IND v NZ, 1st Test Day 2: 5 Talking Points

Skipper Kane Williamson and Tom Latham batted wonderfully to put New Zealand in a strong position before the rains forced a premature end to the day’s play.

After folding up India for 318, n the first innings of the first Test, New Zealand batsman batted strongly to finish at 152/1 atthe time of stumps. They progressed pretty steadily after losing the wicket of Martin Guptill at the score of 35. Williamson and Latham then joined together to put up a strokeful 117 runs stand between them to frustrate India. However, only two sessions were possible today after the rains ate away the last and the final session of the day.

1.Positive start:

The first half hour of the day belonged to Ravindra Jadeja and Umesh Yadav as both hiked the total past the 300 run mark much to the satisfaction of the Indian fans.

The duo added valuable 27 runs to the overnight score of 291/9 and finish at a respectable 318 in the first innings. Ravindra Jadeja spearheaded the final wicket partnership of 41 runs which came off only 59 balls.

Yadav also did his best to hang in there for 27 deliveries making 9 runs. His support helped Jadeja continue batting with his counter attacking approach. Umesh Yadav continued his good work with ball as well , giving India its first breakthrough when he snapped opener Martin LBW in the 10th over.

2. Tom Latham and Kane Williamson defy the Indian spinners:

The Indians were having a good first session before Tom Latham and Kane Williamson joined together and began grinding the hosts. Opener Guptill departed in the 10th over with the Black Caps score on just 35.

Kohli had introduced Jadeja and Ashwin quite early in attempt to add more pressure and snap wickets. However, the duo batted supremely and batted out the Indian bowlers all through the first and the second session to remain not out at the time when the rain began pouring.

The pair added an unbeaten 117 runs for the 2nd wicket. Patience was their key today as they slowly but steadily kept building their partnerships and went on to finish their respective half-centuries.

3. Flap hits the stumps but Williamson survives:

Kane Williamson and Tom Latham batted smoothly but the Indian bowlers were not completely neutered. And, the 32nd over saw Ashwin coming very close to getting India the much needed wicket.

Williamson’s attempt to defend the balls fails badly after Ashwin managed to get some extra bounce off the pitch and knock off Williamson’s helmet. The blow dislodges the flap which hits the stumps! But, fortunately, the bails did not come off and Williamson gets saved.

The loop and dip had forced Williamson to reach forward to defend but he fails to reach the ball where it pitches, it turns and bounces sharply.

4. Getting grilled by umpiring laws:

The 37th over then saw another bit of drama unfold after KL Rahul fumbled catch created confusion among viewers. Tom Latham sweeping tactics saw him get into trouble after he mistimed his attempt to sweep away a Ravindra Jadeja and scooped up to the short leg fielder KL Rahul.

The fielder fumbled a bit was eventually able to keep hold the ball. There was a huge appeal. On-field umpire Richard Kettle Borough chose to seek the help of the third umpire Anil Chaudhary.

The replays indicated that the ball was clearly touching grill of Rahul’s helmet and as per the rule, if the ball touches any part of helmet then the decision will be given not out and something similar happened here as well as the third umpire ruled the decision in the favour of Latham. The viewers, however, were divided and had different opinions.

5. Cricket’s greatest enemy plays spoilsport:

Rains hindered with today’s play to force a premature end to the day. Everything was going fine. The Black Caps duo of Latham and Williamson were grinding the Indian bowlers and hosts were facing a serious competition.

The game was proceeding in a very exciting manner. But, then the rains came down pouring to suspend the play and eventually force the umpires to call stumps. New Zealand ended the day on a high, with 152/1 on the scoreboard trailing India by 166 runs.