Helped by the overcast condition and a seaming wicket, New Zealand pacers made quick work of the vaunted Indian batting lineup on the second day of the first cricket Test in Bengaluru on Thursday. At lunch, India were 34 for 6. Rishabh Pant, helped by a spilled chance, was unbeaten at the other end with 15.
When the play began under lights, after the first day's play was washed out due to rain, India's decision to bat first was thought to be a brave one. But it soon became apparent that the home team was not prepared for the moving ball in helpful condition, as they lost their captain Rohit Sharma early for just 2. A wobble-seam delivery from Tim Southee snuck through the gate as Sharma tried to come down the pitch.
Virat Kohli, who came at three instead of KL Rahul as many expected, gloved a delivery that jabbed back from short of a length and ended up in the hands of Glenn Philips at leg gully for nought.
Sarfaraz Khan, in for Shubman Gill who missed the match due to a stiff neck, failed to grab his chance as his mishit and was held superbly by Devon Conway at mid-off.
William O’Rourke had opener Yashasvi Jaiswal caught at point before forcing KL Rahul to nick one down the leg side with a delivery bowled from wide of the crease.
Matt Henry then added more injuries when he had Ravindra Jadeja caught at point on the stroke of lunch.
