1st Test, New Zealand vs India, Day 3 preview: New Zealand in control, but wickets can give India a look-in

Given India were bundled out for 165 – an addition of just 43 runs from their overnight total – things could have been a lot worse by stumps on the second day of the Wellington Test against New Zealand.

New Zealand had a lead of 51, having been reduced to 216/5, and that was in large part thanks to Ishant Sharma, who excelled even as other bowlers struggled to hit the right lengths, and returned a 3/38 that kept India in the game.

The day began encouragingly for India, when Rishabh Pant lifted Ajaz Patel over mid-on for six off just the fourth ball of the day. Things quickly went downhill thereafter though. Pant to sacrifice his wicket after Ajinkya Rahane called him through for a quick single despite his protestations. R Ashwin fell on the very next ball, and when Rahane departed five overs later, India’s innings lost all impetus.

It was up to the bowlers, then. This was a chance for India’s famed pace attack to show the world how their significantly improved unit was going to make the team world-beaters overseas. Unfortunately, it wasn’t as straightforward as all that.

Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, in particular, struggled to hit the right lengths, and the opening wicket of Tom Latham was fortunate – he was caught down leg off Ishant Sharma. However, Ishant went on from there, using his experience and skill to keep the batsmen in check. They found their release at the other end though, with Kane Williamson and Tom Blundell adding 47 for the second wicket, before Taylor joined Williamson for a 93-run stand.

However, India didn’t lose heart during that frustrating stand. They kept trying, and eventually, the wickets came. Ross Taylor was undone by a length delivery from Ishant that had extra bounce, while Williamson, 11 short of a century, couldn’t keep a drive down and sent a catch straight to Ravindra Jadeja. When Henry Nicholls then edged R Ashwin to slips, New Zealand were five down, their position looking a lot more precarious.

What India now need is wickets, at the soonest possible moment. That’s easier said than done though, especially with Bumrah still looking out of sorts and New Zealand possessing BJ Watling, one of the most obdurate, and underrated, batsman in the modern game. It should make for interesting viewing.

Key players

BJ Watling (New Zealand): Watling has made a habit of grinding out New Zealand from tough positions. He will be key tomorrow as India look for early wickets. New Zealand will want Watling to bat with the tail and ensure the lead reaches safe proportions.

Ishant Sharma (India): Ishant looked India’s most likely source of wickets on the day, and his experience and skill are a massive part of this pace attack. He will need to lead the attack ad provide the impetus for India to break New Zealand at the soonest opportunity.

Brief scores

India 165 in 68.1 overs (Mayank Agarwal 34, Ajinkya Rahane 46; Kyle Jamieson 4/39, Tim Southee 4/49) vs New Zealand 216/5 in 71.1 overs (Kane Williamson 89, Ross Taylor 44; Ishant Sharma 3/38)

Prediction

New Zealand to fight, and post a lead around 125.