finished with a 3-fer. Wagner kept bowling short, Jamieson kept bowling short and troubled Rahane. Wagner eventually got the better of Rahane. De Grandhomme managed the mighty scalp of the Indian skipper.

After bundling the hosts 7 short of their first innings total, Indians came out to bat in the final session. Agarwal failed again. This time Shaw failed too. Kohli failed AGAIN. Pujara battled. He defended, and ducked. Rahane who joined him after the wicket of Kohli had other thoughts. He wanted to take the short ball challenge on. He got hit on the helmet, took a few on the gloves and then ended up dragging one onto the stumps. Then Pujara fell to a peach from Boult. And now, India are in a spot of bother.

WOW! What a day of Test cricket! 86.1 overs, 262 runs and 16 wickets. Who is on top? Clearly New Zealand. They have picked up 6 Indian wickets with India's lead still under 100. Sensational bowling in the final session from New Zealand bowlers have put India on the back foot.

35.6

.

Shortish and around off from Boult. Vihari comes forward and then goes back to keep it out.

35.5

.

Full and around off, Vihari comes forward and keeps it out. Last ball of the day coming up.

35.4

.

Delivers a length ball outside off from wide off the crease. Vihari has his stumps covered as he lets it go to the keeper.

35.3

.

Back of a length ball on middle, Vihari keeps it out.

35.2

1

Full and on middle, Pant flicks it towards mid on and takes a quick run.

Rishabh Pant is in now.

35.1

W

OUT! BOWLED 'EM! Too good for a tailender there. Boult is just too good with the cherry in his hand. He comes round the wicket and angles it into the off pole, Yadav who is camping on the back foot is found wanting too much on this ball. In the end he decides to flick it to the leg side but is late in doing so. The ball sneaks between the bat and pad to crash into the off pole. India's sorry tale with the bat continues. New Zealand are once again dictating the terms here.

34.6

.

Full and on the pads, Vihari flicks it to the leg side.

34.5

.

Shortish and around middle, Vihari keeps it out.

34.4

4

FOUR! Short and wide outside off this time. Vihari is on the toes quickly and slams it through point for a boundary.

34.3

.

Bouncer now! Vihari sits under it.

34.2

.

On the pads, worked towards the leg side.

34.1

.

Shortish and around middle, Vihari keeps it out.

33.6

.

Shortish and around off, Umesh defends it off his back foot.

33.5

.

Fuller and around off, Yadav keeps it out.

33.4

.

Bouncer down the leg side, Yadav looks to pull but misses.

33.3

1

Full and angling into the pads, Vihari tucks it to square leg for a single.

33.2

.

Good length ball on off, Vihari keeps it out.

Hanuma Vihari is the new man in.

33.1

W

OUT! Goes through the defense of the best defensive Indian batsman! What a brilliant piece of bowling from Boult. He angles a length ball from outside off into the right-hander. Pujara tries to defend but the incoming ball sneaks through his defense and disturbs the woodwork behind. This is a huge blow for India. Pujara's fighting effort comes to an end. Wonder if he could've done anything to this peach from Boult.

32.6

.

The batsman defends it from within the crease.

32.5

3

Full toss on middle, Pujara whips it towards deep mid-wicket. The ball is racing towards the fence. Boult from fine leg runs till deep mid-wicket and pulls the ball before it can reach the fence. Total commitment from the speedster.

32.4

.

In the channel outside off, Pujara ducks under it.

32.3

.

Short ball down the leg side, Pujara ducks and lets it be.

32.2

1

Length ball on leg, Yadav pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

32.1

3

Full and around off, Pujara drives it straight down the ground through mid off. But lack of timing means the ball fails to cross the fence at long off. Three is what the batters get.

31.6

.

Full and swinging in, Yadav looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. A mild appeal from Boult but he knows there was an inside edge.

31.5

.

Bouncer for Yadav. It is on middle but Yadav ducks.

31.4

.

Length ball around off, Yadav pushes it towards point.

31.3

1lb

On the pads on a good length, Pujara looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The ball rolls to deep square leg and they change ends taking a leg bye.

31.2

.

Bouncer angled in from outside off, Pujara sways away from the line of the ball.

31.1

.

Full ball on off, pushed back to the bouncer.

Trent Boult returns. 6-2-10-1 from him so far.

30.6

.

Shorter in length and around off, Yadav keeps it out.

30.5

.

Good length ball around off, blocked.

30.4

4lb

FOUR LEG BYES! Wagner welcomes Yadav with a bouncer on leg, Yadav misses his flick and gets it off his thigh pad toward the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Umesh Yadav comes in as a night watchman now.

30.3

W

OUT! DRAGGED ON! Wagner roars, it's a mighty one as he says, 'COME ON'. Rahane's struggle is over. He has been put off by the bouncers so all he is expecting is another bouncer. This one from Wagner does not rise much but Rahane has already moved in the position of playing a pull. He realizes the pull short is not on so he tries to help it to fine leg but ends up cannoning the ball onto the stumps off his pads. Brilliant stuff from Wagner. He kept bowling the bouncers and has finally got the reward.

30.2

1

Full and on off, Pujara drives it towards Williamson at covers who parries it towards towards mid off. The batsmen cross ends.

30.1

.

Bumper down the leg side left alone.

29.6

.

In the air... but safe. This is nasty stuff from the Kiwi bowlers. Jamieson bowls this shooter around off, Rahane hops and looks to fend. The ball hits the upper part of the bat and lobs towards point. The fielder quickly comes forward but the ball lands well short.

29.5

.

Another back of a length ball on middle, Rahane moves towards the off side and thinks to pull but lets it be at the end.

29.4

.

Short and on off, Rahane is solid in his back foot.

29.3

.

Length ball just outside off, Rahane pushes it towards point and thinks for a run but Pujara sends him back.

29.2

.

Back of a length ball on the body, Rahane keeps it out.

29.1

.

A slower bouncer, Rahane blocks it out nicely.

28.6

.

In the channel outside off, left alone.

28.5

1

Pulls this one to fine leg for a single. Smiles exchanged between Rahane and Wagner this time.

28.4

.

Another sharp bouncer and this time Rahane gets a stare too. Rahane does well to evade it though.

28.3

.

Shorter again, Rahane pulls it towards mid-wicket.

28.2

.

Shortish and around off, Rahane keeps it out.

28.1

.

Wagner bangs one to Rahane now. He once again looks to go after it but at the last moment lets it be.

27.6

.

Bouncer outside off, Pujara sways away from it.

27.5

.

Good length ball around off, Pujara blocks it with soft hands.

27.4

.

Yes it is but not a sharp one! This is on middle, Pujara keeps it out off his back foot easily.

Yes, the Indian physio comes out and checks upon Rahane. Concussion questions being asked. Ashwin brings a new helmet too. Rahane is looking okay though. The umpires are getting involved as they check the back side of his helmet. Rahane now tightens his gloves and gets ready for the challenge. Another bouncer coming up?

27.3

1lb

Ouch! The physio will definitely come out now. Jamieson goes for the bouncer once again to Rahane and Ajinkya dares to take him on. The ball hurries onto him and hits him flush on the grill and lobs towards backward point. This time he calls for the physio right away. He though manages to run to the other end first. A leg bye given.

27.2

.

Another sharp bouncer, Rahane fends it off his gloves.

27.1

.

Good length ball on middle, Rahane tucks it towards mid-wicket.

26.6

.

Another bouncer but Pujara sits under it once again.

26.5

.

Finally a length ball, Pujara pushes it towards point.

26.4

.

Another bouncer, Pujara ducks again.

26.3

1

Short and outside off, Rahane is not gonna duck too much as he throws his bat at it. He slashes it over point. Blundell at deep point does well to keep it out.

26.2

.

Another one but this one is down the leg side. Rahane watches it go past him.

26.1

.

Bouncer again! Rahane ducks.

25.6

.

Barrage of the bouncers continue. But this one is for Pujara. You know what he does, well, most of the times, sits under it.

25.5

1lb

Another bouncer and it is again a good one. Rahane goes for the pull again but the ball hurries onto him and hits him on the grill of the helmet and rolls towards fine leg. A leg bye taken. Jamieson goes to the batsman and then asks if he is fine. Rahane shows thumbs up. The umpire checks with him too and Rahane once again says it's all good. He then probably sees the Indian physio wanting to come on and check if he is fine but Rahane has his hands up to stop him and tell that he is okay and is ready to continue.

25.4

.

Length ball on the pads, Rahane keeps it out.

25.3

.

Another bouncer and Rahane is hit on the gloves again. It is a well-directed one again. Rahane is on the back foot and hoping as he fends it off.

25.2

.

Sharp bouncer! It is on middle, Rahane does well to fend it off his back foot.

25.1

4

FOUR! Down the leg side, Rahane looks to fend it off. The ball hits his gloves and races away to the fine leg fence.

24.6

.

Good length ball around off, blocked.

24.5

.

Bouncer again but for Pujara. Yes, Pujara. So, he ducks under it.

24.4

1

Dropped! De Grandhomme spills a chance. Short and outside off, Rahane goes for the pull but ends up getting a top edge towards deep square leg. De Grandhomme comes ahead and settles under the ball. He gets both hands and fails to hold on. This can be a really costly let off. A run taken.

24.3

1lb

On the pads again, Pujara looks to tuck it around the corner but misses to get hit high on the thigh pad. The ball rolls to fine leg and a leg bye is taken.

24.2

.

Landed around middle on a length. Pujara keeps it out.

24.1

.

Tries to bowl a bouncer but ends up bowling it down the leg side. Pujara lets it be.

23.6

1lb

On the pads, Pujara looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The ball rolls to fine leg and they take a leg bye.

23.5

.

Now a bouncer on middle, Pujara has no issues ducking under it.

23.4

.

Angles one on the pads, Pujara lets it be. Watling moves to his left and collects the ball.

23.3

.

Outside off, left alone.

23.2

.

Fuller and around off, Pujara pushes it towards covers.

23.1

.

Good length ball on middle, Pujara works it towards mid-wicket.

Kyle Jamieson is back on. 4-1-14-0 so far from him.

22.6

.

Length ball down the leg side, Rahane lets it be.

22.5

1

Length ball on off, Pujara flicks it to deep square leg and gets a single.

22.4

.

Bouncer but down the leg side, Pujara lets it be.

22.3

1

Back of a length ball on off, Rahane pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.

22.2

.

Short ball on middle, Rahane is happy to duck under it.

22.1

1

Short of a length ball on off, Pujara runs it past point and gets a single.

21.6

.

Length ball on off, Rahane blocks it off the back foot.

21.5

.

Outside off, Rahane does not fiddle with it.

21.4

.

Outside off, Rahane makes a leave.

21.3

.

Length ball on off, defended off the face of the bat.

21.2

1

Brilliant effort in the field there. Pujara drives this full ball straight down the ground. Williamson from mid off fields it as the batters cross for a single.

21.1

1

Full and on middle, Rahane flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

20.6

.

Length ball down the leg side, Pujara is happy to let that go.

20.5

.

Another one on middle, Pujara defends it off the back foot.

20.4

.

On off, blocked off the back foot now.

20.3

.

Short ball on leg, Pujara ducks under it.

20.2

.

Short of a length ball on leg once again. Pujara tucks it towards short leg where the ball falls just short of him there.

20.1

.

Short of a length ball on leg, Rahane tucks it towards fine leg for a single.

Neil Wagner is on now.

19.6

.

On a good length and on off, Rahane blocks it by coming right behind the line of the ball.

19.5

.

Outside off, Rahane makes a leave.

19.4

.

Length and on off, Rahane drives it to covers.

19.3

.

Outside off, Rahane makes a leave.

19.2

.

Length ball on off, Rahane keeps it out off the back foot towards the leg side.

19.1

.

Full and on off, pushed back to the bowler by Rahane.

18.6

.

Length ball on middle, Pujara blocks it off the back foot.

18.5

.

Length ball on off, Pujara keeps it out comfortably off the back foot.

18.4

.

Full and on a length, Pujara plays it to mid-wicket.

18.3

.

Good length ball around off, pushed towards point by Pujara.

18.2

.

In the channel outside off, Pujara leaves it alone.

18.1

4

FOUR! Driven nicely! Jamieson overpitches this outside off, Pujara leans into the shot and drives it through mid off for a boundary. He is looking solid once again.

17.6

.

Length ball on off, pushed towards point.

17.5

.

Full and around off, Rahane blocks it off front foot.

17.4

.

Good leave! It is on a length and just outside off but Rahane has his stumps covered.

17.3

.

Good length ball around off, Rahane keeps it out.

17.2

.

In the channel outside off, left alone.

Ajinkya Rahane joins Cheteshwar Pujara out in the middle.

17.1

W

OUT! LBW! Kohli's bad patch continues. First Kyle Jamieson then Trent Boult and Tim Southee. Now, Colin de Grandhomme joins the list to dismiss Virat Kohli in this series. De Grandhomme lands one a bit fuller and around off and gets it to jag back into the batter. Kohli is committed to defend it but the ball swings in enough to beat his bat and hit the pads. There is a huge appeal and the umpire gives the marching orders for Kohli. Virat starts walking before looking at Pujara who asks him whether he wants to review it but he says something and then keeps walking. Replays later show that it was a good decision to not review it as the ball was crashing into the leg pole. He had made a poor DRS call in the first innings and didn't do it this time around.

16.6

.

Back of a length ball outside off, Pujara drops his wrists and leaves it alone.

16.5

.

Length and outside off, Pujara lets it be.

16.4

.

Length ball around off, Pujara makes a leave to the one coming back into him. Luckily the ball does not come that much into him to cause any trouble.

16.3

.

Full and outside off, Pujara plays it to point off the front foot.

16.2

.

Outside off, left alone.

16.1

.

Full and on the pads, Pujara plays it to mid on.

15.6

.

Length ball on off, driven to covers off the front foot.

15.5

.

On a length and on off, Kohli defends it off the front foot.

15.4

.

Length ball on off, driven to mid off now.

15.3

.

Full and on middle, Kohli drives it to mid on.

15.2

.

Full and on off, Kohli drives it straight to short cover who fields it by diving to his right.

15.1

1

Short of a length ball on middle, Pujara tucks it towards deep square leg and gets a single.

14.6

.

Full and on middle, Kohli pushes it off the front foot and to the right of Jamieson who fields it.

14.5

.

On a good length and outside off, Virat shoulders arms to it.

14.4

2

Short and wide outside off, Kohli cuts it uppishly over point and gets a couple.

14.3

.

On a length and outside off, Kohli makes a leave.

14.2

.

Length and on middle, Kohli plays it towards square leg and looks for a single but is rightly sent back by his partner.

14.1

.

In the channel outside off, Kohli lets it go to the keeper.

13.6

.

Landed around off on a length, Pujara keeps it out.

13.5

.

Good length ball around off, Pujara comes forward and keeps it out.

13.4

.

Outside off, Pujara makes a leave.

13.3

.

Length ball on the pads, worked towards mid-wicket.

13.2

.

Good length ball around middle and leg, blocked.

13.1

.

Full and outside off to start the spell from de Grandhomme, Pujara pushes it towards point.

DRINKS! An exciting hour of play. There is still lot of life on this track. Southee and Boult have made good use of the conditions and sent back both the openers. Kohli and Pujara are out there as India have managed to extend their lead beyond the 50-run mark. An eventful hour awaits us as Colin de Grandhomme to inaugurate this hour.

12.6

.

Length and outside off, Kohli lets the ball through.

12.5

.

Full and on middle, Kohli flicks it to mid on.

12.4

4

EDGY FOUR! It could have gone either way but Kohli is lucky that it lands in between the two fielders. Jamieson goes short and wide outside off, Kohli has a tentative poke at it. The ball flies off the outside edge and goes between third slip and gully and into the fence behind. Kohli made sure that he played it with soft hands.

12.3

.

Length and outside off, Virat lets it be.

12.2

4

FOUR! That is Virat Kohli at its best. Full and outside off, Kohli leans into the drive and gets it through covers for a boundary. INDIA LEAD BY 51!

12.1

.

Full and outside off, further swinging away from the batter. Kohli makes a leave.

Kyle Jamieson to bowl now.

11.6

.

Fuller in length and around off, Pujara blocks it on the leg side off the back foot.

11.5

.

Short of a length ball once again, Pujara hops inside the crease and keeps it down on the pitch.

11.4

.

Fuller in length and on off, Pujara drives it off the front foot towards mid off.

11.3

.

Short of a length ball on off, Pujara plays it to point.

11.2

.

Full and on off, Pujara defends it off the front foot there.

11.1

.

Short of a length ball on off, Pujara defends it to the leg side but gets it off the gloves there.

10.6

.

Angled into the pads, Kohli looks to flick but misses.

10.5

4

FOUR! You do not bowl on the pads of these Indian batters. It is bread and butter for them. Southee does that and Kohli whips it firmly. The ball races away to the deep mid-wicket fence. The Indian skipper is off the mark in style.

10.4

.

Length ball around off, Kohli once again plays a solid front foot defense.

10.3

.

Full and around off, Kohli comes forward and keeps it out.

10.2

.

In the channel outside off, left alone.

10.1

1

Full and on the pads, Pujara flicks it towards deep square leg. Boult from fine leg runs quickly and throws the ball to the keeper and they stick with just one.

9.6

4b

FOUR BYES! Boult goes an extra mile here but it is down the leg side. Kohli goes for the flick and misses it. The keeper too cannot prevent the ball from going to the fine leg fence despite putting in a full length dive.

9.5

.

On a length and angled around off, now Kohli goes for a back foot defense and gets beaten once again on the outside edge.

9.4

.

BEATEN! VIRAT KOHLI PLAYS AND MISSES. Boult comes round the wicket and bowls one on a length around off, Kohli goes for a drive away from the body and gets beaten on the outside edge. The demons of England Tour of 2014 are haunting him here.

9.3

.

Length ball on off, Kohli keeps it out off the front foot.

9.2

.

Full and around off, Kohli plays it back to the bowler who fields it in his followthrough.

9.1

.

Length ball on middle, Kohli works it towards mid-wicket.

8.6

.

Full and on middle, Pujara looks to flick but the ball takes the leading edge and rolls towards covers.

8.5

4

EDGY FOUR! Pujara wanted to leave it but extra bounce meant that he ended up guiding it towards third man. He manages to find the gap and get a boundary.

8.4

.

Bouncer just outside off, Pujara sways away from the line.

8.3

.

Good length ball around off, Pujara is solid in his defense.

8.2

1b

Bouncer way down the leg side and it further keeps going away from the keeper. Watling does well to move to his left and make a half-stop. Had he not get his hands, it would've gone to the fence. Only a run.

Virat Kohli walks in at no. 4.

8.1

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Shaw falls in the trap. Southee gets his first. Tim bowls one short and targeting the body of Shaw. Prithvi there looks to go for the pull but is nowhere in a position to play at it. Still, he goes through with it and ends up getting a glove on it. The ball lobs towards the slip cordon where Tom Latham at second slip takes a dolly. India have lost both their openers in quick time.

7.6

.

Full and on off, Pujara drives it off the front foot towards mid off.

7.5

.

Full and around off, Pujara plays it off the back foot towards point.

7.4

.

Full and wide outside off, Pujara shoulders arms to it.

7.3

.

Length and on leg, Pujara flicks it towards mid-wicket.

7.2

1

Full and outside off, Shaw drives it through covers and gets a single this time.

7.1

.

Length ball on leg, Shaw looks to flick it but gets beaten and is hit high on the pads. There is an appeal but nothing from the umpire.

6.6

.

Full and on middle, Pujara plays it with a straight bat and drives it down the ground. The ball hits the stumps at the bowler's end and then deflects towards mid off.

6.5

.

Length and on off, Pujara brings out the solid front foot defense and keeps it out to the leg side.

6.4

.

Full and on middle, driven towards covers by Pujara.

6.3

.

Short ball down the leg side and Pujara ducks under it without any fuss.

6.2

.

Full and outside off, Pujara guides it to point off the back foot.

6.1

.

Length ball on off, Pujara defends it right under his eyes off the back foot.

5.6

.

Shortish and just around off, Shaw keeps it out.

5.5

.

Outside off on a good length, Shaw thinks to go after it but controls it in the end.

5.4

.

Bouncer down the leg side! Shaw ducks under it.

5.3

2

Flicked for a couple! A length ball angled into the batter, Shaw flicks it towards deep square leg for a couple of runs.

5.2

.

Slightly fuller and around off, Shaw punches it towards covers.

5.1

.

Good length ball just outside off, Shaw blocks it off the back foot towards the off side.

4.6

.

Full and on off, Pujara drives it off the inside half of the bat towards mid on.

4.5

.

Length and on off, Pujara defends it off the front foot to the off side.

4.4

3

Another short of a length ball on off, Shaw cuts it through point and gets three as Tom Blundell from point hares behind the ball and fields it at deep point.

4.3

3

Short of a length ball outside off, Pujara drives it through point and gets three as the fielder mops it up.

4.2

.

Length ball on off, Pujara blocks it off the back foot.

4.1

.

Huge shout for a caught behind. Southee looks excited, the New Zealand players look excited but the umpire stand calmly out there. Tim bowls on a length and outside off, Pujara goes for the poke without any footwork and the ball whizzes past the outside edge. There is some excitement in the New Zealand camp but nothing from the umpire.

3.6

.

Length ball down the leg side, Shaw looks to flick but misses it as the keeper dives down the leg side and takes the ball.

3.5

.

BEATEN! Boult bowls a seam up delivery and around off, Shaw looks to defend it off the back foot but gets beaten on the outside edge.

3.4

4

FOUR! Shaw just uses the pace of the bowler there. It is short and wide outside off, Shaw guides it off the back foot past point and gets a boundary.

3.3

1

Length and on the pads, Pujara flicks it towards square leg and gets a single.

3.2

.

Full and on off, Pujara does well to keep it out off the front foot.

3.1

.

Length ball angled away from the batter, Pujara makes a leave.

2.6

.

On a length and on off, Shaw keeps it out off the front foot.

2.5

.

Full and on off, Shaw plays it to point.

2.4

.

Length and on off, Shaw drives it off the front foot and towards mid off.

2.3

4b

FOUR BYES! Wayward and very wide down the leg side. Southee bowls an ill-directed bouncer down the leg side and Shaw evades it. Watling behind the wicket dives to his left and it goes past him and into the fence at fine leg.

2.2

.

Length ball on off, Shaw blocks it out off the back foot

2.1

.

Length ball outside off, Shaw makes a leave there.

1.6

.

Another appeal but it dies down quickly. Good length ball angled into the batter, Pujara looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. Probably too high and hence the appeal dies down quickly. 2 runs and a wicket from Boult's first.

Cheteshwar Pujara is in early.

1.5

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Boult strikes in his first over. Agarwal fails once again. Good length ball outside off from Boult, it jags back in sharply. Mayank is late in getting his bat down in time as he gets rapped on the front pad. They appeal and the umpire raises the finger instantly. Agarwal starts walking and then looks at Shaw for some help but probably Shaw tells him to keep walking. Agarwal had wasted one review in the first innings and this time he does not take the risk.

1.4

.

Good length ball outside off, Agarwal taps it towards point.

1.3

2

Good length ball around off, Agarwal looks to defend but the ball takes the inner half of the bat and goes behind square leg. Before the fielder can come across, the batters take two.

1.2

.

In the channel outside off, Agarwal makes a leave.

1.1

.

Length ball around off and middle from Boult, Agarwal works it towards the leg side.

Trent Boult with the ball from the other end.

0.6

.

Length ball on middle, Shaw is solid in his defense.

0.5

4

FOUR! Classy! Southee bowls it slightly fuller and around off, Shaw comes on the front foot and shows the full face of the bat and drives it straight down the ground. Pure timing.

0.4

1

Agarwal gets off the mark now. A short of a length ball on the body, Agarwal hops and works it towards fine leg for a run.

0.3

1lb

India are underway with a leg bye. Length ball on the pads, Shaw looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The ball rolls towards square leg and they take a leg bye.

0.2

.

Length ball around off, Shaw comes forward and keeps it out.

0.1

.

Full and around off to start from Southee, Shaw strokes it towards cover-point firmly.

So, one session of play left. What will be India's approach? Will the 'intent' be there again, like it was in the first innings? We will soon find out. Will Shaw once again go for runs or will the Indians play safe in this final session? How the Kiwi pacers will fair? Will they trouble the Indians and strike early? Quite a lot of overs left for them to do so. Plenty of questions that need answers. We will have them soon. The final session will start at 1620 local. Join us for that.

Ravindra Jadeja is down for a quick chat. On the catch, he tells that he knew that the pull shot was coming and he was ready for it but didn't expect it to come so quickly but he managed to pluck it. Adds that he is happy with the performance. Credits the pacers and himself and says that everyone bowled well. Feels that they need to score runs now and then take 10 more wickets when they come to bowl.

After the 2-wicket over, the Indians once again failed to put the final nail in the coffin and allowed the tail to wag and score runs against them. Vihari spilled a chance when he put down Wagner on 3 and then Wagner added handy runs. Shami and Bumrah were excellent with the ball and ended up with 4 and 3 wickets respectively. Jadeja got two to his name along with two brilliant catches while Yadav was the one who got the first wicket in the morning session.

The umpires have taken TEA. Another excellent session for the visitors though. 93 runs have come in this one and India got 5 wickets in it. The session started with Bumrah picking two in one over to peg the Kiwis further back in the game. It looked like India was cruising towards a decent lead but de Grandhomme, Jamieson and Wagner made sure the Kiwis came closer to the Indian total. Jamieson once again missed out on his maiden Test half ton.

Finally, India get the last wicket to bundle the Kiwis out. They have managed to get a slender lead but that could've been a lot more. But the pair of Jamieson and Wagner added 51 runs to take the total closer to the Indian score.

73.1

W

OUT! Finally India manage to end New Zealand's first innings. Shami is the one who finishes it up. He bowls one short and on outside off, Jamieson fetches the ball from outside off and goes for the pull. He fails to get it from the sweet part of the bat and ends up hitting it in the air towards square leg. Rishabh Pant calls for the catch and runs to his left. He keeps his eyes on the ball and takes the catch by diving forward. NEW ZEALAND BOWL OUT ON 235!

72.6

.

Short ball on middle, Boult sways away from the line of the ball.

72.5

1

Full and on off, Kyle taps it to point for a single.

It is time for the concussion test now as the New Zealand physio checks upon Jamieson. We are now ready to go.

72.4

.

OUCH! That is nasty! Bumrah goes short and around off, Jamieson goes for the pull but loses his sight on the ball and is rapped on the side of the helmet. The Umpire immediately calls for the physio and Jamieson undergoes the concussion test. Has passed it and is ready to continue.

72.3

1

Full and on off, Boult drives it through point for a single.

72.2

1

OHH! Had Vihari hit the stumps Boult would have been a goner. Full ball on middle, Boult flicks it to mid-wicket and calls for a single. Vihari there goes for the direct hit at the striker's end but misses it and allows a single.

72.1

4

FOUR! Length ball on off, Jamieson whacks it straight over the bowler's head and the ball goes on the bounce into the fence at long off.

Trent Boult is the last man in.

71.6

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Wow, what a blinder from Ravindra Jadeja. Only he can pluck these outstanding catches. This is a ridiculous take from him. A bouncer on middle, Wagner goes for the pull but gets a top edge. The ball goes high in the air towards square leg. Jadeja is standing well ahead of the rope. He leaps high in the air and puts his left hand up. The ball sticks in the hand of the super man. That is why this man is such an amazing talent. He can do wonders with the bat, he can do wonders with the ball and looking at this catch, you can say he can do wonders on the field too. An handy innings from Wagner has been cut short by the brilliance of Sir Jadeja.

71.5

.

Short ball on middle, Wagner keeps it out off the back foot.

71.4

4

FOUR! Short of a length ball on off, Wagner cuts it powerfully through point and gets a boundary. Also the duo bring up their 50-run stand.

71.3

.

Short ball on off, Wagner goes for the pull but misses it.

71.2

2

Full and on off, Wagner strokes it past covers for a couple. NEW ZEALAND TRAIL BY 18!

71.1

1

Full and on off, Kyle drives it through covers for a single.

70.6

.

Full and on off, driven back to the bowler there.

70.5

.

Length ball outside off, Wagner plays it towards point off the back foot. Rahane from gully dives to his left and gets a hand to it.

70.4

.

Short ball on leg, Wagner ducks under it.

70.3

4

FOUR! Wagner now shows what he can do with the willow in his hand. Bumrah bowls it full and outside off, Wagner drives it powerfully through covers and fetches a boundary.

70.2

2

Full and on the pads, Wagner flicks it wide of mid on and gets a couple as the ball is fielded at long on.

70.1

.

Length and on middle, Wagner drives it to mid on.

Jasprit Bumrah is back on. Can he break this stand? 20-5-49-3 from him so far.

69.6

4

FOUR! Sheer dominance there. Jamieson once again comes to the rescue. Shami bowls full and on off, Kyle drives it straight down the ground and past the outstretched hands of Shami and into the fence at long off.

69.5

.

Full and on middle, Kyle turns it to mid-wicket now.

69.4

1

Short ball on middle, pulled to mid-wicket for a single.

69.3

.

Shortish and around off and middle, pushed to mid on.

69.2

.

Play and a miss! Good length ball just outside off, Wagner looks to drive off the back foot but fails to connect.

69.1

1

Good length ball outside off, Jamieson dabs it to third man for a run.

68.6

.

Flatter and on off, Wagner keeps it out off the back foot.

68.5

.

Full and on off, Wagner strokes it to covers.

68.4

.

Floated ball on middle, Wagner pushes it off the front foot and towards the off side.

68.3

4

FOUR! Jadeja concedes a boundary. He bowls a full ball on the pads, Wagner gets on his one knee and sweeps it elegantly through fine leg for a boundary. That was played with such control there.

68.2

.

Floated on off, Wagner turns it to the leg side off the front foot.

68.1

.

Floated ball on off, Wagner comes down the track and keeps it out off the front foot towards the bowler.

67.6

4

FOUR! Jamieson is showing his class here. He now drives this full ball on off past mid off and into the fence at long off.

67.5

.

Length and on off, Jamieson compactly defends it off the back foot.

67.4

4

FOUR! Short ball on middle, Jamieson lines up for the pull and gets a top edge on it. The ball flies over the keeper and into the fine leg fence for a boundary. 200 up for New Zealand.

67.3

2

Full and outside off, Jamieson drives it through covers for a couple.

67.2

.

Length and on off, Kyle punches it to covers.

67.1

.

BEATEN! Length and outside off, Jamieson goes for the feel there and gets beaten on the poke as the ball races past the outside edge.

66.6

.

The batsman has driven it straight down the ground.

66.5

.

Flatter and on off, Wagner keeps it out off the back foot.

66.4

.

Full and on the pads, flicked to mid-wicket.

66.3

.

Floated ball outside off, punched to covers.

66.2

.

Floated on off, pushed back to the bowler.

66.1

1

Floated ball on off, punched off the back foot for a single.

65.6

1

Outside off, left alone. Pant moves to his right and dives to collect the ball.

65.5

.

Outside off, left alone. Pant moves to his right and dives to collect the ball.

65.4

2

Full and around off, Jamieson strokes it through covers and takes two.

65.3

1

Dropped! That should've been taken but Vihari never looked settled. A bouncer on middle from Shami, Wagner goes for the pull but the ball takes the top edge. It goes high in the air towards fine leg. Vihari from that position rushes ahead and tries to settle under the ball but he looks unsettled. He is not sure the trajectory of the ball. In the end, he gets both his hands but fails to hold on.

65.2

.

Full and around off, pushed to mid off.

65.1

.

NOT OUT! Wagner is spot on in reviewing it. He straightaway knew that there was no bat. Shami goes short and around off, Wagner who is camping on the back foot looks to fend it away but the ball climbs onto him and gets something on its way to the keeper. The keeper collects it and asks the question to the umpire. The umpire raises his finger. Wagner immediately reviews and the replays roll in. First the Hot Spot comes in and its shows nothing while the ball passes the bat. Then comes the Snicko it also shows all clear. So, Wagner stays. Top review.

Review time! Wagner has been given out caught behind and he reviews immediately. Lets see what the replays have to tell.

Mohammed Shami returns.

64.6

.

No, he can't. Full and around off, blocked.

One ball left, can Jadeja strike?

64.5

.

Floated ball on off, Jamieson defends it off the front foot now.

64.4

.

Flatter and on off, Jamieson keeps it off the front foot.

64.3

.

Floated on the pads, Jamieson tucks it to mid-wicket.

64.2

4

FOUR! CRUNCHED! Floated on off, Kyle drives it through covers for a boundary.

64.1

.

Floated on off, tucked towards short leg.

63.6

.

Length and angled into the batter, Wagner pushes it off the back foot towards mid on.

63.5

1

Full and angled into the pads, Kyle flicks it behind square on the leg side and gets a single.

63.4

.

Another short of a length ball on middle, Jamieson pushes it off the back foot once again.

63.3

.

On a length and on middle, Kyle punches the ball off the back foot towards mid on.

63.2

.

Short of a length ball on off, Jamieson stands tall and keeps it out off the back foot.

63.1

.

Length ball on middle, Jamieson drives it to mid on.

62.6

.

Another shortish one and around off, Wagner is once again on the back foot to push it back to the bowler.

62.5

.

Shorter and around off, Wagner moves inside the crease and defends it out.

62.4

.

Full and on the pads now, Wagner blocks coming forward.

62.3

.

Full and just outside off, Wagner comes forward and defends it out.

62.2

.

Flatter around off, kept out.

62.1

2

Full and on the pads, Wagner flicks it to fine leg and gets two.

DRINKS! An eventful hour of play for India. They have managed to send three New Zealand batters back into the hut and are really looking to wrap the New Zealand innings in next hour before Tea. New Zealand, on the other hand, have not given up easily as their lower order has once again proved to be a thorn in the flesh for the visitors as they are adding vital runs once again. Let's see if the Indians can close the innings in next hour.

61.6

4

FOUR! Yadav sprays one down the leg side again and Jamieson misses his flick and gets it off the pads towards the fine leg fence. At first instance it looked like there was no bat involved but the umpire thinks it otherwise as he signals it as runs.

61.5

1

Length ball angled into the batter, Wagner does well to play it through square leg and scamper for a run.

61.4

.

Short ball down the leg side, Wagner lets it be.

61.3

1

Full and on the pads, Jamieson flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

61.2

.

Length and around off, Kyle is compact in his defense as he keeps it out off the back foot.

61.1

.

Length ball on off, Jamieson keeps it out off the back foot.

60.6

.

Quicker one on middle, blocked.

60.5

.

This one turns in now. Tossed up around off, Wagner moves inside his crease to defend but misses to get hit on the pads.

60.4

.

Another quicker and flatter one around off, Wagner blocks coming forward.

60.3

.

Flatter and on off, Wagner keeps it out.

Neil Wagner walks in next.

60.2

W

OUT! TIMBER! That is a beauty from Jadeja! New Zealand lose their 8th wicket. Jadeja is the one to get it. He tosses one up on off and gets it to turn away from the outside edge of de Grandhomme's defensive push. It goes behind and hits the top of off. Threatening-looking stand is broken.

60.1

.

Floated ball on off, de Grandhomme keeps it out off the front foot.

59.6

.

On off, kept out off the back foot.

59.5

1

Length and outside off, de Grandhomme runs it down past point for a single.

59.4

.

On a good length and on off, de Grandhomme defends it off the front foot towards mid on.

59.3

.

Length ball on middle, de Grandhomme goes for the flick only to miss it and wear it on the pads.

59.2

1

Short of a length ball on middle, Jamieson flicks it towards mid-wicket and gets a run.

59.1

.

Length ball on off, Kyle blocks it off the back foot.

58.6

1

Full and on off, Jamieson drives it towards mid on and gets a single.

58.5

.

Flatter and on off, Kyle punches it off the back foot now.

58.4

.

Floated on off, Jamieson pushes it off the front foot towards the off side.

58.3

.

Flighted ball on middle, Kyle pushes it to the left of the bowler who fields it in his followthrough.

58.2

.

Floated on off, pushed towards mid on.

58.1

.

Tossed up on off, pushed off the back foot.

Ravindra Jadeja is back on. 4-1-10-1 so far from him.

57.6

1

Length and outside off, Jamieson taps it to point and gets a run.

57.5

.

Length and on off, Kyle keeps it out off the back foot.

57.4

4

FOUR! That is driven with power. Jamieson showed in the first Test that he is no mug with the willow. Yadav goes full and Jamieson drives it crisply through covers for a boundary.

57.3

.

Length ball on off, Kyle drives it to covers now.

57.2

.

Full and on middle, Kyle drives it to mid on.

57.1

.

Length ball on off, Jamieson gets right behind the ball and keeps it out off the back foot.

Umesh Yadav to bowl for the first time in this session. 14-2-32-1 are his numbers so far.

56.6

.

Swing and a miss! Just ahead of a good length outside off, de Grandhomme drives away from his body but fails to connect.

56.5

.

Length ball on off, de Grandhomme looks to drive but gets an inside edge on the pads.

56.4

3

Three more! These are very valuable runs for the Kiwis. Full and on middle, Jamieson whips it through mid-wicket. Before the deep square leg fielder can come across, the batters take three.

56.3

.

Full and swinging in, Jamieson looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

56.2

2

A couple now! Length ball outside off, Jamieson hangs back and dabs it down to third man for a couple.

56.1

.

Good length ball on middle, pushed to mid on.

55.6

1

Length ball outside off, de Grandhomme runs this down towards third man and call for a couple and they get it. The umpire later signals it to be one short as the batter there fails to lay his bat inside the crease properly while taking the run. So the batters get just one.

55.5

.

Length and outside off, de Grandhomme lets it be.

55.4

.

Length ball on middle, Colin misses his flick to wear it on the pads. There is an appeal but the umpire is unmoved.

55.3

.

Another play and a miss. De Grandhomme now pokes at a length ball outside off only to get beaten.

55.2

1

Full and on off, Jamieson drives it straight down the ground. Jadeja from mid on flies to his left and makes an excellent stop. The batters though have taken off for the run. Jadeja fires the throw quickly at the non-striker's end but misses.

55.1

.

BEATEN! Wow! The ball is talking too much here. Shami bowls one on a length and gets it to move away and beats the outside edge of Jamieson's willow.

54.6

.

Outside off, Colin offers no shot to this one.

54.5

.

BEATEN! Full delivery outside off, de Grandhomme looks to drive but misses it.

54.4

.

Good length delivery on off, de Grandhomme blocks it off the back foot.

54.3

.

BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Colin looks to defend but misses it.

54.2

2

Full delivery outside off, de Grandhomme drives it through point. The batsmen get two runs.

54.1

.

BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, de Grandhomme looks to defend but misses it.

53.6

.

On a good length on off, Jamieson keeps it out.

53.5

3

Full delivery on middle, de Grandhomme flicks it through mid-wicket. Umesh Yadav runs from deep square leg and does well to stop it. The batsmen get three runs.

53.4

.

Length delivery outside off, de Grandhomme punches it to covers.

53.3

4b

FOUR BYES! Another run which will go against Pant but he could've hardly done anything about it. A length ball outside off, de Grandhomme shoulders arms. The ball then after going past him, shapes away sharply. Pant throws himself to his right to collect but the ball evades him and goes to the fence behind.

53.2

.

Full and on the pads, de Grandhomme looks to flick but misses.

53.1

.

Bumper from Shami now. De Grandhomme does well to duck under it.

52.6

.

Outside off, Jamieson lets it go to the keeper.

52.5

.

Bouncer now but it is well over. Jamieson sits under it.

52.4

.

Good length ball around off, Jamieson keeps it out.

52.3

.

Full and on middle, Jamieson flicks but finds mid-wicket.

52.2

.

Shortish in length and on middle, Jamieson covers the line of the ball and keeps it out.

52.1

.

Play and a miss! Good length ball around off, Jamieson has to play at it. He pokes but the ball moves away and beats the outside edge. Bumrah is pretty close to getting another one.

51.6

.

Brilliant take from Pant. A length ball outside off, de Grandhomme lets it be. The ball keeps moving away after passing the batsman. Pant behind the wicket moves swiftly to his right and collects the ball with a tumble.

51.5

.

Angled into the pads on a good length, de Grandhomme fails to flick and gets hit on the pads. A loud appeal has been turned down. The third slip fielder catches the ball and appeals for a catch but the umpire is unmoved. They do not go for the review.

51.4

.

Goes full, invites de Grandhomme for the drive. De Grandhomme accepts it and drives away from his body to get beaten.

51.3

.

Shortish and around off, de Grandhomme blocks it off his back foot.

51.2

.

Good length ball around off, this time de Grandhomme gets behind the line to defend.

51.1

.

Ripper from Shami! It pitches around off on a good length and shapes away a hint. De Grandhomme pushes at it with hard hands but the ball beats his outside edge and goes behind.

50.6

.

Beaten! Another length ball outside off, Jamieson goes for the drive away from his body to get beaten.

Kyle Jamieson is in next.

50.5

W

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Terrific from Bumrah and India. New Zealand are falling apart. A shortish length ball outside off, Southee pokes away from his body. A nothing shot to be honest. All he manages is a thin outside edge which goes to the keeper. Pant accepts it gleefully. No. 7 goes down with the hosts still 89 behind.

50.4

.

Good length ball around off, Southee looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Tim Southee joins de Grandhomme out in the middle.

50.3

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Screamer from Jadeja at point. Bumrah has his second. After bowling a few length balls, Bumrah dishes out a fuller ball outside off. Watling reaches out and looks to drive. He connects it well but it goes uppishly towards Jadeja at point. Jadeja there dives to his left and gobbles it superbly.

50.2

.

Good take from Pant. Good length ball outside off, Watling lets it be. The ball though keeps moving in as Pant does well to move to his left and collect the ball.

50.1

.

Bouncer outside off, Watling lets it be.

49.6

.

Good length ball outside off, pushed towards point.

49.5

.

Bouncer on middle! De Grandhomme easily ducks under it.

49.4

.

Good length ball outside off, de Grandhomme shoulders arms at the very last moment.

49.3

4

FOUR! Driven firmly! Shami overpitches it just outside off, de Grandhomme slams it through mid off for a boundary. 150 up for the hosts.

49.2

.

Good length ball outside off, de Grandhomme plays a drive away from his body. The ball takes the inner part of his willow and goes towards the leg side.

49.1

.

Fuller and on off, de Grandhomme strokes it back to the bowler.

Mohammed Shami to bowl from the other end. 15-2-45-2 from him so far.

48.6

.

Wide outside off this time, Watling lets it be.

48.5

.

Good length ball around off, it is defended.

48.4

3

Slightly overpitched and de Grandhomme strokes it through covers. The ball goes towards the fence in the deep but the chasing fielder slides to pull it back. Three taken.

48.3

.

Outside off, left alone.

48.2

.

Excellent comeback from Bumrah. Pitches this way outside off and then makes it jag back into de Grandhomme sharply. De Grandhomme tries to defend but the ball goes past his inside edge to Pant.

48.1

4

FOUR! Flicked! Runs straightaway. Bumrah bowls the length ball on middle, de Grandhomme flicks it nicely towards deep square leg for a boundary.

We are back for the second session. The Indian players are out in the middle. BJ Watling and Colin de Grandhomme will resume their innings for New Zealand. Jasprit Bumrah will start the proceedings for the second session for India.

... Day 2, Session 2 ...

Right then! Still 100 behind and considerably two new batters in the middle, the Kiwis have a task in their hands. They will have to rebuild and try to get closer to the Indian total. The visitors though would like to get one quickly again in the next session and then they will have a chance to have a crack at the lower order of New Zealand. We are in for an exciting second session on our hands in this game. Join us at 1410 local.

It all started with Yadav removing Blundell in the 3rd over of the game. Bumrah got the massive wicket of Williamson to peg the Kiwis back. Then, the Indians kept chipping away with the wickets at regular intervals with all the bowlers getting a wicket to their name. Taylor had got himself in but fell to a very poor shot. Latham was the only one who gutted it out in the middle but got out leaving the ball after getting to his half ton.

79 runs and 5 wickets! What a session for India. They have turned the things around spectacularly in this game and they now head back into the game with a chance to take a lead as the Kiwis are still behind 100 than the Indian total.

47.6

.

In the channel outside off, Watling covers his stumps and lets it go to the keeper. IT IS LUNCH ON DAY 2.

47.5

.

Good length ball around off, Watling gets behind the line of the ball to keep it out.

47.4

1lb

Another ball which has hit the pads but on a higher side as Shami makes it to come into de Grandhomme again from a good length. The ball this time hits his pad and goes towards point and they take a leg bye.

47.3

.

Good length ball around off, Shami nips it back into the right-hander. De Grandhomme looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.

47.2

.

Length ball outside off, de Grandhomme makes a leave.

47.1

4

FOUR! Nicely driven! Shami bowls a full ball outside off, de Grandhomme squeezes it between gully and point to bag a boundary.

46.6

.

Full and outside off, Watling strokes it well but straight to the man at mid off.

46.5

.

Fuller and around middle, Watling flicks it towards mid-wicket.

46.4

.

NOT OUT! Going over the stumps. Top, top decision, one has to say from the on-field umpire. A length ball angled into the batter, Watling looks to defend but misses to get hit on the pads. Bumrah makes a loud appeal. But the umpire disagrees. Bumrah this time convinces his skipper to go for the review. Time for the replays. Front foot is checked first. It is a legal ball. There is no inside edge which is confirmed by the Ultra Edge. Is it hitting the stumps? No, going over the stumps. India lose one of their reviews.

Huge LBW appeal has been taken upstairs by Kohli. Bumrah was convinced. Looked like there was an inside edge. They check with the front foot first. It is fine. No edge there, confirmed by Ultra Edge. Pitching in line too. Hitting the stumps? No! Review lost.

46.3

.

Shortish and outside off, Watling once again makes a leave.

46.2

.

Outside off, left alone.

46.1

.

Shortish length around off, it is blocked off the back foot.

45.6

.

On a good length on middle, de Grandhomme looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.

45.5

4

EDGY FOUR! On a good length on off, de Grandhomme looks to defend but gets an inside edge. It goes over the stumps towards fine leg for a boundary.

Colin de Grandhomme joins BJ Watling out in the middle.

45.4

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Yes, Kohli has his fingers under the ball. Excellent take from the Indian skipper. A good length ball around off, Nicholls looks to defend with hard hands. The ball takes the outside edge and goes towards second slip. Kohli there lunges forward and gobbles the ball inches above the turf. Kohli starts celebrating straightaway. Nicholls though stands his ground and the umpires then get together to take it upstairs. The soft signal is out. They check the front foot first. It is fine. Now towards the business end. Looks like it's a clean catch as the replays show that Kohli has got his fingers around the ball and the third umpires says just that. India have got the fifth wicket.

Have India got another one? Kohli thinks so as he has taken a catch at second slip. The soft signal is out. That looks really close. Looks like Kohli has got his fingers under the ball.

45.3

.

BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Nicholls looks to defend but misses it.

45.2

.

Outside off, Nicholls does not bother to play at that.

45.1

.

On a good length and outside off, Nicholls shoulders arms to this one.

44.6

.

Huge appeal but it has been turned down. Length ball angled into the batter, Watling looks to work it on the leg side but misses to get hit high on the pads. Bumrah makes a loud appeal but the umpire is not impressed. The Indians do not go for the review once again and another good call from them as the Ball Tracker later rolls in and shows it to be going over the stumps.

44.5

.

Another length ball which is outside off, Watling lets it go to the keeper.

44.4

.

Shortish and around off, Watling keeps it out.

44.3

1

Length ball on middle, Nicholls clips it towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

44.2

2

Back of a length ball on middle, Nicholls pulls it towards deep square leg where Agarwal makes a tumbling stop to save two for his side.

44.1

.

In the channel outside off, left alone.

BJ Watling walks in next. Change in bowling too as Jasprit Bumrah returns.

43.6

W

OUT! Timber! The good morning for India is turning out to be a special one. Kohli has pumped up once again and he this time asks someone to keep their mouth shut. Brilliant from Shami. A length ball outside off, Latham thinks this will not come back in enough and shoulders arms. But to his bad luck, it sharply comes back in and pegs the off pole behind. 50 and out for Latham. Shami gets into the wickets too.

43.5

.

Good length ball on middle, worked towards mid-wicket.

43.4

.

Bouncer on middle, Latham ducks under it.

43.3

3

Another three! This time Nicholls runs it down to this length ball outside off through gully. Rahane once again chases it down and stops the ball just before the fence.

43.2

.

The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

43.1

3

FIFTY UP FOR TOM LATHAM. Fine innings so far. He has seen a few wickets fall in front of him but has kept his end intact. He has looked solid and will look to convert this into a big one. He gets to his 17th Test half ton by guiding this good length ball outside off through gully. Rahane from that positions chases it down and keeps it to three.

42.6

.

Fuller in length and on the stumps, Nicholls pushes it towards mid on.

42.5

.

In the channel outside off, left alone.

42.4

.

Fuller and around off, Nicholls comes forward and blocks it out.

42.3

1

Length ball on middle, Latham works it down to fine leg for a run.

42.2

.

Shortish and around off, Latham goes on the back foot and keeps it out.

42.1

.

Yadav starts the spell with one down the leg side. Latham looks to flick but misses.

Umesh Yadav returns. 13-2-31-1 from him so far.

41.6

.

Another leave as Shami bowls this one wide outside off again.

41.5

.

Another ball which is wide outside off, Nicholls shoulders arms again.

41.4

.

Goes slightly fuller and makes the ball come back in from outside off, Nicholls watchfully pushes it back to the bowler.

41.3

.

Shortish in length and around off, Nicholls taps it towards covers off his back foot.

41.2

.

In the channel outside off, left alone.

41.1

4

FOUR! Clipped away nicely. That was a mere half pull/punch and it raced away. A shortish ball around off, Nicholls goes on the back foot and then looks to pull but then realizes that it is not on the perfect height to go for that shot. He then punches it and the ball races away to the vacant deep square leg fence. First boundary for Nicholls.

40.6

1

Full delivery on off, Nicholls drives it through mid off for a run.

40.5

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Nicholls comes down the track and blocks it.

40.4

1

Floated delivery on off, Latham comes down the track and plays it towards covers for a single.

40.3

.

Loopy delivery on off, Latham keeps it out.

40.2

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Nicholls flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

40.1

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Latham flicks it through square leg for a run.

39.6

.

On a good length on off, Henry blocks it off the front foot.

39.5

.

BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Nicholls looks to defend but misses it.

39.4

4b

FOUR BYES! It goes straight between Pant's legs! On a good length and outside off, Nicholls offers no shot to this one. It goes towards the keeper where Pant bends but the ball sneaks under him and it races towards the fence.

39.3

.

On a good length on off, Nicholls keeps it out.

39.2

2

Short delivery on leg, Nicholls pulls it through square leg. The batsmen get two runs.

39.1

.

Full delivery on off, Nicholls defends it off the front foot.

38.6

.

Another full ball on off, Latham comes forward and pushes it towards covers.

38.5

.

Full and around off, Latham keeps it out.

Henry Nicholls is in now.

38.4

W

OUT! CAUGHT! What a catch from Umesh Yadav and Taylor falls now. That was a poor shot from him. Taylor skips down the track and Jadeja spots that quickly and bowls it slightly short. Taylor is through to the shot but the ball turns away and takes the leading edge. The ball goes high in the air behind point. Yadav from point runs behind and takes a brilliant tumbling catch. He kept his eyes on the ball till then and swallowed it in the end. A needless shot from the experienced campaigner.

38.3

.

Floated delivery on middle, Taylor blocks it off the front foot.

38.2

.

Flighted delivery on off, Taylor defends it off the back foot.

38.1

3

Tossed up delivery on middle, Latham comes down the track and flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get three runs.

37.6

2

Length delivery on off, Taylor taps it through point. The batsmen get two runs.

37.5

.

Huge appeal for caught behind but not given. Shami is convinced that there is an edge but not the others around him. A shortish length ball around off, it pitches and then shapes away from Taylor's defensive shot. It moves further away as Pant collects it to his right. Shami starts celebrating but not out says the umpire. He thinks that there is an edge but Kohli is not convinced and he does not go for the review. A good call as the Ultra Edge roll in and show that there was nothing as the ball went past the bat.

37.4

.

Good length delivery on off, Taylor looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes safely towards the slip region.

37.3

.

On a good length on middle, Taylor blocks it well.

37.2

.

Good length delivery on off, Taylor defends it off the back foot.

37.1

.

On a good length on middle, Taylor keeps it out.

DRINKS! An excellent morning hour for the Indians. Yadav and Bumrah are ones who have given them the breakthroughs. They have got the big fish, Kane Williamson cheaply as well. Another couple of wickets before the Lunch break will put them ahead in the game. Latham and Taylor would look to forge a stand and go to Lunch without any damage. Let's see how it pans out.

36.6

.

Loopy ball around off, Latham comes forward and defends it out.

36.5

.

Fuller and around off, Latham comes forward and keeps it out.

Leg slip comes in.

36.4

.

Full and around off, Latham looks to sweep but the ball bounces extra and hits the helmet.

36.3

.

Full and outside off, Latham pushes it towards covers.

36.2

3

Full and around off again, Taylor sweeps it nicely and it is racing to the fine leg fence but Shami who just finished his over runs to his right from deep square leg and stops the ball with his right foot. They take three but the umpire wants to check if it is a clean stop. It is, so top work from the pacer.

36.1

.

Fuller and quicker one around off and middle from Jadeja, Taylor comes forward and keeps it out.

Spin time as Ravindra Jadeja comes to bowl. Bowled just one over on Day 1. A slip and short leg placed.

35.6

4

FOUR! GLORIOUS! Held the pose for the cameras there, did Latham. Full and around off and middle, Latham just shows full face of the bat and punches it down the ground. No chance for anyone to get around the ball as it races away to the fence. 100 up for New Zealand.

35.5

.

In the channel outside off, left alone.

35.4

1

Fuller and around off and middle, Taylor watches the ball till the end and then flicks it to fine leg for a run.

35.3

.

Shortish and on middle, Taylor stays on the back foot and keeps it out.

35.2

1

Good length ball around off and middle, Latham looks to work it on the leg side but the ball takes the inner half and towards square leg. They go for a quick run. Vihari quickly gets to the ball from mid-wicket and scores a direct hit at the non-striker's end with an underarm throw but Latham makes it in easily.

35.1

.

Outside off, left alone.

34.6

3

Another length ball around off, this time Latham waits for it and then taps it through gully. Rahane chases it down and stops it near the fence. Three taken.

34.5

.

WOW! How did that not hit the off pole? A length ball just outside off, it comes back in sharply. Latham thinks that he has the stumps covered but it is not the case. But to his luck, the ball just about misses the off pole and goes over the stumps.

34.4

1

Good length ball around off, Taylor tucks it towards mid-wicket and takes a run.

34.3

.

Fuller and outside off, Taylor watchfully pushes it towards covers.

34.2

.

Shortish and just outside off, Taylor lets it go to the keeper.

34.1

.

Good length ball outside off, Taylor forces it towards point.

33.6

.

Third leave in a row as Shami once again delivers this ball outside off on a good length.

33.5

.

Gets closer to the off pole on a good length but not enough to make Latham play.

33.4

.

Outside off, left alone.

33.3

.

Slightly short and just outside off, Latham looks to cut but the ball takes the bottom edge and bounces behind the stumps.

33.2

.

Another ball from Shami which is outside off on a good length. Latham once again makes a leave.

33.1

.

Shami starts with a length ball outside off, Latham lets it go to the keeper.

Mohammed Shami to bowl for the first time on Day 2.

32.6

.

Another ball in the channel outside off, Taylor lets it go to the keeper.

32.5

.

Full and outside off, Taylor pushes it towards mid off.

32.4

.

In the channel outside off, left alone.

32.3

2

Excellent effort from Yadav! He has worked hard with the ball and now a very good effort in the field to save a couple of runs. Bumrah dishes out this length ball on the pads, Taylor glances it towards fine leg. Yadav from deep square leg runs to his right and stops the ball from going to the fence. A couple taken.

32.2

.

Outside off, left alone.

32.1

1

Length ball on middle, Latham clips it towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

31.6

.

Length ball around off, Taylor pushes it towards mid on.

31.5

2

Fuller and just outside off, Taylor waits for the ball and drives it through point for a couple of runs.

31.4

.

Extra bounce there! Good length ball around off, Taylor hangs on the back foot to defend but the ball shoots up and then hits the handle of the bat and drops towards the leg side.

31.3

.

Back of a length ball on middle, Taylor blocks it off his back foot.

31.2

.

Full and around off, pushed back to the bowler.

31.1

4

FOUR! Short and outside off, Taylor is quickly on the back foot to slap it through point to get off the mark with a boundary.

30.6

2

A couple to end the over! Bumrah dishes out a full ball outside off, Latham drives it through covers and runs through a brace.

30.5

.

Another leave as this one is outside off on a length.

30.4

.

Good leave! Good length ball on middle and off, this one is shaping away. Latham spots that well, covers his stumps and offers no shot.

30.3

.

Shortish in length but way outside off, Latham lets it be.

30.2

.

Outside off, left alone.

30.1

.

Fuller and around off, Latham covers the line and pushes it towards the bowler.

29.6

.

Good length around off, Taylor pushes it towards mid on.

29.5

.

A mild LBW appeal. Another length ball from Yadav which comes in with the angle. Taylor is late in getting his bat around the ball and he misses. But once again the Indians know that it is very high and hence the appeal dies down.

29.4

.

Good length ball on middle and leg, Taylor tucks it towards mid-wicket.

29.3

.

Outside off, left alone.

29.2

1

Shortish and around the pads, Latham works it fine down the leg side for a run.

29.1

2

Edgy! A length ball outside off, Latham looks to let it go very late and hence the ball takes the bottom edge and rolls through point for a couple of runs.

28.6

.

Length ball outside off, Taylor chases after it away from his body to get beaten. End of a successful and eventful over from Bumrah.

28.5

4b

FOUR BYES! Pant could've done better. A length ball down the leg side, Taylor looks to flick but misses. Pant once again dives to his left but the ball once again evades him and goes to the fine leg fence.

28.4

.

Huge appeal for LBW but not given. It's all happening now. A length ball angled in, Taylor looks to defend but misses to get hit on the pads. The Indians make a loud appeal but the umpire turns it down. Bumrah tells the skipper that it was hit very high and so they do not think of the review.

28.3

4b

FOUR BYES! That is harsh on the keeper because he could've done nothing about it. A bumper down the leg side which keeps coming in. Pant makes a valiant dive to his left but the ball still is miles away from his reach. It evades him and races away to the fence.

28.2

.

Around off, Taylor keeps it out.

Ross Taylor replaces Kane Williamson in the middle.

28.1

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Bumrah has finally got the reward of bowling consistent line and length. He is pumped up and so is the Indian skipper. And why wouldn't they be. This is the mighty wicket of Kane Williamson. Good length ball outside off, Williamson, so early in his innings lets these go to the keeper. But not this time as he pokes at it, only to get a faint nick behind. The ball goes behind and Pant moves to his right to gobble it comfortably. Two quick wickets for the visitors and they are right back in the game.

27.6

.

A leave to end the over as Yadav dishes it wide outside off.

27.5

.

Comes forward to this length ball and pushes it towards mid off.

27.4

.

Landed on a length on middle, Latham works it towards mid-wicket.

27.3

.

Outside off, Latham lets it be.

27.2

1

Edgy! Yadav once again lands the ball on a good length. This one shapes back in as Williamson comes forward to defend. It takes the inside edge and goes over the stumps to fine leg. A run taken.

27.1

.

In the channel outside off, Williamson covers his stumps and lets it be.

26.6

.

Another ripper from Bumrah. Shortish and just outside off, this one angles away as Latham comes forward looking to defend. He is once again lucky as the ball goes past the outside edge to the keeper.

26.5

.

Landed around off and middle, pushed to mid on.

26.4

1

Length ball around off, Williamson pushes it towards covers and takes a quick run.

26.3

.

Slightly shortish and just outside off, Williamson goes back and taps it towards the off side.

26.2

.

Wide outside off on a good length, Williamson is not bothered as he shoulders arms.

26.1

.

Brilliant bowling from Bumrah. He is just not able to get that edge. Bowls this one just around off on a length, the ball comes into Williamson who looks to defend but the ball beats his outside edge and goes to the keeper.

25.6

.

In the channel outside off, Latham lets it go to the keeper.

25.5

.

Beaten! It is a good length ball outside off, Latham chases after it but misses out.

25.4

1

Full ball on the pads, Williamson strokes it towards mid on for one to get off the mark.

Umesh Yadav was about to release the ball but Williamson moves away at the very last moment.

Skipper Kane Williamson walks in early on Day 2.

25.3

W

OUT! LBW! Hitting the stumps! Yadav strikes and draws first blood. Another good length ball angled into the batter from Blundell. He looks to defend it but misses to get hit on the pads. The Indians appeal and the umpire raises his finger after giving it some thought. Blundell goes to his partner and after having a brief chat, he takes the decision upstairs. The replays roll in and confirm that the front foot is fine. There's no bat either. It is pitching in line too. Hitting the stumps? Well, not really but it is clipping the top of the middle pole. So, umpire's call it is and Blundell has to depart early on Day 2. The Indians would sense an opportunity now.

Tom Blundell has been given OUT LBW but he has taken it upstairs. Looks really close. Let's see the replays. Front foot is fine. There is no bat involved, says the third umpire. It is pitching in line too. Is it hitting the stumps? Well, it is clipping the top of middle which is good enough for the decision to stay. New Zealand keep their review but Blundell has to go.

25.2

.

Outside off, left alone.

25.1

.

Length ball coming into Blundell who tries flicking but misses to get struck on the pads.

24.6

.

Ripper to end the over! Just behind good length and around off, it pitches and shapes away as Latham tries to put bat on ball. Latham will feel he is a lucky man that he didn't edge that one.

24.5

2

Misfield and a couple of runs! Good length ball just outside off, Latham guides it towards gully with an angled bat. Rahane there dives to his left to field but ends up diving over the ball. A couple taken.

24.4

.

In the channel outside off, Latham lets it go to the keeper.

24.3

.

Another good length ball, this one is on the stumps line, Latham works it towards mid-wicket.

24.2

.

Good length ball around off, Latham comes forward and blunts it on the off side.

24.1

1

First runs on Day 2! Bumrah bowls a length ball angled into the right-hander. Blundell works it towards deep mid-wicket and takes a run.

Jasprit Bumrah to bowl from the other end. 7-1-19-0 from him on Day 1.

23.6

.

Good length ball on middle, Latham pushes it towards mid off. Good tight start from Yadav.

23.5

.

Bowls this one slightly fuller and just outside off. Latham is drawn into a front foot drive but the ball shapes away and beats the outside edge.

23.4

.

Landed around off and on middle, Latham keeps it out.

23.3

.

Sprays down the leg side on a slightly shortish length ball. Latham looks to glance but misses. Pant does well to dive to his right and collect the ball.

23.2

.

Good length ball around off and middle, Latham is solid in his defense.

23.1

.

Umesh starts with a length ball around off, Latham pushes it towards covers.

The Indian team is in a huddle near the ropes. They now disperse to their positions. Final words from skipper. The two Kiwi openers, Tom Latham and Tom Blundell stride out to the middle to resume their innings. Jasprit Bumrah is marking his run-up. A couple of jogs from him too but it is Umesh Yadav who will take the ball first up for the visitors. 2 slips in place. Here we go...

After an early loss, India did well to pull themselves back in the game with half tons from Shaw, Pujara and Vihari but they failed to convert their starts into big ones. The Kiwi bowlers even after being attacked, kept things tight and managed to get breakthroughs at regular intervals. A collapse came soon and the hosts were folded for 242. The Indian bowlers had 23 overs to make amends of their batters' poor show but they failed to get any wickets as Latham and Blundell dug in and looked solid in their 63-run unbeaten stand. Welcome to our coverage on Day 2 of the game. The Indian bowlers will be hoping to turn this around in the morning session of the game while the hosts will be looking to get closer to the Indian total without much damage. Let's see which team takes the honors of winning the 2nd Day.

... Day 2, Session 1 ...

That's it from our coverage on Day 1. Day 2 promises to be an exciting day. The Indians will look to come back fresh in the morning session and take a few wickets. The Kiwis would love to see the two openers go on and score a big one and take their side closer to the Indian total. Join us for Day 2 on Sunday, 1st March 2020 at 1130 Local (2230 GMT, Previous day). Till then, it is goodbye from our side.

The Kiwis were relentless throughout the day. They kept coming hard at the Indians but Shaw's attacking approach meant that they could not get wickets at regular intervals. Southee then picked up a couple of prized scalps of Kohli and Rahane and post Tea, it was all about 3-innings old Kyle Jamieson who ripped the Indian middle order with a 5-fer. Boult and Wagner ended up with 2 and 1 wicket respectively.

Earlier in the day, after a rain delay, New Zealand invited India to bat first. India lost Agarwal early but Shaw looked in fine touch. He scored a brilliant half ton but perished in a poor fashion. His wicket brought a mini-collapse as India lost Kohli and Rahane quickly. Pujara though got himself in and added important 81 runs with Vihari. Both the batters reached their half tons but threw their wickets away. The score soon read 194/5 to 242/10.

Top stuff from Latham and Blundell means that the Kiwis head back to the pavilion with their noses ahead. The duo have already wiped out 63 runs from the 242 which the Indians have scored. They have played out 23 overs without much trouble and will return on Day 2 to make progress in this game. The Indian bowlers failed to produce the magic delivery in their 23 overs of the Kiwi batting and will have a hard task on their hands on Day 2.

22.6

.

Length ball on middle, Blundell keeps it out off the back foot to see of an eventful and fruitful day for New Zealand. That is STUMPS ON DAY 1!

22.5

.

On a shorter length and on off, Blundell hops inside the crease and keeps it out on the leg side. Last ball of the day coming up.

22.4

.

Short ball on off, Blundell evades it.

22.3

1

Short of a length ball on middle, Latham tucks it past the short leg fielder and towards mid-wicket for a single.

22.2

.

Another bouncer, this one for Latham. He is happy to sit under it.

22.1

3

Bouncer on middle first up and Blundell is up for the challenge. He pulls it with control towards deep square leg and before the man from fine leg can cut it off, they take three.

21.6

.

Shortish and around off, pushed towards point.

21.5

.

Length ball angled into the batter and Latham looks to leave it. The ball keeps coming in into the batter and goes over the stumps.

21.4

.

Beauty! Good length ball outside off, Latham pokes at it to get beaten.

21.3

1

Bouncer on middle, Blundell looks to pull but the ball takes the inner part of the bat and then hits the body. It lobs towards Shaw at short leg who has his eyes closed in an attempt of trying to stay away from the firing line of the pull shot. It goes between his legs and they steal a run.

21.2

1

On middle, this one is clipped behind square leg for an easy run.

21.1

.

Goes for the effort ball as bowls this back of a length on middle but Latham ducks it easily.

Jasprit Bumrah returns. 6-1-17-0 from him so far.

20.6

.

Tossed up on middle, Blundell keeps it out right under his eyes.

20.5

.

Floated on middle, Blundell tucks it to the leg side off the front foot.

20.4

.

Tossed up once again on off, Blundell defends by coming on the front foot.

20.3

.

Tossed up around off, Tom is happy to play the defensive prod.

20.2

.

Floated on off, Blundell keeps it out once again.

20.1

.

Fired in full and on middle, Blundell blocks it off the front foot.

Spin for the first time as Ravindra Jadeja comes into the attack. Maybe a couple of overs for him to roll his arms. Can he provide the breakthrough India is after?

19.6

.

Length ball on middle, Latham clips it towards mid-wicket.

19.5

.

Full and around off, blocked towards the off side.

19.4

4

FOUR! Class written all over! What a glorious shot. Shami overpitches a hint and Latham makes him pay for it. He comes forward and caresses it through mid off for the second boundary of the over.

19.3

.

Full and on middle, easily flicked to mid-wicket.

19.2

.

Outside off, left alone.

19.1

4

FOUR! 50 up for New Zealand! Just a mere punch and the ball races away to the fence. A length ball around off, Latham comes forward and strokes it past the diving cover fielder. He gets up and gives it a chase but comes second. Top start for the Kiwis.

18.6

1

Full and angling into the pads, Latham plays it behind square on the leg side for a run.

18.5

.

Length and on middle, Latham blocks it off the back foot towards the bowler.

18.4

.

Length ball outside off, Latham defends it to covers.

18.3

.

Length ball on off, Latham plays it back to the bowler.

18.2

1

Full and on the pads, Blundell flicks it to mid-wicket and gets to the other end.

18.1

4

Short ball on middle, Blundell transfers his weight on the back foot and then pulls it towards the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

17.6

.

In the channel outside off, left alone.

17.5

.

Shami bends his back and bowls a back of a length ball on middle. Latham ducks under it easily.

17.4

1

Around off on a good length, Blundell tucks it behind square on the leg side for another easy run.

Neil Wagner is seen padded up inside the Kiwi dressing room. Interesting.

17.3

.

Shortish and around off, Blundell pushes it towards point.

17.2

.

Length ball outside off, left alone.

17.1

.

Fuller and around off, blocked towards covers.

16.6

4

FOUR! Crunched! Short and wide outside off, Latham quickly transfers his weight on the back foot and flays it through point to bag a boundary.

16.5

.

Pacy bouncer from Umesh but Latham easily ducks under it.

16.4

.

Another leave as this one is way outside off on a good length.

16.3

.

Length ball outside off, left alone.

16.2

.

Full and outside off, asking the batter to go for the drive but Latham says no and shoulders arms.

16.1

.

On the pads, flicked to mid-wicket.

15.6

.

Another play and a miss! Shami bowls in the channel outside off and Blundell pokes from within the crease only to get beaten on the outside edge.

15.5

.

BEATEN! Blundell loses his concentration there as he goes fishing outside off only to get beaten on the outside edge.

15.4

.

On a fuller length and around off, Blundell keeps it out towards point.

15.3

.

Full and angling into the pads, Blundell flicks it to mid-wicket now.

15.2

.

Fuller in length and on off, Blundell compactly defends it to point.

15.1

.

Length and on off, Blundell taps it to point.

14.6

.

Another ball on the hips, Latham looks to flick but once again fails to connect. It drops towards the leg side on the pitch. Before it can bounce back towards the stumps, Latham kicks it away.

14.5

.

Ouch! That will hurt. A bouncer on the body, Latham looks to defend but he misses. The ball hits his elbow and then drops on the pads.

14.4

1

On the pads, Blundell flicks it down to deep mid-wicket for a run.

14.3

.

Full and on the stumps, Blundell gets his bat down in time to keep it out.

14.2

.

Good length ball around off, blocked.

14.1

.

Short and outside off, Blundell pushes it towards mid off.

13.6

.

Another leave as Shami bowls this one on a length outside off.

13.5

.

Outside off, left alone.

13.4

.

Bouncer on middle! No problems for Latham in ducking under it.

13.3

1

Shortish and on middle, Blundell tucks it towards the leg side for a run.

13.2

.

Back of a length ball around off, Blundell swivels and looks to pull but the ball takes the bottom edge and drops onto the pitch.

13.1

.

Full and around off, Blundell comes forward and defends it out.

12.6

.

Length ball on middle, it is blocked towards mid-wicket.

12.5

.

Beaten! A length ball moving away after pitching. Latham looks to force it to the off side but misses.

12.4

1

Length ball on off, Blundell pushes it towards mid on and calls for a single. Latham obliges and the batters take a single. Bumrah from mid on swoops on the ball and has a shy at the bowler's end only to miss it. The ball instead hits the willow of Blundell and deflects. Blundell too is down on the ground as he falls while evading the throw from Bumrah.

12.3

.

OHH! That was close to shaving the off pole. Blundell makes the leave by covering his stumps. It is a length ball around off and coming in with the angle.

12.2

.

BEATEN! Length ball outside off, Blundell looks to punch it off the back foot only to get beaten on the outside edge.

12.1

.

Length ball way outside off, Blundell lets it be.

Umesh Yadav is back on! 4-1-8-0 so far from him.

11.6

.

Short ball down the leg side, Latham ducks under it.

11.5

1

Full and angled into the pads, Blundell flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

11.4

1

Fuller in length and on off, Latham pushes it to mid-wicket and hares for a quick single. In the end they get it.

11.3

.

Full and outside off, Latham watches the ball closely as he shoulders arms to it.

11.2

.

On a good length and outside off, Latham lets it be.

11.1

.

Length and outside off, Latham taps it to point.

10.6

.

Around off on a length, it is blocked.

10.5

.

Full and around off, Blundell flicks it nicely but finds mid on.

10.4

.

Shortish and around off, Blundell pushes it back to the bowler.

10.3

.

Full and around off and middle, this time Blundell strokes it to mid on.

10.2

.

Fuller and around off, Blundell is solid in his defense.

10.1

.

Good length ball around off, Blundell comes forward and looks to defend but gets an inside edge on his shoes.

9.6

1

Full and on the pads, flicked to deep mid-wicket for a run.

9.5

.

Shortish and around off, Blundell hops and keeps it out.

9.4

.

In the channel outside off, coming into the right-hander. Blundell lets it be.

9.3

.

On the pads, clipped to mid-wicket.

9.2

.

Shortish and just outside off, Blundell looks to force it on the off side off his back foot but misses.

9.1

.

Shami starts with a fuller ball just outside off, Blundell keeps it out.

Mohammed Shami is into the attack.

8.6

.

Outside off, left alone.

8.5

.

Full and angled into the pads, Latham flicks it to mid-wicket.

8.4

.

Loud shout for LBW but not given. Bumrah bowls one on a length and gets the ball to jag back into the batter, Latham looks to defend it but gets hit high on the pads.

8.3

4

EDGY FOUR! Bumrah lands one on a length and outside off, Latham plays it with soft hands and gets it in the gap between the slip cordon and gully. The ball races to the fence at third man.

8.2

.

Length and coming in with the angle, Latham is aware about his off pole as he makes a leave.

8.1

.

Length ball and swinging away from the batter, Latham makes a leave.

7.6

.

Slightly shorter and on middle, Blundell looks to pull but misses to get hit high on the pads.

7.5

4

FOUR! Overpitched and Blundell takes the full toll of it. He drives this full ball outside off through covers and fetches a boundary.

7.4

.

OHH! How often have we seen this in this innings? It is bowled on a length and outside off, Blundell covers his stumps and makes a leave.

7.3

.

Good length ball around off, it is blocked.

7.2

1

Did that carry to Kohli? No, it didn't. Just short. A length ball just outside off, Latham pokes at the ball with hard hands. The ball takes a thick outside edge and goes towards Kohli at second slip. He dives to his left and tries to catch but the ball lands just short. It hits his hands and goes towards short third man for a run.

7.1

.

Length ball on middle, Latham works it towards mid-wicket.

6.6

.

Slightly fuller but outside off again. Blundell lets it be. Once again the ball sharply moves in after going past the keeper.

6.5

4

FOUR! That's beautifully hit. Sweet timing on that. It is bowled fuller and around off, Blundell goes low and then drives it through covers for a boundary.

6.4

1

Fuller and on middle, Latham looks to flick but gets a leading edge towards cover for a run.

6.3

.

Length on off, Latham keeps it out.

6.2

.

Bouncer but off the target as it goes way down the leg side. Pant does well to pouch it with movement to his right.

6.1

.

Length ball on middle, played of the front foot and back to the bowler.

5.6

.

Just over the stumps! That was a brave leave! Yadav bowls an incoming ball which pitches just outside off and sharply moves into the batsman. Blundell covers his stumps and lets it go to the keeper. It went just over the stumps.

5.5

.

Full ball just outside off, Blundell drives it back to the bowler.

5.4

.

Angled in on a slightly shortish length, Blundell tucks it towards square leg.

5.3

.

On the pads, Blundell tries to flick but misses.

5.2

.

Full and on middle, Blundell flicks but finds mid-wicket.

5.1

2

Another easy two as Yadav bowls a length ball on middle. Blundell clips it behind square leg and runs through for a brace.

4.6

.

On a length and on off, Latham keeps it out off the front foot.

4.5

.

Full and on off, blocked back to the bowler.

4.4

2

On the pads of Latham, he easily nudges it through square leg for a couple of runs.

4.3

.

Outside off on a length, Latham makes a leave.

4.2

.

Another good length ball around off, Latham once again forces it towards point.

4.1

.

Length ball around off, Latham pushes it towards point.

3.6

.

Slightly shorter and around middle, Blundell looks to defend but misses to get hit high on the pads.

3.5

.

Landed on middle, Blundell clips it towards mid-wicket.

3.4

.

Fuller and around off, Blundell keeps it out.

3.3

.

Chases a length ball way outside off but fails to make any connection.

3.2

.

Outside off, left alone.

3.1

1

Good length ball on middle, Latham looks to work it on the leg side but the ball takes the outer half and goes towards point for a run.

2.6

.

Length ball around off, Blundell keeps it out.

2.5

4

FOUR! Blundell is off the mark in a streaky fashion. Good length ball around off, Blundell goes for the drive but the ball takes the inside edge and goes past the stumps to the fine leg fence.

2.4

.

Full and around off, pushed towards point.

2.3

.

Another ball outside off, Blundell covers his stumps and lets it be. The ball shapes back in a lot after going past the stumps and Pant does well to move to his left to collect.

2.2

.

Beaten! A length ball outside off, it comes in with the angle as Blundell tries to defend it off the back foot. He misses and the ball goes to keeper.

2.1

.

Fuller and around off, Blundell comes forward and keeps it out.

1.6

.

On a length and on off, Latham keeps it out off the front foot.

1.5

.

Length and outside off, Latham lets it go through to the keeper.

1.4

4b

FOUR BYES! Short ball gone wrong. Yadav bangs one in but the line is down the leg side. Latham lifts his bat high and moves away from the line of the delivery. Pant behind the wickets leaps to his right but the ball evades him to go to the fine leg fence. Byes given.

1.3

1lb

Full and on leg, Blundell looks to flick it but gets it off the pads towards mid-wicket for a leg bye.

1.2

.

Another ball that is bowled outside off and Blundell is happy to let that be.

1.1

.

Length ball outside off, Blundell makes a leave to this away swinger.

Umesh Yadav to bowl from the other end.

0.6

.

Length ball on middle, worked towards mid-wicket.

0.5

.

Jaffa! What a beauty! Latham couldn't have done much. Just behind good length, it pitches around off and then shapes away as Latham looks to defend. It though beats the outside edge and goes to the keeper.

0.4

.

Good length ball on off, Latham pushes it towards point.

0.3

2

He is off the mark now! Too straight from Bumrah, Latham clips it behind square leg for a couple of runs.

0.2

2lb

Off the pads but the Kiwis are underway! Bumrah sprays on the pads of Latham who tries to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The ball rolls towards fine leg and the batters cross for a couple of leg byes.

0.1

.

Bumrah starts with a good length ball angling away from the left-hander. Latham shoulders arms.

The New Zealand openers, Tom Latham and Tom Blundell will open the batting for New Zealand. The Indian players are out in the middle. Jasprit Bumrah will start the proceedings.

So, 242 on the board. A decent total one would feel if the Indian bowlers can striker early in this final session. Let's see how it pans out once the Kiwi openers come out to face the Indians.

Kyle Jamieson is down for a quick chat. He says that it is a special feeling to get to a 5-fer in front of the home crowd. Hagley Oval he mentions is very special as he has played a lot of cricket here. Further says that like Wellington the pitch has something for the fast bowlers and they are pretty satisfied with restricting India to 240 odd runs.

Earlier in the game, after being asked to bat, Indians did not start well but Shaw raked up an aggressive half ton and scored runs briskly. After his wicket, India lost the way and lost quick wickets before Pujara and Vihari crawled India back into the game with a 81-run stand. Apart from the three mentioned, who all got to their respective half tons, none of the Indian batters left any mark with the bat.

If it was Southee in the second session, Jamieson took the onus upon himself in this one as he ripped apart the Indian batting. He ended up with a fifer, his first in Tests to force the collapse. Boult removed Shami with a ripper to close the innings.

Wow! That was some collapse from the Indians. Vihari went just before the Tea. Pujara walked in with a new partner in Pant but it was all about wickets falling in quick succession as the session started. They lost 5 wickets for 45 runs in this session with 26 of those coming between Bumrah and Shami. Pant and Jadeja who had the responsibility of taking India towards a good total after a very good stand between Pujara and Vihari but they failed to do anything of note.

62.6

W

OUT! TIMBER! Boult finishes the innings with a ripper! Shami was probably thinking another bouncer but Boult dishes out a fuller and inswinging one. He tries to keep it out but is late in bringing his bat down. The ball goes behind and sends the off pole for a walk. INDIA ARE BOWLED OUT FOR 242.

The Physio walks out to the middle for the necessary concussion tests. He is looking fine though. And we are ready to go now.

62.5

.

Ouch! Shami is hit on the helmet. He takes it off and checks. Tells Boult that he is fine. Shami backs away for another slog but the bowler follows him. He tries to pull but misses to get hit on the helmet.

62.4

6

SIX! Back to back sixes now and Shami and Bumrah are adding valuable runs for India. Boult bowls one in the arc of Shami. He swings hard, connects and sends it sailing over wide long on for another maximum.

62.3

6

SIX! Connects this time and it goes all the way. Slightly short and around off, Shami hammers it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. That wasn't from the middle of the bat and goes over the ropes.

62.2

.

Bouncer on middle, this time it is Shami who tries to send it over the fence but fails to connect.

62.1

1

Length ball on middle, Bumrah goes for the slog again but the ball hits the inner half and goes towards square leg. They cross for a quick single.

61.6

3

Three more off the final ball. 9 from the over. Full and outside off, Bumrah squeezes it through gully and the batters run three.

61.5

.

Outside off, left alone.

61.4

.

Bouncer just outside off, Bumrah sways away from it.

61.3

2

A couple now as he pulls this short ball on middle down to deep mid-wicket. The fielder from the ring chases it down.

61.2

4

FOUR! He finally connects one and bags an important boundary. Length ball on middle, Bumrah flicks it past the leaping mid-wicket fielder and into the fence in the deep.

61.1

.

Swing and a miss again from Bumrah. A length ball just outside off, he goes for a mighty heave on the leg side but misses once again.

60.6

.

Full and outside off, Shami squeezes it towards gully.

60.5

.

Full and outside off, Shami looks to squeeze this one out but the ball hits the bottom part of the bat and then his hands. It rolls towards the off side.

60.4

.

Length ball on middle and leg, Shami looks to flick it to the leg side only to miss it and get hit high on the pads.

60.3

4

EDGY FOUR! Valuable runs! Length ball outside off, Shami goes to drive with hard hands but the ball takes a thick inside edge and races away to the fine leg fence.

60.2

.

Good length on off, pushed towards cover-point.

60.1

.

Fullish and around off, Shami drives it to covers.

59.6

.

And again! A length ball outside off, Bumrah throws his willow at it once again, only to miss out as the ball shapes away. Another wicket maiden from Jamieson.

59.5

.

Swing and a miss! Short one outside off, Bumrah throws his bat at it but makes no connection.

59.4

.

Beaten this time! Jamieson bowls this slightly short and just outside off. Bumrah comes forward and looks to force it towards the off side but misses.

59.3

.

Good length ball around off, Bumrah keeps it out.

Jasprit Bumrah is the last man in.

59.2

W

OUT! CAUGHT! First fifer for Jamieson in Tests and Jadeja perishes in search of quick runs! Jamieson is pumped up. Short ball on the body, Jadeja goes for the pull but ends up hitting it straight to fine leg off the top edge. Boult there dives forward and pouches the ball inches above the turf.

59.1

.

Shortish and around middle and leg, Jadeja keeps it out off his back foot.

58.6

.

Beaten! A length ball around off, it comes in with the angle as Shami tries to defend. He though is late in doing so as the ball sneaks through the gap between the bat and the pad. It goes over the stumps to the keeper.

58.5

1

Short and on middle, Jadeja plays a controlled pull towards deep square leg for a run. 1 ball for Shami to survive.

58.4

.

Now makes a leave to this length ball outside off.

58.3

4

FOUR! Clipped nicely! Jadeja is getting these important runs for India now. Boult sprays on the pads of Jadeja. All he needs to do is guide it to the fine leg fence. He does that nicely to bag consecutive boundaries.

58.2

4

FOUR! Hammered! Length ball around off, Jadeja comes down the track and lofts it over mid on for a boundary. Excellent shot and he will now look to score as many as he can.

58.1

.

Good length ball on middle, Jadeja keeps it out.

Mohammed Shami walks in to bat now.

57.6

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Another one bites the dust and India are tumbling once again. Slightly shorter ball outside off, Yadav is not one of those who will try to leave balls like these. He pokes at the ball but ends up getting a faint outside edge. The ball goes straight to the keeper and Watling will not miss out this one. A comfortable catch for him. 2nd wicket in the over and 4th in this innings for Jamieson.

57.5

.

Short and outside off, Yadav throws kitchen sink at it but fails to connect.

57.4

.

Good length ball around off, Yadav keeps it out.

57.3

.

Good length ball just outside off, Yadav thinks to push first but takes his bat away at the last moment.

Umesh Yadav is the new man in.

57.2

W

OUT! Dragged on! Another failure for Pant. He was looking itchy out in the middle, got a couple of chances in the last over but bottles it once again. It is a length ball outside off, Pant goes for the drive away from his body. The ball takes an inside edge and hits the stumps.

57.1

.

Full and around off, pushed towards mid off.

56.6

1

Short and on middle, Pant pulls it to fine leg for a run. End of an eventful over from Boult.

56.5

4

FOUR! Flicked with authority! Full and on middle, Pant whips it powerfully through mid-wicket for a boundary.

56.4

4

EDGY FOUR! Another reprieve! Shortish and around off, Pant hops and tries to defend but the ball takes a thick outside edge and flies between the keeper and the first slip fielder and into the third man fence.

56.3

.

Dropped? Yes, de Grandhomme is the man. A length ball on middle, Pant looks to flick but the ball hits the upper part of his willow and goes towards de Grandhomme at mid-wicket. He lunges forward to pouch but the ball hits his fingers and does not stick. That can be a costly drop, if Pant can whack a few and take India towards 250 or more.

56.2

.

Full around off, Pant pushes it to mid off.

56.1

.

Landed around off on a good length, Pant taps it towards point.

55.6

.

Shortish and on middle, Jadeja works it towards square leg once again.

55.5

.

Another full ball on off and middle, Jadeja flicks again, finds square leg again.

55.4

.

On the pads of Jadeja now, he flicks but finds square leg.

55.3

1

On the pads, Pant clips it behind square leg for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja is the new man in.

55.2

W

OUT! CAUGHT! That is unusual way for Pujara to get dismissed. Jamieson gets the massive wicket of Pujara. Back of a length ball outside off, Pujara is one who ducks under these more often than not. He though this time goes for the pull. The ball takes the top edge and goes way in the air towards short fine leg. Watling calls for the catch, settles under it and gobbles it comfortably. A fighting innings from Pujara but he will be kicking himself for the way that he departs.

55.1

.

Jamieson starts with a shortish ball outside off, Pujara cuts but finds point.

Kyle Jamieson is back on. 10-1-35-1 are his figures so far.

54.6

2

Pant is off the mark with a couple! Full ball just outside off, Pant leans into the shot and drives it through mid off. Before the fielder can get to the ball, Pant gets a brace.

54.5

.

Length on off, defended towards covers.

54.4

.

Good length ball around off and middle, Pant comes forward and keeps it out.

54.3

1

Good length ball around off, Pujara clips it towards mid-wicket and takes a run.

54.2

.

Full ball around off, pushed back to the bowler.

54.1

.

Full and just outside off, Pujara plays a loose shot as he goes for the drive away from his body to get beaten.

Trent Boult with the ball from the other end. 12-2-51-1 so far from him.

53.6

.

Shortish and around off, Pant gets behind the line of the ball and keeps it out.

53.5

.

Very full ball on middle, Pant flicks it towards mid-wicket.

The Kiwi players are near the boundary ropes. The hosts now get into the huddle before they disperse to their positions out in the middle. Pujara has Rishabh Pant for the company to start post the Tea break. Wagner will finish the over in which he got rid of Vihari. Pant to face. Here we go...

... Day 1, Session 3 ...

Let's see what approach Pujara opts in the final session. Will Pant try to play his natural game or will he will try to rake up a partnership with Pujara? Or will Southee be able to take a fifer to bundle the Indians out. We will soon find out. Join us in a while for the last session.

Southee was once again brilliant with the ball, striking twice. Jamieson would feel that he was unlucky when Watling spilled an easy chance and gave a life to Vihari. Wagner kept bowling the shortish length and managed to remove Vihari just before Tea. They will now try to get a couple early and aim at the lower order of the Indian batting.

Southee once again removed the Indian skipper to begin the session on a high for the hosts. Rahane did not last long as he fell too to Southee. However, Pujara kept his end intact and then he got an able support from Vihari. The duo added 81 runs in 129 balls to take India close to 200. It will be interesting to see the approach of the Indian batters when they return for the final session.

Just at the stroke of the Tea, Vihari makes a mistake. He was going after the short balls and was scoring runs too but falls in the process. The way Indians were scoring runs, it looked like they will be able to win the session, even after losing a couple of big wickets in the form of Kohli and Rahane but this wicket means that the session is shared once again.

53.4

W

OUT! CAUGHT! A wicket right at the stoke of Tea. Wagner has the last laugh here. He keeps persisting with his short ball ploy and he reaps the reward for it. Once again Wagner bowls it short and on middle, Vihari shuffles across and looks to take on Wagner for the umpteenth time but he fails to get it off the middle of the bat. The ball takes the glove and goes towards the keeper where BJ Watling gobbles it and appeals and the umpire gives it out. Vihari departs after a promising knock and a good stand is broken. That will be TEA ON DAY 1!

53.3

4

FOUR! Brilliantly played! It is a slower ball and full on the stumps, Vihari plays it straight down the ground past the mid off fielder for a boundary.

53.2

.

Short of a length ball on off, Vihari goes for the pull but misses it.

53.1

4

FOUR! Short ball on middle, Vihari makes room and cuts it uppishly over point for a boundary. He also gets to his 4th Test fifty in the process.

52.6

.

Length ball on middle, Pujara defends it to the leg side this time.

52.5

1

Full and on off, Vihari drives it through mid off for a single.

52.4

.

Length ball on off, Vihari defends it off the back foot.

52.3

2

Length ball on the pads, Vihari flicks it towards fine leg and gets a couple.

52.2

.

Full and outside off, Vihari drives it nicely but finds the cover fielder.

52.1

.

Good length ball angled into the body, Vihari looks to tuck it around the corner but misses to get hit high on the thigh pads.

51.6

1

Bouncer again, Vihari pulls it to deep square leg for a run.

51.5

.

Bouncer outside off, left alone.

51.4

4

FOUR! Runs coming thick and fast off the willow of Vihari. 4th boundary in 7 balls for him. Wagner dishes a bouncer down the leg side. Vihari rocks back and pulls it to fine leg and the ball races away to the fence.

51.3

1

Bouncer again. Pujara rolls it wrists and pulls it to deep square leg for a couple of runs.

51.2

.

Shortish and on the pads, Pujara fends it away towards square leg.

51.1

.

Short of a length ball just outside off, Pujara pushes it towards point.

Change of ends for Neil Wagner. 8-2-15-0 from him so far.

50.6

.

Outside off left alone. Expensive over from Boult comes to an end.

50.5

4

FOUR! Third one off the over. Boult almost gets a wicket there. He keeps it on a length and outside off, Vihari looks to defend it to point but ends up getting an outside edge which runs past the slip cordon and into the third man fence.

50.4

.

Another short ball and Vihari is happy to let it be.

50.3

4

FOUR! That's hammered! Boult bowls back of a length and outside off, Vihari cuts it through point for a boundary.

50.2

.

Short ball on off, Vihari ducks under it.

50.1

4

FOUR! Boult starts his new spell with a gift. He bowls one on the pads of Vihari. Hanuma there flicks it through mid-wicket and gets a boundary.

Trent Boult is back on. 10-2-36-1 are his numbers so far.

49.6

1

Length ball on off, Vihari pushes it through covers for a single.

49.5

.

On a length and on off, kept out off the back foot.

49.4

.

Full and on off, driven towards covers.

49.3

4

FOUR! Vihari is a very good player. This time he leans and drives this length ball through mid on and into the fence at long on. That brings up the 50-run stand between the two.

49.2

.

Full and outside off, Vihari plays it to mid off.

49.1

1

Short of a length ball around off, Pujara plays it late through point and crosses over for a single.

48.6

.

On a length and outside off, Vihari taps it to point.

48.5

.

Short and on middle, Vihari lets it be.

48.4

1

Full and outside off, Pujara drives it through covers for a single.

48.3

.

Length and on off, Pujara keeps it out towards covers.

48.2

.

Length ball outside off, Pujara guides it to backward point.

48.1

.

Full ball on off, Pujara plays it straight back to the bowler.

47.6

.

Length ball on off, Vihari punches the ball to covers.

47.5

.

Short ball on off, Vihari sits under it.

47.4

.

Length ball on middle, Vihari plays it towards the leg side.

47.3

.

Length ball on off, Vihari taps it to point.

47.2

4

FOUR! Full and around off, Vihari is a good player on the off side. He drives it through covers and fetches a boundary.

47.1

.

Short ball outside off, Vihari lets it be.

46.6

.

Back of a length ball around off, Pujara clips it towards mid-wicket.

46.5

.

Goes fuller and around off but Pujara is once again solid in his defense. This time off the front foot.

46.4

.

Shortish and around off, Pujara keeps it out.

46.3

.

Another leave as Wagner bowls another length ball which is angled into the right-hander. Pujara is sure of his sticks as he lets it go to the keeper.

46.2

.

In the channel outside off, Pujara covers his stumps and allows it to go to the keeper.

46.1

.

Bouncer angling into the batter. Pujara lets it be.

45.6

4

EDGY FOUR! Fuller length ball outside off, Vihari looks to defend it to the off side but gets it off the outside edge. The ball runs to the third man fence for a boundary.

45.5

.

Length and on off, Vihari plays it off the front foot towards covers.

45.4

.

Length and on off, Vihari drives it to covers.

45.3

.

Length ball on middle, Vihari looks flick it to deep mid-wicket but he fails to do so and wears the blow onto the pads. There is an appeal from the New Zealand players but nothing from the umpire. Later on the replays show that it was a good call to not review as the ball was heading down the leg side.

45.2

.

The batsman has driven it straight down the ground.

45.1

.

Full and on off, driven straight down the ground. Grandomme gets a hand to it to deflect it to mid off.

44.6

.

A short one around middle, Pujara ducks under it.

44.5

.

Slower ball on off, swinging into the batsman, Pujara looks to defend but it takes the inside half of the bat and rolls onto the pads.

44.4

.

Length and outside off, Pujara lets it be.

44.3

1

Length and on middle, pulled to deep square leg for a single.

44.2

1

Short of a length ball on middle, Pujara flicks it to deep square leg for a single. That also brings up his 25th Test fifty. He has been the only one to stand and weather the storm. He knows that he need to stay out there and help his team post a decent first innings total.

44.1

.

Bouncer down the leg side. Pujara ducks under it.

43.6

.

Full delivery on off, Vihari drives it to covers.

43.5

.

Length delivery on off, Vihari punches it to point.

43.4

.

Colin bowls a bumper, Vihari lets it sail through to the keeper.

43.3

.

Full again on middle, Hanuma drives it towards mid on.

43.2

.

Full delivery on off, Vihari drives it towards mid off.

43.1

.

On a good length on off, Vihari defends it off the back foot.

42.6

.

On a good length on off, Pujara defends it off the back foot.

42.5

.

That was nasty! Short delivery on middle, Pujara looks to defend but gets hit on the glove.

42.4

.

Good length delivery outside off, Pujara does not bother to play at that.

42.3

.

Wagner bowls a bouncer, Pujara sways away from it.

42.2

.

On a good length and outside off, Pujara offers no shot to this one.

42.1

.

Full delivery on middle, Pujara flicks it to mid-wicket.

41.6

.

Full delivery on off, Vihari plays it to covers.

41.5

.

Outside off, Vihari lets it go.

41.4

.

On a length on off, Hanuma plays it to point.

41.3

.

Good length delivery outside off, Vihari shoulders arms to this one.

41.2

2

Full delivery on off, Vihari drives it through point. The batsmen get two runs.

41.1

.

On a good length and outside off, Vihari offers no shot to this one.

Colin de Grandhommes is back on. 4-1-15-0, his figures so far.

40.6

1

Short delivery on middle, Vihari pulls it through square leg for a single.

40.5

.

Good length delivery outside off, Vihari lets it go.

40.4

1

Full delivery on off, Pujara drives it through covers. The batsmen take a run.

40.3

.

Outside off, Cheteshwar shoulders arms to this one.

40.2

.

On a good length and outside off, Pujara offers no shot to this one.

40.1

.

Full delivery on off, Pujara drives it towards mid off.

39.6

1

On a length on middle, Pujara flicks it towards fine leg for a single.

39.5

.

Good length delivery on off, Pujara defends it off the back foot.

39.4

.

On a good length and around off, Cheteshwar though watches it closely and then leaves it alone.

39.3

.

Outside off, Pujara shoulders arms to this one.

39.2

.

Good length delivery outside off, Pujara offers no shot to this one.

39.1

.

On a good length on leg, Pujara looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad.

DRINKS! This hour of play has belonged to the Kiwis! They started well picking up the wicket of the Indian skipper, Virat Kohli very early into the session and after a brief partnership, Southee picked up Rahane as well. The visitors are in a spot of bother yet again and they need Pujara and Vihari to steady the innings.

38.6

1

On a length on middle, Pujara flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

38.5

.

Good length delivery on off, Pujara keeps it out.

38.4

.

On a good length and outside off, Cheteshwar leaves it alone.

38.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Pujara blocks it well.

38.2

.

Outside off, Pujara offers no shot to this one.

38.1

1

On a good length on middle, Vihari looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It goes towards the leg side. The batsmen take a single.

37.6

4

FOUR! Luck favouring Pujara here! On a good length on middle, Pujara looks to defend but gets an inside edge. It misses the leg stump and goes towards fine leg for a boundary.

37.5

.

Bowls a bumper, Pujara lets it sail through to the keeper.

37.4

.

Jamieson bowls a bouncer, Pujara does well to duck under it.

37.3

2

Full delivery on middle, Pujara flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.

37.2

.

Good length delivery on middle, Pujara defends it to mid on.

37.1

.

On a good length and outside off, Pujara offers no shot to this one.

36.6

.

Good length delivery outside off, Hanuma does not bother to play at that.

36.5

.

Outside off, Vihari lets it go.

36.4

.

Length delivery on off, Vihari plays it to covers.

36.3

.

On a good length on middle, Vihari defends it towards mid on.

36.2

1

Fullish delivery on middle, Pujara flicks it to square leg for a single.

36.1

.

Pujara leaves this length ball outside off alone.

Neil Wagner is back on. 1-0-7-0 are his figures so far.

35.6

.

On a good length and outside off, Vihari offers no shot to this one.

35.5

.

DROPPED! That was going straight to first slip but Watling dives and makes a mess of it. On a good length on off, Vihari looks to push but gets an outside edge. It goes towards Taylor at first slip but BJ Watling dives to his right and tries to take the catch but spills it. Jamieson could have easily got his second wicket of the day but Vihari survives.

Hanuma Vihari seems to have hurt his finger. The physio has come out to check. He looks fine to continue.

35.4

.

Short delivery down the leg side, Vihari lets it go.

35.3

.

Back of a length ball on middle, Vihari looks to defend but gets hit on the gloves and the ball rolls onto the pitch.

35.2

4

FOUR! Effortless! Fullish outside off, Vihari leans forward and then drives it through the cover region for a boundary. First one for Vihari in this innings.

35.1

2

Full delivery on middle, Vihari looks to flick but it goes off the inner half towards mid-wicket. Before the mid on fielder can clean it up, the batter picks up a couple.

34.6

.

On a good length on off, Pujara defends it off the front foot.

34.5

4

FOUR! Nicely played! Full delivery on off, Pujara drives it towards the bowler where Southee tries to stop it but it goes past him through mid off. Williamson chases it, slides and tries to stop it but fails to do so and it goes into the fence.

34.4

.

Good length delivery on off, Pujara defends it off the back foot.

34.3

2

Full delivery on middle, Pujara flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.

34.2

.

On a good length and outside off, Cheteshwar offers no shot to this one.

34.1

2

Length delivery on the pads, Pujara flicks it towards fine leg. The batsmen pick up a couple.

33.6

.

Jamieson bowls a bouncer, Vihari does well to duck under it.

33.5

.

Length delivery on off, Vihari plays it towards point.

33.4

.

On a length on middle, Vihari flicks it to mid-wicket.

33.3

2

Full delivery on middle, Vihari flicks it through square leg. Trent Boult in the deep does well to stop it. The batsmen get two runs.

33.2

.

Good length delivery on middle, Vihari blocks it off the back foot.

33.1

.

On a good length and outside off, Vihari shoulders arms to this one.

32.6

.

On a length on middle, Pujara flicks it to mid-wicket.

32.5

4b

FOUR BYES! Southee bowls a bouncer, Pujara ducks under it. It goes towards the keeper where Watling tries to jump but it goes over him for a boundary.

32.4

.

Outside off, Pujara offers no shot to this one.

32.3

.

Full delivery outside off, Pujara drives it to covers.

32.2

1

On a length on middle, Vihari flicks it towards mid-wicket and gets off the mark with a single.

Hanuma Vihari is the next batter in.

32.1

W

OUT! CAUGHT!Another wicket falls! This time it is Rahane. This though is a very poor shot! Full delivery on off, Rahane looks to drive away from the body but gets an outside edge. It goes towards first slip where Ross Taylor moves to his right and takes a good catch. It was traveling pretty quickly and Taylor does really well to pouch it safely.

31.6

.

On a good length and outside off, Pujara lets it go.

31.5

2

Full delivery on middle, Pujara flicks it through square leg. The fielder in the deep does well to stop it. The batsmen get two runs.

31.4

.

Outside off, Cheteshwar does not bother to play at that.

31.3

.

Good length delivery outside off, Pujara shoulders arms to this one.

31.2

.

Outside off, Pujara lets it go.

31.1

.

On a good length and outside off, Pujara offers no shot to this one.

Kyle Jamieson is back on. 5-1-18-1 are his figures so far.

30.6

.

Full delivery on middle, Ajinkya drives it towards mid on.

30.5

.

Outside off, Rahane leaves it alone.

30.4

.

On a good length and outside off, Ajinkya offers no shot to this one.

30.3

.

Full again on off, Rahane drives it towards mid off.

30.2

.

Full delivery on middle, Rahane drives it towards mid on.

30.1

4

TOP EDGE AND FOUR! Short of a length delivery on leg, Rahane looks to pull but gets a top edge. It goes towards fine leg for a boundary.

29.6

1lb

Good length delivery on the pads, Rahane looks to flick but gets it off the pads. It goes towards the leg side. The batsmen cross ends. The umpire gives it as a leg bye.

29.5

.

On a good length on off, Rahane blocks it off the back foot.

29.4

1

Length delivery on off, Pujara plays it towards point for a run.

29.3

.

On a good length on off, Pujara looks to flick but gets a leading edge. It lands safely towards covers.

29.2

.

Good length delivery on off, Pujara looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes safely towards the slip region.

29.1

.

Full and outside off, Pujara leaves it alone.

28.6

.

Good length delivery outside off, Ajinkya shoulders arms to this one.

28.5

.

Length delivery on middle, Rahane flicks it to mid-wicket.

28.4

.

On a length on off, Rahane punches it towards mid off.

28.3

.

Outside off, Ajinkya shoulders arms to this one.

28.2

.

Good length delivery on off, Rahane defends it off the back foot.

28.1

.

On a good length on middle, Rahane looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad.

27.6

4

FOUR! This is even better! Full delivery on middle, Pujara flicks it through mid-wicket. Neil Wagner chases it, slides but fails to stop it. The ball goes onto touch the fence.

27.5

4

FOUR! Terrific shot to bring up the 100 for India! Full delivery on off, Pujara drives it through the cover region for a boundary.

27.4

2

Full delivery on middle, Pujara flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.

27.3

.

On a good length and outside off, Pujara offers no shot to this one.

27.2

3

Full delivery outside off, Rahane drives it through cover-point. The batsmen get three runs. Rahane is off the mark as well.

27.1

1

On a length on middle, Pujara flicks it through square leg. Colin de Grandhomme runs and does well to stop it. The batsmen take a single.

26.6

.

Length delivery on middle, Ajinkya flicks it to mid-wicket.

26.5

.

Good length delivery on middle, Rahane looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad.

26.4

.

On a good length and outside off, Ajinkya lets it go.

26.3

.

Outside off, Rahane leaves it alone.

26.2

.

Good length delivery on off, Rahane defends it out.

26.1

4lb

FOUR LEG BYES! On a length on leg, Rahane looks to flick but misses. It seems to have gone off the gloves and the ball races to the fine leg fence. The umpire signals it four leg byes but the replays show that it had kissed the gloves.

25.6

.

Short delivery on middle, Pujara keeps it out.

25.5

.

On a good length on off, Pujara defends it off the front foot.

25.4

.

Boult bowls a bouncer down the leg side, Pujara ducks under it.

25.3

2

Full again on off, Pujara dabs it towards deep point. The batsmen pick up a couple.

25.2

.

Full delivery on middle, Pujara defends it uppishly towards mid-wicket.

25.1

.

Good length delivery on middle, Pujara blocks it well.

24.6

.

On a good length and outside off, Rahane does not bother to play at that. Wicket maiden for Southee.

24.5

.

Full delivery on middle, Rahane flicks it to mid-wicket.

24.4

.

Outside off, Rahane shoulders arms to this one.

24.3

.

Good length delivery on middle, Rahane keeps it out.

24.2

.

Full delivery on middle, Rahane defends it off the back foot.

Ajinkya Rahane is the next batsman in.

24.1

W

OUT! LBW! Plumb in front! Waste of another review from India! It is Kohli who has to walk back to the pavilion. Another failure for Virat on this tour. Full delivery to start from Southee on middle, swinging in. Kohli looks to drive but misses to get hit on the pads. Southee and the rest appeal and the umpire obliges with them as he raises the dreaded finger. Kohli discusses with Pujara and then decides to go for the review at the last moment. The Ultra Edge rolls in and it shows that there is no bat on it. The Ball Tracker shows that it will go onto hit the middle stump. Excellent start to the session for the Kiwis.

Kohli has been given out LBW! Kohli, after a discussion with Pujara has taken it upstairs. It looks plumb. Let's see what happens.

Tim Southee to bowl from the other end. 7-1-25-1 are his figures so far.

23.6

.

Outside off, Pujara sways away from it. Maiden over to begin with from Boult.

23.5

.

On a good length on off, Cheteshwar blocks it well.

23.4

.

Full delivery on middle, Pujara looks to drive but gets it off the inner half of the bat. It goes towards mid-wicket.

23.3

.

On a good length on off, Pujara plays it to point.

23.2

.

Boult bowls a bumper, Pujara ducks under it.

23.1

.

On a good length on off, Pujara keeps it out.

We are back for the second session. The New Zealand players are out in the middle. Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli will resume their innings. Trent Boult will start the proceedings after Lunch.

... Day 1, Session 2 ...

So, after the Lunch break, India will look to keep on getting the runs with minimal damage while the Kiwis would look to pick up wickets as quickly as possible. The session after Lunch promises to be another promising one. Join us for that at 1440 Local.

New Zealand, on the other hand, were not poor with the ball. They bowled tight lines and lengths and troubled the batters a bit but Prithvi Shaw played some delightful shots to their bowling. Boult has been impressive while Colin de Grandhomme was good in his opening spell. Kyle Jamieson was the other bowler to get into the wickets column as he picked up the wicket of Shaw. Tom Latham has to be credited for his wicket as he took a brilliant catch to send the half-centurion packing. Overall, the Kiwis will be happy with the session.

23 overs, 85 runs and two wickets. India have done a much better job with the bat so far than they did in the First Test. They would have been happier if they had not lost the wicket of Prithvi Shaw in the later half of the session. They started positively in this session with Shaw going all guns blazing at the start. Mayank Agarwal lost his wicket to Boult but then Shaw and Pujara stitched a good 50-run stand before Shaw was out to a brilliant catch from Tom Latham. Pujara has been defensive and has been joined by the Indian skipper, Virat Kohli who has looked good so far.

22.6

.

Full one outside off, Kohli shoulders arms to this one. LUNCH ON DAY 1.

22.5

.

Another full one on off, Kohli prods forward and defends it out to cover.

22.4

.

Full on middle, Kohli pushes it to mid off.

22.3

1

Good length ball on the pads, Pujara flicks it to fine leg and crosses over for a single.

22.2

.

Full delivery outside the off stump line, Cheteshwar lets the ball go to the keeper.

22.1

.

Full delivery on middle, Pujara flicks it to mid-wicket.

21.6

.

BEATEN! Excellent ball to end the over! Back of a length ball outside off, moving away from the batter. Kohli looks to defend but fails to get any bat on it.

21.5

.

Full on off, Kohli lunges forward and then defends it to the point region.

21.4

.

Length ball outside off, Kohli shoulders arms to it.

21.3

.

Back of a length ball outside off, Kohli lets the ball go to the keeper.

21.2

1

On off, pushed to the point region for a single.

21.1

.

Full delivery outside off, Pujara leaves the ball alone.

20.6

.

Good length ball on off, Kohli defends it to the point region.

20.5

.

Outside off, Kohli leaves the ball alone.

20.4

.

Good length ball outside off, Virat lets the ball go to the keeper.

20.3

.

Another full one, this time it is on the off stump line, Kohli lunges and blocks it to cover.

20.2

.

Full delivery outside the off stump line, Kohli makes a leave to this one.

20.1

.

Full delivery down the leg side, Kohli looks to flick but misses.

Tim Southee is back on. 5-1-24-0 are his figures so far.

19.6

.

Back of a length ball outside off, Cheteshwar lets it go to the keeper.

19.5

.

Fullish ball outside the off stump line, Pujara leaves the ball alone.

19.4

.

Outside off, left alone by Pujara.

19.3

.

The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.

19.2

3

Full delivery on middle, Kohli flicks it in style towards deep mid-wicket and picks up three before the fielder comes across and cleans it up with a dive.

Virat Kohli, is the next man in.

19.1

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Blinder of a catch from Tom Latham to end Shaw's brilliant innings. Shaw will be disappointed though as he had got a start and was looking in terrific touch out there. Full delivery outside off, Shaw looks to drive without moving his feet. It takes the outside edge and goes towards Latham at second slip. Latham jumps in the air and then plucks it out of thin air with his left hand. Brilliant piece of fielding and Shaw makes a long walk back to the pavilion.

18.6

.

Length ball on middle, CP flicks it to mid-wicket.

18.5

.

Good length ball outside off, Pujara leaves the ball alone.

18.4

1

Around middle, Shaw pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single. 50-run stand is up between the two.

18.3

.

Short ball down the leg side, Shaw ducks under it.

18.2

6

SIX! Risky way to get to his fifty! Second fifty for Shaw in Tests. Wagner dishes a short ball around middle and leg, Shaw pulls it over the deep square leg fielder for a maximum. Boult jumps but the ball goes over him. After a failure in the first Test, Shaw makes amends with a brilliant fifty.

18.1

.

Wagner starts with a short ball around middle and leg, Shaw ducks under it.

Neil Wagner is brought on for the first time today.

17.6

4

FOUR! Poor delivery from Jamieson! On a length on leg, Pujara flicks it easily towards fine leg for a boundary.

17.5

2

Full delivery on off, Pujara drives it through mid off. Williamson chases it and does well to stop it before the ropes. The batsmen get two runs.

17.4

.

On middle, Pujara flicks it to square leg.

17.3

3

On a length on middle, Shaw flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get three runs.

17.2

.

BEATEN! Full and just outside off, Shaw looks to drive but misses it due to the inward movement on this one.

17.1

.

Full delivery on off, Shaw drives it to covers.

16.6

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

16.5

.

Length ball on middle, Cheteshwar works it to the leg side.

16.4

.

On middle, defended out.

16.3

.

Full on middle, Pujara defends it out off the front foot.

16.2

.

Good length ball outside off, Pujara shoulders arms to this one.

16.1

.

NOT OUT! Missing the stumps! Only the height could have saved Pujara and that is exactly what has happened here. Good length ball around middle, swinging in. Pujara surprisingly looks to leave it alone but gets hit on the pads. Colin de Grandhomme appeals but the umpire shakes his head. After a brief discussion with Williamson, the Kiwis take the review. The Ultra Edge and the Snickometer is shown to check whether there was any bat on it. No bat shows the replays. Is it surprising? No, Pujara had left the ball so there was a rare chance that it will hit the bat. The Ball Tracker rolls in and it shows that the ball was going over the stumps. New Zealand lose their review.

An LBW appeal has been taken upstairs. Pujara is the man in question. It looks close. He has left the ball alone so the impact would not matter. Let's see what happens.

15.6

.

Length ball on off, Shaw prods forward and then pushes it to the point fielder.

15.5

.

Good length ball on middle, Shaw flicks it to square leg.

15.4

.

On off, Prithvi solidly blocks it out.

15.3

.

Very full delivery down the leg side, Shaw looks to flick but misses to get any bat on it.

15.3

5wd

FIVE WIDES! Way over the keeper! Jamieson digs in a bouncer around middle, Shaw ducks under it. Watling hops and then tries to collect it but the ball flies over his head and into the fence.

15.2

.

Good length ball around off, Shaw looks to defend but it goes off the inner half towards square leg.

15.1

.

Very full delivery on middle, Shaw digs it out to the off side.

14.6

.

Good length ball on middle, Pujara blocks it out onto the pitch.

14.5

.

The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.

14.4

1

EDGY! Good length ball outside off, Shaw looks to push it off the back foot but it takes the inside edge and goes past the leg stump and towards the fine leg region. The batters take a single.

14.3

.

Length ball on off, Shaw pushes it to cover off the back foot.

14.2

.

Doesn't carry! Good length ball outside off, Shaw looks to defend with hard hands but it takes the outside edge and lands just short of Southee at second slip.

14.1

.

Good length ball on middle, Prithvi works it to the leg side.

13.6

.

On middle, Cheteshwar flicks it to mid-wicket. Jamieson starts with a maiden.

13.5

.

BEATEN! Length ball outside off, Pujara looks to defend but misses to get any bat on it.

13.4

.

BEATEN! Beautiful from Jamieson! Just over the off stump! Good length ball around off, swinging in. Pujara looks to defend but the ball sneaks between his bat and pad and into the mitts of the keeper. It goes just above the off stump.

13.3

.

Full outside off, Pujara shoulders arms to this one.

13.2

.

Back of a length ball on off, Pujara stands tall and then defends it out onto the pitch.

13.1

.

Good length ball outside the off stump line, swinging away, Pujara looks to defend at first but then decides to leave it alone.

Kyle Jamieson is on.

12.6

4

FOUR! Nicely played! Fullish delivery outside off, Shaw punches it past the point fielder and into the fence.

12.5

.

On middle, pushed back to the bowler.

12.4

.

Good length ball around middle, Shaw looks to flick but misses to get hit on the thigh pad.

12.3

.

Well fielded! Shortish outside off, Shaw punches it crisply towards point where Blundell dives and makes a good stop. Saved a certain boundary.

12.2

.

Good length ball on middle, Shaw defends it out to the bowler.

12.1

4

FOUR! Nice way to start after the Drinks break! Full on middle, Shaw creams the drive past the bowler and into the fence for a boundary.

Drinks Break! India have started positively after being put into bat by the Kiwis. Shaw has looked good and has already hit 6 boundaries while Pujara has started off solidly. For the Kiwis, Boult looked good and was rewarded with a wicket of Mayank Agarwal. An interesting passage of play awaits.

11.6

.

Outside off, Pujara makes another leave to the keeper.

11.5

.

Good length ball on middle, Pujara defends it back to Boult.

11.4

.

Full delivery way outside off, Pujara has no problems in leaving it alone.

11.3

4

FOUR! Half volley and put away! It is bowled around off, Pujara drives it through mid off for a boundary. First one for him in this innings. 50 up for the visitors.

11.2

.

Length ball outside the off stump line, Cheteshwar lets the ball go to the keeper.

11.1

.

Good length ball on middle, Pujara defends it out.

10.6

4

FOUR! Creamed! Excellent shot from Shaw! Fullish outside off, Shaw leans forward and drives it through the cover region for a boundary.

10.5

1

Another full delivery down the leg side, Pujara tucks it to fine leg for a single.

10.4

1

Full on middle and leg, Prithvi flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

10.3

.

Good length ball around middle and leg, Shaw looks to flick but misses to get hit on the thigh pad.

10.2

.

Good length ball on off, Shaw defends it off to the cover region.

10.1

.

Full delivery on off, Shaw drives it towards mid off.

Colin de Grandhomme is into the attack.

9.6

.

Length ball outside off, Pujara leaves the ball alone.

9.5

2

Pujara is off the mark off the thirteenth delivery! Full delivery outside off, Pujara drives it through the cover region and picks up a couple.

9.4

.

Good length ball outside off, Pujara leaves it alone.

9.3

.

Outside off, left alone.

9.2

1lb

LEG BYE! Good length ball on the pads, Shaw looks to flick but misses to get hit on the thigh pad. The ball rolls to the leg side and the batters steal a leg bye.

9.1

.

Just short! Shaw is really lucky here! Could have gone straight into the hands of the fielder at first slip. Good length ball outside off, Shaw, without moving his feet looks to push. It takes the outside edge and goes towards first slip. Southee, at second slip dives to his left but does not get a hand on it. Taylor moves to his right but the ball falls short of him as well.

8.6

.

Full delivery on middle, flicked to mid-wicket.

8.5

.

Full on off, Pujara lunges forward and then defends it out to mid off.

8.4

1

Good length ball around middle, Shaw pushes it to mid off and takes a single.

8.3

.

Southee bowls a bouncer around middle, Shaw ducks under it.

8.2

.

Good length ball outside off, Shaw shoulders arms to this one.

8.1

4

FOUR! Excellent timing from Shaw! Full on the pads, Shaw flicks it beautifully wide of the mid on fielder for a boundary.

7.6

.

Good length ball on off, Pujara defends it to cover.

7.5

.

Good length ball on middle, swinging in, Pujara works it uppishly, just past the short leg fielder.

7.4

.

Short ball outside off, Pujara sways away from it.

7.3

.

Fuller one on middle, Pujara is solid in defense and does so back to the bowler.

7.2

.

Full on middle, Pujara defends it out.

7.1

.

Full delivery on off, Pujara tucks it to mid-wicket.

6.6

.

On a length on off, Shaw pushes it to the mid off fielder.

6.5

.

BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle, Shaw ducks under it.

6.4

.

On middle, Prithvi pushes it to mid on.

6.3

.

Good length ball on off, Shaw defends it to the off side off the front foot.

6.2

.

Good length delivery on leg, Shaw looks to flick but gets hit on the pads.

6.1

2

On a length on off, Shaw punches it through point. The batsmen get two runs.

5.6

.

On a length on off, Cheteshwar blocks it out.

5.5

.

Good length ball on middle, Pujara defends it out onto the pitch off the back foot.

Cheteshwar Pujara is the new batsman in.

5.4

W

OUT! LBW! Three reds it is and Boult has struck the first blow for his side. Brilliant delivery from Trent Boult. New Zealand have struck early yet again. Full delivery on middle and leg, swinging in. Agarwal looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. Trent and the rest of his teammates put in an appeal and the umpire raises his finger. Agarwal discusses with his partner and then decides to go for the review. The Ultra Edge rolls in and it shows that there was no bat on it. The Ball Tracker is then shown. It shows that it is pitching in line and hitting the leg stump, sending Agarwal on his way back to the pavilion. He takes one review along with him as well.

Mayank Agarwal has been given out LBW and after a brief discussion with Prithvi Shaw decides to refer the LBW decision upstairs. There is no bat involved and the Ball Tracker shows that it was all reds.

5.3

.

Play and a miss! Nicely bowled from Boult! Full delivery outside off, Agarwal looks to play the drive but fails to make any connection with it.

5.2

.

Good length ball on middle, Agarwal tucks it to mid-wicket.

5.1

4

EDGY FOUR! Good length ball on middle, Agarwal looks to defend but it takes the outside edge and goes through the gully region for a boundary.

4.6

4

FOUR! Beautiful from Shaw! Southee overpitches this one on middle, Shaw drives it past the bowler through mid on for the second boundary of the over.

4.5

4

FOUR! Shaw is looking in fantastic touch! Back of a length ball outside off, Shaw stands tall and then punches it off the back foot to the cover fence for a boundary.

4.4

1

Full delivery on the pads, Agarwal flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

4.3

.

Full delivery around off, Mayank pushes it down to mid off.

4.2

.

Very full delivery outside off. It swings in after pitching but Agarwal watches it closely and lets it go to the keeper.

4.1

.

Full delivery on the pads, Agarwal works it to mid-wicket.

3.6

.

Length delivery around off, Shaw pushes it to cover off the back foot.

3.5

.

Good length delivery on middle, Shaw blocks it off the back foot to the bowler.

3.4

.

On the pads, Shaw looks to flick but misses to get hit on the thigh pad.

3.3

2

Another full delivery on middle, Shaw drives it past Boult, who gets a hand on it but fails to stop it and picks up a couple before the fielder comes across and cleans it up.

3.2

.

Full on middle, swinging in. Shaw blocks it out off the front foot to cover.

3.1

1

Good length ball on the pads, Agarwal works it to the deep square leg region for a single.

2.6

4

FOUR! Positive start from India! Short of a length outside off, Shaw rocks on his back foot and then punches it through the point region for a boundary.

2.5

.

Full on off, moving away from Shaw. Prithvi plays it towards mid off.

2.4

.

Very full delivery on off, Shaw pushes it to point.

2.3

2

Southee dishes a full delivery outside off, Shaw drives it through covers for another couple. Good positive start from Prithvi Shaw.

2.2

2

Creamed! Good length ball outside off, Shaw leans forward and drives it through covers. The fielder chases after it and cleans it up but does not stop the batters from taking two.

2.1

.

Good length delivery on off. It swings away and Shaw solidly defends it to the mid off region.

1.6

.

Length ball on the pads, Agarwal looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. 6 runs from the first over off Boult.

1.5

1

Good running! Length ball around off, Shaw defends it to cover and takes off for a quick single. They make it easily in the end.

1.4

.

Excellent bowling from Boult! Good length ball outside the off stump line, Shaw looks to defend but the ball whizzes past the outside edge of the bat and goes into the mitts of the keeper.

1.3

.

Fullish delivery outside the off stump line, Shaw shoulders arms to this one.

1.2

4

FOUR! Shaw is underway with a boundary! Good length ball outside off, Shaw gets to the pitch of the ball and then looks to push but it takes the outside edge and goes through the backward point region for the first boundary of the game.

1.1

1

India are underway! Boult starts with an inswinger on middle, Agarwal flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

Trent Boult to bowl from the other end.

0.6

.

Good length ball outside off, Shaw pushes it to cover. Excellent start from Southee. A maiden to start off.

0.5

.

Good length ball on middle, Shaw flicks it to square leg. Shaw thinks of a single but is sent back by Agarwal. Of all things, India do not want a run out.

0.4

.

Full delivery on off, swinging away, Shaw prods forward and drives it to mid off.

0.3

.

Full delivery on middle and leg, Shaw pushes it to the mid on fielder.

0.2

.

Good length ball on middle, Shaw this time solidly defends it out back to the bowler.

0.1

.

Swing straightaway! Southee starts with a length ball on middle, swinging away. Shaw looks to play the flick but misses to get hit on the thigh pad. Good start from Southee.

We are all set to begin! The Kiwi players make their way out to the middle, after being in a huddle. Mayank Agarwal and Prithvi Shaw follow them out. Tim Southee will start for the hosts. 3 slips in place for him.

Both teams make their way out to the field for their respective National Anthems. First up is India's followed by the Kiwis.

Neil Wagner is now down for an interview who became a father recently. He says that it has been a pretty special week and it is nice to be back with the guys and play some Test cricket. Adds that he and his wife were watching the first game from the hospital and it was good to see the boys playing well. Goes onto say that he is looking forward to this game.

Ajinkya Rahane is down for an interview. He says that they were expecting it to rain today but it is good to see that it has cleared now. Adds that they are looking forward to this game. States that they got starts in Wellington and it is important that they get partnerships. Goes onto say that this wicket plays really well and there is more bounce on this wicket. States that they need to adjust to the conditions quickly.

Pitch report - Mark Richardson says that there is a lot of grass on this wicket. Says that it will remain green for a long period of time. Adds that it is a spongy wicket with some moisture on it and it might take two days to harden up. Adds that it is not a great day to be a batsman on this wicket.

New Zealand (Playing XI) - Tom Latham, Tom Blundell, Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling (WK), Colin de Grandhomme, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner (In place of Ajaz Patel), Trent Boult.

India (Playing XI) - Prithvi Shaw, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (C), Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja (In place of Ravichandran Ashwin), Umesh Yadav (In place of Ishant Sharma), Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah.

Virat Kohli, the Indian skipper, says that they would have bowled first as well but they are ready to do the difficult. Says that Umesh Yadav replaces Ishant Sharma, who is facing an injury and Ravindra Jadeja comes in for Ravichandran Ashwin. Goes onto say that they need to find ways to score on this wicket.

Kane Williamson, the New Zealand skipper, says that they are going to have a bowl first. Adds that the pitch has a greenish tinge on it and they give a chance for the pacers early on. States that Neil Wagner comes in for Ajaz Patel. Goes on to say that there will be bounce on this wicket.

Toss - Time for the spin of the coin. New Zealand have won the toss and they choose to bowl first.

Greetings! Welcome to our coverage of the second Test match between India and New Zealand. After being thrashed in the first Test, India would hope that they perform better and level the series. Ishant Sharma might miss out as his ankle injury resurfaced and that will be a big blow. They are set to retain Shaw as the second opener despite having a poor first Test. New Zealand, on the other hand, were brilliant with the ball at the Basin Reserve and to further bolster their bowling attack, Neil Wagner has been added to the squad. Who will he replace? Ajaz Patel or Kyle Jamieson? Toss and team updates in a while.

Match Center

2nd Test, Christchurch, February 29, 2020, 04:00 AM

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