Shreyas Iyer and Ravindra Jadeja shared a 113-run partnership after the hosts were reduced to 113/4.
A 113-run fifth-wicket partnership between Shreyas Iyer and Ravindra Jadeja took India out in a match where they were faltering at 145/4 without their usual top three.
- Last Update:November 25, 2021 4:45 PM IST
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A ‘second wire’ Indian side punched above their own weight as the home season began against New Zealand in Kanpur. Team lacks top three in KL Rahul, Virat Kohli And Rohit Sharma, but it didn’t matter as young Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill scored half-centuries. Furthermore, senior supporter Ravindra Jadeja also came into the party (50* from 100) and he shared a 113-run partnership with Iyer to avoid any intrusion at a stage when the hosts were reduced to 145/4 .
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When Jadeja came in, India Kyle Jamieson and Tim Southee were there, both looking good enough to move on. Had India lost a wicket there, things could have changed quickly. The credit here must go to the all-rounder as he bowed down and it affected Iyer too. The Mumbaikar, who was making his Test debut, was exceptional with his feet against the likes of Ajaz Patel and Will Somerville. And once he caught his eye, he started asserting himself to bring up a well-deserved half-century in the very first Test. He remained unbeaten on 75 off 136 balls at stumps.
New Zealand were lucky to have the likes of Kyle Jamieson in their ranks. The lanky pacer bounced off the dead pitch and swung the ball around. He got rid of Mayank Agarwal with a fine outswinger and then dismissed Shubman Gill (52 off 93), who spent a lot of time in the middle before going back to the stumps. Meanwhile, Jamieson had a tough day throughout the day as he bowled three no-balls but remained impeccable with his length. The wicket of Ajinkya Rahane (35 off 63) was crucial. It was an unfortunate ending for the India captain, who could have taken a high score with both hands, instead repeating the same pattern – keeping the starting path alive and then losing focus when it got crucial. Meanwhile, vice-captain Cheteshwar Pujara also scored 26 runs in 88 balls and succumbed to a very good delivery from Tim Southee.
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Earlier, Gill scored his fourth half-century as India reached 82-1 by lunch. Curiously, on a track that was low and slow and didn’t offer much turn, New Zealand spinners Ejaz Patel (0/56 in 15 overs) and Will Somerville (0/28 in 13 overs) were disappointing. But Rahane will be disappointed as he hit six beautiful fours before pulling off one as he expected the ball to bounce higher considering Jamieson’s height.
(with agencies)
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