New Zealand vs India, first Test: List of key takeaways
The Kiwi bowlers rattled the Indian batting attack as New Zealand registered a ten-wicket victory over India in the first Test. India ended Day 3 on 144/4 and trailed by 39 runs. Although Ajinkya Rahane and Hanuma Vihari inspired hope with a 35-run stand, Trent Boult and Tim Southee made early inroads on Day 4 to belittle India. Here are the key takeaways.
How did the match pan out?
India were bowled out for 165 after being put into bat first by Kane Williamson. Kyle Jamieson and Tim Southee claimed eight scalps between them. For India, Ajinkya Rahane slammed 46. In reply, the Kiwis were 225/7, however, they ended with 348. India were once again let down by their batting. The Kiwis won the match by 10 wickets.
Fist Test brought back ghosts of Kohli's 2014 England tour
The Indian skipper has been the talk of the town for a while now, not for the right reasons. The ongoing New Zealand tour is a testimony of Kohli's descending form. In the Wellington Test, he could score only 21 runs. While the first innings saw him getting caught in the slips, Trent Boult trapped him in the following one with a bouncer.
New Zealand's dynamic duo yet again hunted in pair
Both Trent Boult and Tim Southee dismantled the Indian batting with an asserting presentation of swing and seam. While Southee was named the Player of the Match for his astonishing nine wickets, the former claimed five scalps in the second innings. As the Black Caps registered their 100th Test victory, Southee became the first Kiwi bowler to take 300 wickets on the home soil.
The Indian seamers failed to provide breakthroughs
Team India relied heavily on the pace attack, especially with grass cover on Wellington deck. Jasprit Bumrah extended his dry run as he could scalp a solitary wicket, while Mohammed Shami too looked bleak. However, Ishant Sharma, who was returning from a calf injury, was right on the money and took a five-for in the match. Ravichandran Ashwin too grabbed three wickets.
The lower order of New Zealand dented India's plight
After India were bowled out for 165 in the first innings, they reduced the hosts to 225/7. But Colin de Grandhomme and Kyle Jamieson added 71 runs for the seventh wicket before Ashwin provided the big breakthrough. Later on, Trent Boult scored a quickfire 38 which powered New Zealand to 348. 123 runs added by New Zealand's lower order made all the difference.
