IND vs NZ, 1st Test, Day 3: Vihari, Rahane Show Resistance; India Trail By 39 Runs At Stumps

Vihari cut the final ball to end the day with a boundary but India's fifth-wicket partnership between him and Rahane needs to fire big tomorrow to keep India in the contest.

Photo: KKR (Twitter)

Wellington: Kiwi speedster Trent Boult's (3/27 in 16 overs) high-quality swing bowling restricted India to 144/4 in their second innings on Day 3 of the first Test at Wellington. India now trail New Zealand by 39 runs going into fourth day with Ajikya Rahane (25*) and Hanuma Vihari (15*) in the middle, which could well be the final day of this game. Vihari cut the final ball to end the day with a boundary but India's fifth-wicket partnership between him and Rahane needs to fire big tomorrow to keep India in the contest. Big error in judgement costed Cheteshwar Pujara dear just before tea. The Test specialist left an angled delivery from speedster Trent Boult from round the wicket that went on to crash into his off-stump to depart him for 11 off 81 balls and bring up tea in Wellington. While Boult managed to find a way through the Pujara wall, young batsman Mayank Agarwal fought his way to a brilliant half-century to help India get to 78/2, and trail by 105 runs.

???????? 165 & 144/4 | Stumps - Day 3 ???????? 348

A huge task ahead of India as they trail by 39 runs with 6 wickets in hand! Earlier today, NZ stretched their 1st innings lead to 183 runs. PC: ICC#NZvIND #TeamIndia #KorboLorboJeetbo pic.twitter.com/pZhLBlSMZt — KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) February 23, 2020

New Zealand were in complete command of the first Test against India with a comprehensive first innings lead of 183 at lunch on third day on Sunday with debutant Kyle Jamieson and No 11 Trent Boult belting the bowlers for fun. New Zealand scored 348 in their first innings as Ishant Sharma (5/68 in 22.2 overs) remained the stand-out bowler for India. Ravichandran Ashwin (3/99) got a couple of wickets in the morning session but not before getting a lot of stick from the tail-enders including Jamieson and Boult. Jamieson's 45-ball knock had four towering sixes and he added 71 runs for the eighth wicket with Colin de Grandhomme (43 off 74 balls) in under 15 overs. Boult (38 off 24 balls) had some real fun in the end and by that time, the shoulders of the Indian attack had already drooped as they were able to read the writing on the wall. Jamieson and Boult were the reasons that New Zealand could extend their lead above 175-run mark as India will now have to play the catch up game. The day started on a bright note as Jasprit Bumrah (1/88 in 26 overs) removed the normally dogged BJ Watling (14) off the very first delivery of the morning session, caught by Rishabh Pant. Ishant was a bit lucky when Tim Southee chased a wide delivery outside leg stump, only to hit it straight to Mohammed Shami at fine leg. At 225 for 7, just when it looked that India will keep the lead under 100, Jamieson used his reach to smother Ashwin's spin and height to pull the bouncers from Indian pacers, shattering the confidence of the visiting team attack. The last wicket stand of 38 between Boult and Ajaz Patel only added insult to the injury. By the time Ishant completed his 11th five-wicket haul in Tests, there was little to cheer for the Indian team. (With PTI Inputs)