As the second day of the first Test between India and New Zealand unfolded in Bengaluru, the morning session was emphatically dominated by the visiting team’s potent fast bowling attack. The New Zealand seamers, led by William O’Rourke and Matt Henry, capitalized on the challenging conditions provided by the overcast skies and a damp pitch, which had been softened further by the heavy downpours on the opening day.

New Zealand’s bowling masterclass began with India’s decision to bat first, a choice made by captain Rohit Sharma that soon proved contentious as the hosts faltered under pressure. It became evident early in the session that this was a pitch offering extravagant seam movement and swing, tailor-made for the Kiwi fast bowlers to exploit. And exploit they did. With remarkable precision, both O’Rourke and Henry set about picking the Indian batting lineup apart.

Henry, in particular, set the tone with a disciplined opening spell that put India’s top order on a tightrope walk. His partnership with the experienced Tim Southee created immediate pressure, resulting in several play-and-miss deliveries and tight appeals for wickets. The Indian openers, Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, fought to hold their ground, surviving the initial 30 minutes of relentless bowling. However, their resistance was short-lived.

Southee produced a moment of brilliance, dismissing the Indian captain, Rohit Sharma, who in an attempt to counter the unyielding bowling assault, misjudged a nip-backer. This delivery, which sharply moved back in, broke through Rohit’s defenses, smashing into the stumps and sending him back for an early exit. In frustration, Sharma’s decision to come down the track only led to his undoing.

New Zealand gained momentum with Sharma’s wicket, and that momentum intensified when O’Rourke entered the picture. Known for his speed and bounce, the tall pacer quickly made an impact in his first over. In what could only be described as an unplayable delivery, O’Rourke’s nip-backer rose sharply, catching Indian stalwart Virat Kohli off guard. Kohli, attempting to fend it off, could merely manage a faint touch that was expertly caught by Glenn Phillips at leg gully.

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. This breathtaking catch set the tone for New Zealand’s fielding brilliance, as India slumped further into trouble.

It was then Devon Conway’s turn to showcase New Zealand’s superior fielding acumen. Positioned at mid-off, Conway executed a sensational one-handed grab, dismissing a tentative Sarfaraz Khan for zero, leaving India reeling at a precarious score of 10 for 3.

As the chaos unfolded on the field, Rishabh Pant entered the fray, tasked with steadying the Indian innings. Batting at number five, he was perhaps sent in to counter the penetrative bowling with aggression. Pant showed fleeting glimpses of his attacking prowess, even attempting an audacious reverse sweep. However, his fortune was favored when a catch behind the stumps was put down by Tom Blundell, momentarily sparing India further embarrassment.

A brief rain interruption added another layer to the drama as the bowlers received a rejuvenating break. The conditions, already treacherous, became even more challenging for India once play resumed. Ajaz Patel’s sharp fielding at backward point provided yet another stunning moment when he executed a direct hit to dismiss Jaiswal, who had valiantly endured thus far.

The writing was on the wall for India as additional wickets fell in quick succession. KL Rahul succumbed to a leg-side trap set by O’Rourke, while Ravindra Jadeja’s mistimed flick ballooned a catch to Ajaz at backward point. As India teetered at an abysmal 34 for 6, losing four of their top seven batters for ducks—a rarity in home Tests—it appeared prudent that New Zealand was fortunate to have lost the toss.

By lunch, the challenge for India was clear: a desperate need to find a way past New Zealand’s inspired bowling and attempt to build a competitive total. Much would depend on Rishabh Pant’s partnership with the lower order as they hoped to salvage the innings from the ruins.

Brief scores: India 34/6 (Rishabh Pant 15*; William O’Rourke 3-13, Matt Henry 2-12) vs New Zealand.

By IPL Agent

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