END OF OVER:81 | 9 Runs | IND: 234/7
- Wriddhiman Saha61 (126b)
- Axar Patel28 (67b)
- Tim Southee22-2-75-3
- William Somerville16-2-38-0
John: "What has been the difference between NZ and Indian pacers? 14 wickets vs 1 ??" ---I think more credit to the Kiwi seamers. Both Jamieson and Southee have been exceptional on a pitch that only has a bit of variable bounce as their ally. India, of course, have been tidy too with seam bowling. And the ball that Umesh Yadav bowled to Kane Williamson on the stroke of lunch yesterday will probably prove to be a significant turning point in this game and the way it has gone!
ridiculous: "This is ridiculous. With the declaration in mind, shouldn't the batsmen have gone aggressive from at least 5 overs ago?" --- Sometimes, it is a reflection of how difficult the pitch is to score rapidly on. Besides Axar and Saha aren't really the kind of ball strikers who could have innovated against some pretty defensive bowling and field placements.
"Only time India won after declaring their second innings with lead under 300 was against England at the Lord's this year (271-run lead)" says Sampath Bandarupalli.
4.09 pm India have declared. The target for New Zealand will thus be 284. The light is still reasonable and we are slated to go on till 4.34 pm today. That would leave India with 15 minutes to bowl. If the spinners operate from both ends, that could be five or six spicy overs. Maybe more, if the light holds good.
Matthew: "What would I do with a time machine? Switch any spinner for Wagner" --- Send us feedback in your own name, Kane
Sampath says this is just the second time India have had 50+ partnerships for the 6th, 7th and 8th wickets
Suvan: "Ravindra bowled Ravindra, and A Patel hit a six off A Patel. Satisfaction achieved" --- Takes A Patel to read A Patel? Anyhow, the new ball is available now. They apear to be carrying on with the old one, though Southee has come on
END OF OVER:80 | 4 Runs | IND: 225/7
- Axar Patel26 (65b)
- Wriddhiman Saha54 (122b)
- William Somerville16-2-38-0
- Ajaz Patel17-3-60-1
Tyler Durden: "I think Rahane just wants to sit on that sofa for some more time." --- Won't lie, the repeated visuals of the recliners have been making me consider purchasing one for myself
Ashwin is putting on his bowling shoes...