Day 1 Highlights: India vs New Zealand Test Match
LUNCH UPDATE – A Close Contest at the Halfway Mark
On the first day of the second Test, Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin made an impact by claiming two wickets in a crucial morning session. However, New Zealand showcased their‌ resilience against India’s spinners on a surface that favored slow bowlers, concluding the first session with a score of 92 runs for 2 wickets.
Devon Conway exhibited remarkable composure during his innings, remaining unbeaten on 47 off 108 deliveries and hitting five boundaries. Meanwhile, teammate Rachin Ravindra was at the‍ crease with five runs as lunch approached.
The Crucial Role of Spin Bowling
The pitch’s characteristics became evident within just seven overs as spin took center stage in this encounter. Ashwin quickly asserted his dominance by delivering a breakthrough shortly after he bowled his fifth ball. He skillfully utilized drift and spin to trap New Zealand’s captain Tom Latham (15) lbw—marking Latham’s ninth dismissal by Ashwin across Test matches.
Afterward, Will Young (18) and Conway managed to stabilize innings with a cautious yet effective partnership that contributed 44 runs for the second wicket. Conway cleverly employed reverse sweeps to disrupt Indian bowlers’ rhythm while Young played fluently until he edged one down leg side to give Ashwin another wicket early in the session.
Tactical Appeals and Catch Decisions
Younger’s attempt at batting down to leg resulted in an edge that reached Rishabh Pant’s gloves after grazing Young’s hands. Despite Pant showing little interest in claiming an appeal for caught-behind initially, fielder Sarfaraz Khan convinced skipper Rohit Sharma to review it—with confirmation that it had indeed brushed Young’s glove.
Ashwin maintained pressure throughout his spell as he kept threatening Conway as well; however, despite compiling some close calls—one notable appeal for lbw against him off Ravindra Jadeja was rejected—the Kiwis remained unbroken until lunchtime.
Bowlers Start Strong but Face Challenges
The new ball was shared between Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep; nevertheless, their efforts faced challenges on this track which favored spin rather than pace bowling early on despite some impressive deliveries aimed at probing New Zealand’s opening batsmen.
