At Basin Reserve, it was another day that didn’t go in India’s favour. New Zealand had the upper hand in the game as they folded India for 165 runs on the second day. Besides, the hosts also got the lead of 51 runs. India’s bowling department could not hit right areas except Ishant Sharma who picked three wickets. Whereas, Jasprit Bumrah was economical but he went wicketless on day two in Wellington.
Right now, the most concerning factor for the team is Bumrah not able to pick a wicket. Nobody would have ever imagined of yorker king not hitting the stumps. While the veteran Tim Southee backs Bumrah who has returned after recovering from back injury.
Jasprit Bumrah – a world-class bowler, says Tim Southee
After the match, while talking to media, Southee expressed that there are bad days for every bowler. But world-class bowlers like Bumrah could not be kept down for too long.
“Bumrah has been a world-class bowler. Obviously coming back from injury but he is a quality player. And great performance is never far away when you are a quality player. Hopefully, we can keep him quiet for the rest of the tour but you can’t keep good players like Bumrah down for too long. He is working really hard behind the scenes to get wickets but sometimes you can bowl really well but still not get the wickets.”
Southee also lauded his captain’s knock in the windy condition of Wellington. Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor combined to put New Zealand in a strong position after the openers were sent back early. The duo set up a 93-run partnership before Ishant Sharma picked the wicket of Taylor, who is playing 100th Test of his career.
Mohammed Shami scalped the wicket of Kiwi skipper who scored 89 runs that included eleven fours. While the spinner Ravichandran Ashwin sent Henry Nicholls early. Although it was not the best bowling effort from India.