New Zealand vs India 2ndTest Day 3: Five talking points 1

On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti BCCI President Lt. Anurag Thakur, Virat Kohli & Indian team take part in Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

The Indian team are in a dominating position on the 3rd day at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The New Zealand tail wagged for a bit to get them to 204 runs. In the second innings, the Indian team were struggling at 43 for 4 but Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Saha made sure that India has a huge lead of 339 runs with 2 wickets remaining.

Here we look at the five talking points of day 3.

  1. Lower order contribution from New Zealand’s tailenders

Starting the day on 128 for 7, Jeetan Patel and BJ Watling gave the New Zealand team a positive start by scoring runs at quick pace. Jeetan Patel did the bulk of scoring while BJ Watling gave him good support. Jeetan Patel was LBW by Jadeja but it turned out to be a No-Ball. In the next over Jeetan Patel was dismissed by Ashwin for 47 runs. Neil Wagner and Boult scored some vital runs to get New Zealand past 204 runs. Finally, they were bowled out for 204 runs with India getting a lead of 112 runs.

  1. Early blows to India’s top order by New Zealand bowling line-up

After the lunch break, the New Zealand pacers Henry and Boult picked important wickets to put the Indian team under pressure. Murali Vijay, Pujara , Dhawan and Rahane were being dismissed to leave India at 43 for 4. Vijay, Pujara and Rahane scored in single digits while Dhawan was LBW by Boult for 17. The Indian team lead at the time was a mere 155 runs.

  1. Captain’s knock by Kohli

Kohli came to the crease after the fall of Pujara wicket. The captain looked in great touch playing wonderful strokes off the fast bowlers and just timed the ball. Two more wickets fell at the other end. Kohli then played excellent strokes off Patel to disturb his line and length. He was dismissed by excellent delivery by Boult for valuable 45.

  1. A Crucial partnership between Saha and Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma and Saha put on an excellent sixth wicket partnership to help India out of trouble. Rohit Sharma came to the crease after the fall of Rahane’s wicket. In the beginning, he played second-fiddle to Kohli. After Kohli and Ashwin were dismissed, Rohit Sharma played a vital knock for the team. His 103-run partnership with Saha made sure that India reaches a total where they are on top in 4th innings. Rohit Sharma completed his half-century off 89 balls. After completing his half century, he continued to play in the same way. He was finally dismissed for 81 runs.

  1. An impressive bowling performance by New Zealand

The New Zealand fast bowlers were impressive again. In the first spell, Boult and Henry picked 4 wickets to put the pressure on the Indian batting line up. Henry was the pick of the bowlers claiming 3 wickets while Boult picked up 2 wickets. Wagner was not among the wickets but bowled with lots of aggression and speed. Boult bowled an excellent delivery to Kohli. The spinner Mitchell Santner picked 3 wickets as India emerge with a big lead of 339 runs and with 2 days to go, it leaves New Zealand with an improbable target.

Pavan Suresh

I am pavan Suresh. I have done my schooling from LPS. I am big fan of sports especially cricket and want to become a sports journalist. I want to write cricket articles.