India ended the first day of the third Test match at Indore in a commanding position with 267 runs on the board for the loss of 3 wickets only.
India’s captain Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane’s 4th wicket partnership has put the hosts in a strong position.
Here we look at the five talking points of the day.
- Unbeaten fourth wicket stand between Rahane and Kohli
India lost the 3rd wicket at the score of 100 runs. Kohli and Rahane took time to settle by taking singles. The good balls were defended by both the batsmen. Kohli completed his half century off 108 balls while Rahane gave him decent support. In the final session, both played some wonderful strokes and Rahane completed his half century, while Kohli completed his century and became the first batsmen in the series to score a century.
Both of them have put on 167 runs for the fourth wicket. Rahane remained not out on 79 while Kohli is not out on 103 runs to bring the Indian team into a strong position.
- Good contribution from Pujara
Pujara came at the crease after the fall of Vijay’s wicket at the team score of 26 runs. Pujara looked in fine touch with some wonderful strokes off the pacers. At lunch, Pujara scored 29 runs and looked good to score many more runs. After the break, Pujara did not score many runs and tried to defend every ball. He contributed 41 useful runs before being dismissed.
- No wickets for New Zealand in final session
In the previous two test matches, the final sessions brought wickets for New Zealand. But today in the third session, no wicket fell which have put New Zealand on the back-foot. Rahane looked edgy but survived the session without losing his wicket. In the final session today, New Zealand bowled 35 overs conceding 119 runs. Kohli and Rahane played all the New Zealand bowlers well. New Zealand needs some special effort to come back into the match.
- Virat Kohli’s return to form
After series of low scores in the first two test matches, the Indian test captain Virat Kohli showed his class and returned to form by scoring an important century. He played the New Zealand bowlers calmly and scored with ease at most times. He completed his half century off 108 balls. After the tea break, he played attacking brand of cricket. He took a risky single run and completed his century at home. With Virat Kohli not out on 103, it is dangerous signs for New Zealand.
- New Zealand bowlers failed to create impact
New Zealand bowlers failed to create impact on the Indian batsmen. In the first session, New Zealand picked 2 wickets for 75 runs. In the second session, New Zealand bowlers did very well were unlucky to pick only 1 wicket. New Zealand bowlers failed to pick up any wicket in the third session. Jeetan Patel, Santer and Trent Boult have picked 1 wicket each but Henry, Patel and Neesham were ineffective. New Zealand bowlers have to come with good plans on day 2 if they have to make a comeback into the game.