India’s comeback with Axar Patel’s ‘punch’, New Zealand stopped for 296 runs

Spinner Axar Patel gave a strong performance and got the Indian cricket team back in the first Test match of the series against New Zealand. New Zealand scored 296 runs in their first innings, giving the hosts a 49-run lead. In this match (IND vs NZ 1st Test) being played at Green Park, Kanpur, India had scored 345 runs in the first innings. After this, no batsman could play for New Zealand after opener Tom Latham (95) and Will Young (89). For India, Axar Patel took 5 wickets and Ravichandran Ashwin took 3 wickets while Umesh Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja got 1-1 wickets.

By the end of the third day’s play, India scored 14 runs for the loss of 1 wicket in their second innings. Team India got the initial blow in the second innings on the score of just 2 runs and opener Shubman Gill (1) was bowled by Kyle Jamieson. With this, Jamieson also completed 50 wickets in Test cricket and he also became the Kiwi bowler to do so in the shortest Test. At the time of stumps, Cheteshwar Pujara was on the crease after scoring 9 and Mayank Agarwal scored 4. India now has a total lead of 63 runs.

Left-arm spinner Axar Patel bowled brilliantly and shook the foundation of New Zealand’s middle order by taking three early wickets after lunch on the third day. The credit for returning India to the match goes to Umesh Yadav, who brought relief to the hosts by cheaply dismissing Kane Williamson just before lunch. Akshar then sent Ross Taylor (11), Henry Nicholls (2) and Tom Latham (95 off 282 balls) to the pavilion within 13 runs.

Ravindra Jadeja dismissed new batsman Rachin Ravindra (13). With this, New Zealand’s score became 241 runs for six wickets, which was 197 runs for one wicket. The second session was in India’s name when Indian bowlers took four wickets within 52 runs. Earlier, Umesh got the breakthrough with the second new ball and Williamson was caught lbw before his delivery going to the off-stump. He scored 18 runs from 64 balls. New Zealand added 68 runs in the first session.

Opener Will Young missed the first Test century and fell victim to Ravichandran Ashwin after scoring 89 off 218 balls. Williamson has not looked comfortable since coming to the crease. However, he tried to reduce the pressure by hitting Ravindra Jadeja for two fours. Ashwin got Young caught by substitute wicketkeeper Srikar Bharat. Young and Latham added 151 runs for the first wicket.