India batters fight back to keep first Test alive after forgettable first innings

After a forgettable second day of the first Test, Team India fought back strongly on the third, thanks to a brilliant showdown from their batters after New Zealand posted a staggering 402, securing a lead of 366 runs. Starting the day at 180/3, the Kiwis ran into an early challenge as the Indian bowlers struck in quick succession to remove Daryl Mitchell (18) and Tom Blundell (5).

Not long after, a double strike from Ravindra Jadeja got the better of Glenn Phillips (14) and Matt Henry (8), reducing the visitors to 233/7. Much to India’s surprise, a resilient knock from Tim Southee saw them roaring back to life as he joined forces with Rachin Ravindra to add 137 runs for the eighth wicket. It was eventually Mohammed Siraj who sent Southee packing while Kuldeep Yadav cleared the remainder of the resistance to bundle out New Zealand for 402.

Trailing by a monumental margin, Team India started fighting back. Both Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal meant business and pressed the gas hard enough right from the word go. Jaiswal blasted 35 from 52 balls while Sharma scored 52 from just 63 balls, adding 72 runs for the opening stand.

Despite Sharma and Jaiswal falling in quick succession, rekindling the déjà vu, the Indian ship stabilized itself with Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan taking over the reins. The duo added 136 runs for the third wicket and would have hoped to add more only if Virat Kohli wouldn’t have nicked one to Tom Blundell behind the stumps. Virat scored an excellent 70 before the mishap while Sarfaraz stayed unbeaten for 70 as well. India finished the day with a score of 231/3 and will hope to plug the deficit without further ado.

Brief scores:

India - 46 & 231/3 (Sarfaraz Khan – 70*, Virat Kohli – 70, Ajaz Patel – 2/70)

New Zealand – 402/10 (Rachin Ravindra – 134, Devon Conway – 91, Ravindra Jadeja – 3/72)