Kanpur: Debutant Shreyas Iyer and veteran Wriddhiman kept their temperament under pressure as they placed India in a commanding position on Day 4 of the first Test on Sunday in Kanpur setting up a tricky target of 284 for New Zealand.
Having, bundled the Kiwis out for 296 on the second day, the hosts resumed at the overnight score of 14/1 with a 1st innings lead of 49. The two Kiwi seamers, Kyle Jamieson(3/74) and Tim Southee(3/75) showcased an exhibition of top class swing bowling on an track that didn’t offer much to the pacers removing India’s top order cheaply exposing their weaknesses on their home soil. While Southee packed Mayank Agarwal and Ravindra Jadeja home cheaply, youngster Jamieson added Cheteshwar Pujara to his collection of scalps. Spinner Ajaz Patel joined the party as well removing skipper Ajinkya making India reel at 51/5.
Ashwin who later on the day would become joined third highest wicket-taker in Test cricket for his nation had played a crucial knock of 62 ball 32 to deny India further damage till the lunch alongside Iyer.The TamilNadu man’s resilience broke after the break getting bowled off Jamieson.
However, then came probably defining part of this match as Iyer and Saha stitched a 64 run stand for India revival to get themselves back to the track.
When the former knicked one from Southee to Blundell behind the stumps after Tea, India had already gained a 216 run-lead.Saha despite being unable to keep wickets the earlier day due to stiff neck, showcased his “hard as nails” character striking a gritty half century ensuring that his side extend the lead. Axar Patel(28*) gave him ample support with the duo then pairing for a unbeaten 67 run stand for the eighth wicket till the declaration came to put India in contention for victory.
With the pitch offering much to Indian spinners, it will be interesting to how much India’s spin trio can cause havoc to the Kiwis on the last day whose openers had showed grit in the first innings though they still have skipper Kane Williamson untamed in the room.
Brief Scores: India 345 all-out and 234/7 declared in 81 overs (Shreyas Iyer 65, Wriddhiman Saha 61 not out; Kyle Jamieson 3/740, Tim Southee 3/75) vs New Zealand 269 all-out and 4/1. New Zealand need 280 to win.
