New Zealand bundled out Indians for just 305 to take an impressive lead of 314 runs and then enforce the follow-on on day three of Napier test match to take a firm control on 2nd test. Following-on at stumps India were 47/1 with still 267 runs required to avoid the inning defeat. Virendra Sehwag already back in the hut after playing a irresponsible stoke and now it’s up to remaining batsman to play according to their potential to probably save this test match. Chances of winning the test series in New Zealand look slim after their performance at Napier. With six session left in the game, it’s unlikely that we will witness a draw at Napier. However Indian team is known for producing something special at times and we as Indians hope that they will produce something which they did way back in 2001 against Australia at Eden Garden Kolkata. Second hero of that match Rahul Dravid is still at the crease and his most successful batting partner is safe in the dressing room, so we can expect a miracle again here in Napier. At the end of days play V.V.S Laxman already suggested that his team and himself and Rahul Darvid is capable of saving this test match and they will try their best to produce something special. Earlier New Zealand fast bowler Chris Martin ran through the Indian middle order with the second new ball on Saturday as New Zealand secured a 314-run first innings lead and enforced the follow-on. Martin dismissed Yuvraj Singh (0 runs), D.Karthik (6 runs) and V.V.S Laxman (76 runs) to helped his team to take huge lead of 314 runs in the first inning. In the process he has also completed the landmark of reaching 150 wickets in test cricket. India resumed a day on bright note from 79/3, with Sachin Tendulkar and R.Dravid both looked in good touch. Both played some good stroke during stay at the crease. However when Sachin Tendulkar started to look dangerous, off-spinner J.Patel removed the man for 49 and reduced the Indian score to 165/4. Before dismissal Sachin and Dravid put on 87 runs for the fourth wicket. V.V.S Laxman and Rahul Dravid then guided Indian ship without any damage till lunch. After lunch both batsman played cautiously and in between hitting some lovely strokes. When things started to look brighter for India, a bulky part-timer J.Ryder got his man dismissing Rahul Dravid (83 runs) on a very wide delivery. Then rest of the batsman fall like a pack of card, loosing last six wickets for just 59 runs. Indian team which look more on high and played some extra ordinary cricket on this tour now have real jobs on their hand to save the test match and keep the hopes of winning the test series in New Zealand alive. Many people believe that India is in the hunt for the number one test ranking but it’s too early to pass on comments after such awful display in Napier test against New Zealand. Many people who have not watched play on day three will believe that there was something wrong with the pitch but I will tell you it is still a very good batting pitch and will remain same throughout the test match. New Zealand bowlers bowled brilliantly which is helped by some poor shot selection by the Indian batsman. Most of the Indian batsman got themselves out by trying to manufacture a shot which is not required at all. If they have to at least show some fight in this test match then they have to learn from the mistakes which they made during first inning. Since Sehwag repeated the same mistake and paid the price by loosing his wickets at crucial time of the days play. Match Summary (Day3 Stump) New Zealand 1st Inning – 619/9 in 154.4 Overs J.Ryder- 201 R.Taylor–151 I.Sharma– 27-5-95-3 Z.Khan– 34-6-129-3 India 1st Inning – 305/10 in 93.5 Overs R.Dravid- 83 V.V.S Laxman–76 C.Martin– 24-5-89-3 D.Vettori– 19-5-45-2 India 2nd Inning – 47/1 in 17 Overs G.Gambhir- 14* V.Sehwag–22 J.Patel– 3-1-14-1 C.Martin– 3-1-6-0 |
