The second day of the 1st Test between India and New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru unfolded dramatically, leaving fans on edge as India struggled to find their footing. After a tough start to the Test match, New Zealand took complete control of proceedings, pushing the Indian team into a difficult position as they reached 180/3 by the close of play. Here’s how the day unfolded:
A Disastrous Start for India: Bowled Out for 46
The day began with New Zealand making the most of the overcast conditions and a pitch offering early movement. Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s decision to bat first after winning the toss seemed promising, but it quickly turned into a nightmare for the hosts. Matt Henry led the charge for New Zealand, delivering a spectacular spell of fast bowling that saw India skittled out for just 46 runs.
Henry's devastating five-wicket haul decimated the Indian top order, as the likes of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli had no answers to the disciplined and incisive bowling. Henry was well-supported by Tim Southee and the promising young bowler William O'Rourke, who together created constant pressure by maintaining tight lines and lengths. India’s batters struggled to cope with the conditions, and the scoreboard quickly reflected the damage. At one point, India was reeling at 34/6 by lunch, showcasing a complete batting collapse.
While some resistance came from Sarfaraz Khan (69 off 77) and Virat Kohli (68* off 95), their efforts were too little too late. The team could only post a paltry total of 46 in just 31.2 overs, marking one of their lowest Test scores at home in recent history.
New Zealand's Dominance with the Bat: Conway Shines
New Zealand’s response with the bat was calm and methodical, led by their talented opener Devon Conway. Starting the innings with the intent to build a solid foundation, Conway played a masterclass of an innings. He displayed immense composure against the Indian spinners and seamers alike, capitalizing on loose deliveries while being careful not to take unnecessary risks.
Conway’s innings of 91, laced with boundaries and tactical strike rotation, was the backbone of New Zealand’s innings. His ability to adapt to the conditions and effectively counterattack the Indian bowlers helped New Zealand gain a significant upper hand.
Throughout his innings, Conway looked in complete control, particularly against India’s spin trio – Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Kuldeep Yadav. His footwork was impeccable, often stepping down the track to neutralize the spin threat, while also sweeping judiciously to keep the scoreboard ticking.
However, just as he was approaching a well-deserved century, Conway misjudged a reverse sweep off Ashwin, and the ball clipped the stumps, bowling him out for 91. This was a crucial breakthrough for India late in the day, but by then, the damage had been done.
India’s Spin Attack Offers Hope
Despite the heavy pressure from New Zealand, India's spin trio managed to claw back a little by picking up three wickets throughout the day. Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Kuldeep Yadav each contributed a wicket, though New Zealand maintained control for the majority of the day.
Jadeja was the first to strike for India, dismissing Will Young (43), who had been playing a solid supporting role to Conway. Attempting a sweep shot, Young misjudged the bounce, and the top edge flew straight into the hands of Kuldeep Yadav, stationed at fine-leg.
Kuldeep Yadav then followed up with the wicket of Tom Latham (32) later in the innings, trapping him LBW with a delivery that stayed straight after Latham played for the turn. This review decision was upheld, providing India with a much-needed breakthrough.
While Ashwin managed to send Conway back to the pavilion with a clever piece of bowling, India would have hoped for more wickets from their premier spinner. Ashwin, despite troubling Conway and Young at various stages, wasn’t able to create sustained pressure or pick up wickets at crucial intervals.
Ravindra and Mitchell Solidify New Zealand’s Position
After Conway’s dismissal, Rachin Ravindra (27*) and Daryl Mitchell (22*) took control and batted out the remainder of the day, ensuring New Zealand didn’t lose any more wickets before stumps. The two batters displayed a calm, measured approach, playing risk-free cricket and building a partnership that further frustrated the Indian bowlers.
Ravindra, known for his adaptability, showed glimpses of his defensive technique while also being ready to pounce on any bad deliveries. Mitchell, meanwhile, looked rock-solid in defense, ensuring no more wickets fell under the fading light in Bengaluru.
Pitch Conditions: Spin Comes into Play
As the day progressed, the pitch at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium began to offer more turn, a development that will interest both teams as the Test match goes on. India’s spinners—Jadeja, Ashwin, and Kuldeep—started to find more bite, with several deliveries gripping and turning significantly in the final session.
New Zealand will be aware of the challenge that awaits them in the third innings when they have to bat again, especially if the pitch deteriorates further. For now, however, the visitors will be focused on extending their lead in the first innings, with Ravindra and Mitchell likely eyeing a total well beyond India’s reach.
What’s Next? India in Trouble
At stumps on Day 2, New Zealand had put themselves in a commanding position with 180/3, leading India by 134 runs. The Indian team now faces an uphill task if they are to get back into this match. With two set batters at the crease for New Zealand and the pitch beginning to turn, India will need to strike early on Day 3 to stand any chance of limiting New Zealand’s lead.
Jasprit Bumrah, who didn’t have much success on Day 2, and Mohammed Siraj will have to find a way to break through the defenses of the New Zealand middle order, while the Indian spinners will need to make the most of the deteriorating pitch.
As for New Zealand, they will be eyeing a first-innings total well above 300 to push India completely out of the game. With the lead already past 130, a few more partnerships from the lower middle-order could set the platform for a dominant victory for the visitors.
Conclusion
Day 2 of the 1st Test between India and New Zealand was all about New Zealand’s dominance. From Matt Henry’s five-wicket haul to Devon Conway’s near-century, the visitors found themselves in control for most of the day. While India’s spinners offered brief moments of hope, New Zealand ended the day comfortably at 180/3, with a lead of 134 runs. India will have to dig deep on Day 3 to claw their way back into the match and avoid a comprehensive defeat at home.
This blog covers all the major moments and developments from the second day of the Test, highlighting New Zealand's command over the match and India's struggles on home turf.
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