India was bowled out for 318 after the tail scored important 27 runs on the day 2. The New Zealand innings began well with Guptill looking good but was dismissed early. After that, Kane Willamson and Tom Latham showed resistance against the Indian spinners. The third session was washed out due to rain with New Zealand at 152 for 1.
Here we look at the five turning points of day 2.
- Indian tail stretching the first innings’ score above 300 runs
The Indian team started the 2nd day on 291 for 9. Jadeja looked in attacking mode while Umesh Yadav gave him full support. Jadeja scored important runs with some wonderful strokes and made sure that the Indian team reached the score above 300. Umesh Yadav was the last man dismissed for 9. Jadeja remained not out on 42. The Indian team scored 318.
- Martin Guptill failed to impress again
The New Zealand openers, especially Martin Guptill looked impressive with his timing and scored a couple of sumptuous boundaries. While his opening partner Tom Latham looked solid with his technique. Martin Guptill hit 3 boundaries. The opening partnership for New Zealand was 35 runs, as Martin Guptill was dismissed for a personal score of 21 runs. He struggled against Jadeja but got out to Umesh Yadav.
- Excellent partnership between Tom Latham and Williamson
After losing Martin Guptill’s wicket; Tom Latham and Williamson played well against spin duo of Ashwin and Jadeja. Kane Williamson used his feet to the spinners while Tom Latham swept the ball. Kane Williamson had close shaves against both Ashwin and Jadeja but remained firmed. Both scored half-centuries and have put on 117 runs for the second wicket. The partnership has put New Zealand ahead in the match by a little bit. Latham remained not out on 56 runs while Kane Williamson remained not out 65 runs.
- Ashwin and Jadeja could not pick-up wickets
India’s spinners Jadeja and Ashwin looked threating but could not pick wickets. Ashwin and Jadeja bowled 17 and 14 overs respectively. Both of them bowled decently and had the batsmen struggling on a pitch which by all accounts is spinner friendly. If one wants to be a bit harsh then yes, both bowled were a bit erratic with line and length which allowed the batsmen to play with ease. Ashwin and Jadeja needs to come with better plans on day 3 to allow the Indian team a chance in the match. Before the rain break, Ashwin troubled them and almost picked a wicket. Jadeja too was unlucky as Kane Williamson edged but was given not out.
- Rain played spoilsport
At the end of the second session, rain came hard and washed out the third session completely. With things happening at the end of second session, things could have gone either way in the third session. With rain playing spoilsport in third session, the first session of the third day becomes important for both teams. The morning session may decide the outcome of the match.