The second morning of the first Test between India and New Zealand at Bengaluru unfolded dramatically as New Zealand’s fast bowlers seized control of the game, quickly turning the tide after heavy rain disrupted proceedings on the opening day. Captained by an inspired William O’Rourke, who claimed sensational figures of 3-13, alongside Matt Henry contributing 2-12, New Zealand broke through India’s defenses in the early hours, capitalizing on the favorable bowling conditions granted by a moisture-laden surface.

The decision by India’s Rohit Sharma to bat first, despite challenging overhead conditions and a track offering plenty to the bowlers, raised a few eyebrows. It soon turned into a move that seemed to play directly into the hands of the New Zealand pacers. From the get-go, their seamers exhibited swing and seam movement that was extravagant, tying India’s batsmen in knots and setting the tone for a torrid day at the crease for the hosts.

Leading the charge, Matt Henry joined forces with the seasoned Tim Southee to ensure India’s openers were given no avenue for relief. The opening half-hour witnessed a sequence of plays and misses with both Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal struggling to find their footing against the disciplined New Zealand attack. Amidst this intense pressure, Tim Southee delivered a delivery that defied expectations — an incisive nip-backer that uprooted Rohit’s stumps, drawing first blood for the visitors and handing them an early psychological upper hand.

William O’Rourke, brimming with confidence following a commendable tour of Sri Lanka, wasted no time in announcing his presence with a clinical performance. His first major breakthrough came by dismissing India’s star batsman Virat Kohli for a duck. A quick, sharp delivery cut back into Kohli, forcing an uncomfortable fend which resulted in an expertly taken low catch by Glenn Phillips at leg gully. Glenn Phillips’ agility was again on display as he made a stunning catch to remove Sarfaraz Khan, who departed without troubling the scorers.

Join Get ₹99!

. In just a few overs, India found themselves floundering at 10/3.

With India’s top-order in disarray, Rishabh Pant arrived at the crease ahead of KL Rahul, seemingly an attempt to counterattack and change the complexion of the game. Pant lived dangerously, even as far as attempting a reverse sweep, but luck seemed to be on his side temporarily as New Zealand missed a golden chance to dismiss him, with Tom Blundell failing to grasp a catch behind the stumps. Brief showers provided a solace of sorts, interrupting play, but the interruption seemed only to invigorate the surface further, adding more spice to the wickets on offer.

New Zealand’s relentless bowling attack found further reward through Ajaz Patel’s extraordinary piece of fielding that sent a stubborn Yashasvi Jaiswal back to the pavilion, just on the stroke of lunch. This breakthrough galvanized the visitors once more, resulting in the wickets of two more Indian batsmen without any addition to the score. KL Rahul was ensnared in a smartly set leg-trap, strangled down the leg-side off O’Rourke’s delivery, while Ravindra Jadeja succumbed to his tendency to flick loosely, presenting Ajaz Patel with another catch at backward point.

At a catastrophic 34/6, with four out of their top seven batsmen dismissed for ducks — an occurrence unprecedented in an Indian home Test — India was left grappling not only with New Zealand’s incisive bowling but also with the immediate future of their batting lineup. This session of play reinforced for many the belief that New Zealand had significantly benefited from losing the toss given the bowler-friendly conditions they exploited so mercilessly.

India’s hopes of clawing back to a respectable first innings total now hinge heavily on Rishabh Pant, who remains unbeaten on 15, attempting to marshal the lower-order batsmen for a salvage mission of some sort. As speculation rises around the tactical implications of Sharma’s initial decision to bat, the unfolding drama in Bengaluru continues to promise intriguing developments as the Test progresses.

By IPL Agent

💲Daily Check-In Free Bonus💲 💵 Sign Up & Login everyday to get free cash!💵 👉 cricket1.in