New Zealand dominated the major part of Day Two of the Wellington Test but the three wickets in the final session, which includes the likes of Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson, provided India some breathing space. After taking five for 43 in morning session, New Zealand bowlers restricted the visitors to 165 in their first innings. Then Ross Taylor, playing in his 100th Test alongside his skipper Kane Williamson forged a 93-run partnership that allowed the hosts to strengthen their position before India striking back in the final session.
For India three wickets were taken by Ishant Sharma, who by far looked the best bowler in the park. In fact, looking at his rhythm it was hard to believe that he was making a comeback from an injury. Also, in the post-Day press conference the lanky pacer informed that coming into this Test match he was struggling with his sleeping pattern due to jet-lag.
Additionally, unlike the first day of the game, the pitch too eased out on Saturday (February 22) and there was not much of assistance for the fast bowlers. But Ishant kept on hitting the short of a good length area and tried to get something out of the surface.
Right after Lunch, Ishant first got rid of Blackcaps opener Tom Latham with a short-pitch delivery and towards the later half of the session cleaned up Tom Blundell, the other opener.
In the final session of the day, India needed to strike to put pressure on the Kiwis and Ishant once again put his hands up to take the priced scalp of Taylor. The pacer foxed the senior Blackcaps batter with a bit of steep bounce from the good length ball that hurried onto him as Taylor hit it straight to Cheteshwar Pujara at square leg.
Meanwhile, Ishant’s efforts was well back up by Mohammed Shami, who got the huge wicket of Williamson for 89 and towards the end of the day’s play Ravichandran Ashwin found the outside edge of Henry Nicholl’s bat. New Zealand finished the day at 216 for 5 currently leading India by 51 runs with Grandhomme and BJ Watling at the crease.
Earlier, starting the day at 122 for 5, India lost two wickets in the back to back deliveries on the fourth over of the Day Two. Rishabh Pant was the first to go after a confusion in the middle with Ajinkya Rahane. A direct hit from Ajaz sealed his fate. Next Ashwin was cleaned up by Southee with a jaffa. Soon, Rahane was caught behind for 46 off the same bowler. Ishant was dismissed by Kyle Jamieson as he nicked one to keeper whereas Shami’s wicket was taken by Southee.
Brief scores:
New Zealand 216 for 5 (Kane Williamson 89, Ross Taylor 44; Ishant Sharma 3 for 31) lead India 165 (Ajinkya Rahane 46; Kyle Jamieson 4 for 39, Tim Southee 4 for 49) by 51 runs.