In what unfolded as a captivating morning session in the first Test between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru, it was the New Zealand fast bowlers who took center stage, as they obliterated the Indian batting lineup under overcast skies. After a weather-disrupted first day, marked by torrential rain, the second morning promised much for the visitors, and they did not disappoint.
India’s skipper, Rohit Sharma, made the unexpected decision to bat first on a damp, bowler-friendly pitch, which New Zealand’s pace attack exploited to perfection. Under challenging overhead conditions, Rohit’s choice seemed to have gravitated directly into the hands of an excited New Zealand squad, thirsty for breakthroughs.
The fiery duo of William O’Rourke and Matt Henry spearheaded New Zealand’s domination, creating havoc by exploiting the extravagant seam movement and swing orchestrated by the conditions. O’Rourke impressed tremendously with his figures of 3-13, while Henry, just as lethal, claimed figures of 2-12. Their deliveries painted a picture of relentless precision that India struggled to cope with.
At the forefront of this incisive bowling display was Matt Henry. Joined by the seasoned Tim Southee, the pair kept the Indian openers, Rohit and Yashasvi Jaiswal, on a stringent leash. The opening 30 minutes were an exhibition of disciplined bowling, characterized by near misses and probing appeals. Despite several close calls, the Indian openers managed a resilient stand. However, it was only a matter of time before Tim Southee delivered a full nip-backer that snaked its way between Rohit’s defensive bat, toppling his stumps in frustration. The Indian captain was left to rue his decision to artificially overcome the bowler by reaching out in attack, only to return dejectedly to the pavilion.
With the departure of Rohit, William O’Rourke wasted no time in adding to India’s woes. Marking his presence with a thunderous first over, O’Rourke captured the prized wicket of Virat Kohli. The tall fast bowler unleashed a disconcerting nip-backer that ascended onto Kohli (0), who awkwardly attempted a fend, which resulted in a low, sharp catch for Glenn Phillips at leg gully. Phillips, in a stunning show of agility, snagged the ball, further depleting India’s stance.
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The catching prowess of the New Zealand players only improved from there. Devon Conway executed a breathtaking one-handed catch at mid-off, sending back an anxious Sarfaraz Khan for naught. India found themselves tottering at 10/3, their batsmen struggling against New Zealand’s relentless assault.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant came in at number five before KL Rahul, possibly poised for a counterattack considering New Zealand’s tight line and lengths. Pant’s inning included a repertoire of adventurous shots, including a reverse sweep. In a crucial moment, he was dropped by New Zealand’s Tom Blundell behind the stumps, a moment of relief in an otherwise challenging morning for India.
The weather continued to play its part in the day’s drama, a brief rain delay further enlivening the pitch. New Zealand persisted with their dogged approach, and just before lunch, Ajaz Patel dazzlingly executed a fielding manoeuvre at backward point, cutting short Yashasvi Jaiswal’s gritty resistance.
The breakthrough invigorated the visitors as two more Indian batsmen succumbed without scoring. KL Rahul, overwhelmed by a strategically set leg trap, was caught playing a tucked shot from O’Rourke down the leg-side. Ravindra Jadeja, too, fell cheaply, producing a high leading edge while attempting a lazy flick, comfortably caught by Ajaz Patel.
This horror session for India, yielding the loss of four of their top seven batsmen for ducks on home soil, reduced them to a dismal 34/6. What initially appeared as a questionable decision to bat first seemed a fortuitous toss to lose for New Zealand, basking in the bowler-friendly conditions.
The focus now shifts to Rishabh Pant, on whom India’s hopes of a respectable first-innings total heavily rely. With the lower order yet to contribute significantly, the upcoming sessions hold critical implications for India’s campaign.
Brief scores at the second day’s end stand: India 34/6 (Rishabh Pant 15*; William O’Rourke 3-13, Matt Henry 2-12) versus New Zealand. The match narrative tempers further as all await what the next episode of this gripping Test will bring.