With the help of Jesse Ryder first double hundred in Test Cricket, New Zealand compiled a mammoth total of 619/9 (declared) in their first inning. At stumps New Zealand are on top by picking up three wickets of Indian. Rahul Dravid (21 runs) and Sachin Tendulkar (yet to open his account) both were at the crease when play ended on day2. Daniel Vettori pushed India right back on the back foot when he dismissed the Indian captain in the very first over of his spell and later remove night-watchman to leave India tattering at 79/3 at stumps with another 341 runs required to avoid the follow-on. Now it’s up to Sachin and Dravid to guide the Indian ship in the comfort zone whne play resumes on day3. The pitch at McLean Park is still playing pretty and it just needs application from the batsman out in the middle to give them some time before thinking of attacking New Zealand bowlers. Not like Gautam Gambhir who threw his wickets away when he tried to play aggressive strokes against the off-spinner Jeetan Patel. Earlier New Zealand resume their day from 351/4, and both not out batsman went on to reach there mile stone. Bulky man J.Ryder scored a brilliant double century while J.Franklin scored his first maiden half-century of his test carrer. With the help of J.Ryder 201 runs, R.Taylor, B.McCullum 115 runs, J.Franklin 52 runs, D.Vettori 55 runs New Zealand went onto score their third highest total 619/9. Ryder was the star of the day, however, resuming his innings at 137 not out and batting for just over eight hours to raise the third double century and third-highest score by a New Zealander against India. However after reaching his milestone he was bowled by Zaheer Khan to gave India second success of the day. But D.Vettori (55 runs) and B.McCullum (115 runs) went on to put a timely 128 runs for the sixth wicket to get pass the New Zealand score to 600 runs. Now the game is slipping away from the hands of Indian and all onuses is on Sachin and Dravid to put on big partnership for their team to get back into the match. The 3rd days play is crucial for both the teams and specially the first session. Match Summary (Day2 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 – 79/3 in 23 Overs R.Dravid- 21* V.Sehwag–34 D.Vettori– 5-1-16-2 J.Patel– 4-1-6-1 |
