New Zealand vs India, 2nd Test Day 2, Preview: India desperate for wickets after another difficult day

It was another day to forget for India on their tour of New Zealand, which after the T20Is have gone south sharply. The batsmen, despite sparking a bit, were bowled out for 242, and the bowlers were then frustrated as New Zealand posted 63/0 by stumps to reduce the deficit to 179. A long second day awaits India if they cannot get early wickets.

Wickets weren’t a problem for New Zealand on the day. Kyle Jamieson is proving quite a find – he returned 5/45 and was once again a thorn in the side for India. But his wickets came after tea. India started well enough, with Prithvi Shaw being adventurous, scoring a 64-ball 54, including eight fours and a six.

India could not capitalise though. Mayank Agarwal was trapped in front by Trent Boult early on, and Shaw’s burst ended soon after. The form of captain Virat Kohli proved another source of worry for the visitors – he scored a 15-ball 3 before being undone by an inswinger from Tim Southee that had him trapped plumb. When Ajinkya Rahane fell to Southee as well shortly thereafter, India were all over the place.

There was some reprieve when G Hanuma Vihari joined Cheteshwar Pujara, and India had their phase of the day. Their 81-run stand for the fifth wicket powered India to a comfortable position, at one stage, with both batsmen scoring half-centuries and playing watchful knocks. However, there was a moment of madness from Vihari – he looked to play an unnecessary pull at the stroke of tea, and was caught behind – and that triggered another implosion.

Pujara, uncharacteristically, also fell attempting to play a pull, and when Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja were dismissed early in their innings, the sting was taken out of India. The tail managed to boost the total to 242, but that was far from enough on the day, especially given how the New Zealand openers batted in the 23 overs the Indian pacemen bowled at them.

They were solid and watchful, seeing off a few tricky deliveries, and managed to put New Zealand in quite a comfortable position by the end of the day. The visitors will hope their pacers can finally find some movement on the second morning under helpful conditions. It’s imperative for India that they do, or this could be another long day.

Key players

Kane Williamson (New Zealand): New Zealand’s captain and the anchor of the innings will have to ensure India’s pursuit for wickets are stopped at the first possible opportunity. His wicket will be crucial, as he’ll be looked upon by New Zealand to guide the team to a sizeable total.

Jasprit Bumrah (India): One thing India has been lacking this series has been the usual verve from Bumrah. They desperately need it now, and there were signs late on the first day that Bumrah might yet find it again. If he does, New Zealand’s stint in the middle will be a lot less comfortable.

Brief scores

India 242 in 63 overs (Prithvi Shaw 54, Cheteshwar Pujara 54, Hanuma VIhari 55; Kyle Jamieson 5/45, Tim Southee 2/38) lead New Zealand 63/0 in 23 overs (Tom Latham 27*, Tom Blundell 29*) by 179 runs.

Prediction

Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor to guide New Zealand to an innings lead, and around the 350 mark.