After producing an embarrassing batting display in the first innings, one that saw them record the lowest- ever total by any team in Asia, India breathed a sigh of relief as they got off to a steady start in the second innings of the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru.
With an hour and thereabouts to negotiate till the tea break, Rohit Sharma (27*) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (29*) began well with an unbroken 57-run stand to lead India’s reply after New Zealand conjured a gargantuan first innings lead of 356.
With the sun out and pitch having eased out, both batters applied themselves well and there weren’t many moments of panic during this passage of play. After a cautious few overs, Rohit opened up with a few delectable drives and silky flicks to keep the scoreboard going. Jaiswal didn’t seem his usual fluent self and appeared streaky at the crease but gathered momentum as the overs went by. The scoring rate of close to four-runs-per-over meant that India weren’t getting bogged down – a key point when the deficit is of such huge margin.
In the Indian second innings Yashasvi and skipper Rohit gave India a good start before getting out, both scored 35 and 52 respectively.
Kohli and Sarfaraz fighting for India
At the time of writing star player Virat Kohli and middle order batter Sarfaraz Khan are wearing the Kiwi bowlers down by displaying a stellar batting performance, Sarfaraz completed his half century in 42 balls whereas Virat is playing on 47.
Both the batters have shown great technique and resilience to build up a good partnership to bring India back into the game.
Pitch Report
As compared to the 1st session of Day 2, pitch played well for the batters as it got better and better for the batters to bat on.
Brief Score:Â Â India-197/2
Virat Kohli- 51* (73)
Sarfaraz Khan- 57* (50)
India Trail by 159 runs
