Catch all the action from IND vs NZ 2nd Test Day 2, where India’s batting lineup faces a tough challenge after Washington Sundar’s stellar bowling performance. Will India recover from a shaky start? Stay updated with live scores and highlights!
India faced a significant challenge on Day 2 of the second Test against New Zealand, struggling against a potent spin attack. After being bowled out for just 156 runs in their first innings, they found themselves in a precarious position, trailing New Zealand’s first innings total of 259 by 103 runs.
The day began with India resuming their innings at 16/1, but hopes quickly faded as Rohit Sharma was dismissed for a duck on the previous day. The Pune pitch, known for aiding spin, presented a daunting task for the Indian batsmen right from the start.
Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal attempted to stabilize the innings with a cautious approach. However, Gill fell for just 23 runs, trapped lbw by Mitchell Santner. This dismissal marked the beginning of a rapid decline in India’s batting fortunes.
Virat Kohli’s early exit was another crushing blow. The Indian captain misjudged a low full toss from Santner and was bowled out for just one run. This dismissal sent shockwaves through the Indian camp, raising questions about their ability to handle quality spin bowling.
Rishabh Pant, known for his aggressive style, also struggled against New Zealand’s disciplined bowling. He managed to score 18 runs before being caught out by Glenn Phillips, who exploited the low bounce effectively. Pant’s dismissal left India reeling at 83/5.
As wickets continued to tumble, Sarfaraz Khan and Ravindra Jadeja stepped in to try and stabilize the innings. Sarfaraz played some controlled shots but ultimately succumbed to Santner’s spin, skying a catch to mid-off while attempting a lofted drive.
Ravichandran Ashwin joined Jadeja at the crease but faced similar challenges. He misread another delivery from Santner and was given out lbw after a DRS review confirmed the call. With this wicket, India found themselves in dire straits at 107/7.
The New Zealand bowlers maintained relentless pressure throughout the day. Santner’s exceptional control and variations kept the Indian batsmen guessing and contributed significantly to their downfall. His impressive figures of four 7 for just 53 runs showcased his mastery over spin.
As the day progressed, Washington Sundar joined Jadeja at the crease as India’s last recognized pair. They faced an uphill battle against an energized Kiwi attack that was eager to capitalize on India’s vulnerability.
Tom Latham’s captaincy played a crucial role in guiding New Zealand’s bowlers as they executed their strategy flawlessly. Latham emphasized adapting quickly to pitch conditions, which proved beneficial as they exploited India’s weaknesses against spin.
The Pune crowd watched in disbelief as India’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure. This collapse served as a stark reminder of India’s struggles against quality spin on home soila situation they had often exploited against visiting teams.
With Day 2 drawing to a close, India was left with only three wickets remaining and desperately needed Jadeja and Sundar to mount a resistance. Their ability to withstand New Zealand’s aggressive bowling would be critical in determining whether India could salvage their innings.
New Zealand’s performance highlighted their strength in spin bowling, often overshadowed by their fast bowlers in previous series. The disciplined approach of Santner and his teammates forced errors from Indian batsmen who were unable to adapt.
As Day 2 ended with India at 107/7, it became clear that they were facing an uphill battle not only to avoid an innings defeat but also to stay competitive in this Test series. The match was poised for an exciting conclusion as New Zealand looked set to extend their lead further.
Tom Latham’s innings earlier in the match had set the tone for New Zealand’s dominance. He played a crucial role in building their first-innings total of 259 runs, showcasing patience and skill against India’s spinners. His leadership on the field was equally impressive as he guided his bowlers effectively throughout India’s batting collapse.
Overall, Day 2 was marked by India’s inability to handle New Zealand’s spinners, particularly Mitchell Santner. The Indian side will need to regroup quickly if they hope to turn things around in this critical match and avoid further embarrassment on home soil.
ind vs nz 2nd test day 2 Top Performance
Mitchell Santner 1st Innings: 7-53
Washington Sundar 2nd Innings: 4-56*
Tom Latham 2nd Innings: 86(133)