1st Test, New Zealand vs India, Day 2 preview: India seek solidity amidst batting troubles

It was a dream debut for Kyle Jamieson. The lad made the XI only because Neil Wagner couldn’t be part of the squad – he and his wife are expecting – but he made full use of the opportunity, returning 3/38 to reduce India to 122/5 before rain forced early stumps in Wellington.

This wasn’t how it was supposed to go for India. Their top order crumbled, and the rebuilding task is now left to the seasoned Ajinkya Rahane and the maverick Rishabh Pant.

They may well pull this off on the second day. They definitely need to. Rahane has a reputation for being an overseas specialist in such situations for India, while Pant, who was surprisingly picked over Wriddhiman Saha, has to repay the faith the management have shown in him.

The trouble is, in home conditions, New Zealand are phenomenal, especially their pacemen. Jamieson is testament to that. The 25-year-old was playing his first ever international, against the No.1 Test in the world, but seemed completely at ease.

India, meanwhile, despite possessing a wealth of experience, were all over the place. The much-vaunted Prithvi Shaw failed on his comeback to the Test team, scoring a quick 18-ball 16 before Tim Southee, with an outswinger, had his stumps disturbed.

Cheteshwar Pujara hung around as Cheteshwar Pujara does even as Mayank Agarwal kept the runs coming every now and then. But then, two quick wickets drove home the point for India – New Zealand are a stellar Test team at home. Jamieson first had Pujara caught behind with a delivery that straightened, and then prompted the drive from India captain Virat Kohli to have him pouched at slip.

When Agarwal himself was dismissed by Trent Boult and G Hanuma Vihari followed suit, India were all at sea. It was just as well that Rahane wasn’t in the mood to add to the collapse on the day, and that he scored a 122-ball 38, even as Pant hit a 37-ball 10. They revived India to an extent, but the damage already sustained is significant.

India now need these two to bat through the second day, at the very least.

Key players

Ajinkya Rahane (India): India’s overseas specialist has been in these situations before and has helped revive the team. He will have to do so again, and a particularly key role he’ll have to play is in guiding Pant at the other end. The youngster is prone to rushes of bloody, and Rahane must ensure he is constantly communicating with him.

Kyle Jamieson (New Zealand): Jamieson has the wind in his sails now and didn’t look like he wanted to stop bowling. He will look to make a peach of debut one of the greatest ever. Indians will be wary of him now, though, and that’ll make his job harder. Can he manage?

Brief scores

India 122/5 in 55 overs (Mayank Agarwal 34, Ajinkya Rahane 38*; Kyle Jamieson 3/38) vs New Zealand

Prediction

If rain allows play, expect India to grind their way through the day. They will target something around the 250-mark at the very least.