In an extraordinary turn of events on the cricket field, India, coming off a historically poor batting performance, found some respite with a steady beginning in their second innings during the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru. The day marked a significant recovery for India after they recorded Asia’s lowest-ever Test total in their first innings, which sent shockwaves through the cricketing world.
With formidable pressure looming over the Indian side due to New Zealand’s commanding first innings lead of 356 runs, Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal stood resolute against the daunting odds. Successfully negotiating the initial pressure, the duo embarked on India’s response with a vital unbroken 57-run partnership. Rohit, who managed to score 27*, and his partner Jaiswal, who stood at 29*, played with determination as they aimed to chip away at the colossal New Zealand lead.
The match saw favorable weather conditions with the sun blazing brightly, helping the pitch stabilize and provide the batsmen with a comparatively easier surface to bat on. Rohit capitalized on these conditions with some elegant drives and precise flicks, maintaining an active scoreboard. On the other hand, Jaiswal, while not at his fluent best, overcame a jittery start to build momentum over the course of play. Their scoring rate, remarkably close to four runs an over, was a noted positive in their chase of a monumental New Zealand lead.
Even though batting conditions improved, the pitch was still fraught with challenges. Signs of uneven bounce suggested potential trouble for batters as the match progressed. As the game plan hinted, spin was anticipated to be a game-changer in the days ahead, though, at this point, the surface remained relatively calm.
Reflecting back on New Zealand’s innings, it was Rachin Ravindra’s masterclass that solidified the visitors’ substantial lead.
. His exceptional performance with the bat, particularly post-lunch, ensured New Zealand crossed the 350-run lead, thereby mounting immense pressure on India. The contributions were not solely Ravindra’s, however, as Tim Southee played a crucial supporting role, registering a fifty before being dismissed. This left Ravindra with the tailenders for company.
It was during this phase of play that Ravindra turned the game with aggressive batting reminiscent of T20 cricket. Displaying audacity and finesse, he unleashed a flurry of boundary hits, punishing the Indian bowlers. Among the missed opportunities, India’s failure to review an LBW appeal against Ravindra when he stood at 110, proved costly as he went on to score an additional 24 runs, exacerbating the damage to the Indian side. Ravindra’s eventual downfall came at the hands of wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, but not before he had orchestrated considerable harm.
With India trailing by 299 runs, and with seven sessions remaining in the match, the hosts found themselves against the proverbial wall. To fend off this formidable challenge and turn the trajectory of the Test, India needed to seize control of the next session. Their performance had to see a marked improvement for them to go into the fourth day with a chance to secure a favorable result.
In brief, the scoreboard painted a harrowing picture for the Indians: 46 in their first outing followed by a rebuilding effort of 57/0 spearheaded by an unbeaten Jaiswal and Sharma, still trailing behind New Zealand’s formidable 402, a score underpinned by Rachin Ravindra’s century knock of 134 and Devon Conway’s steady 91. The Indian bowlers, with Ravindra Jadeja leading at 3-72, had their task cut out moving into the next crucial phase of the Test match.