New Zealand vs India, Day 3: List of key takeaways
The Indian cricket team is in trouble against New Zealand in the ongoing first Test at the Basin Reserve. India allowed New Zealand to run away (348/10) after having them at 226/7. In the second innings, India are 144/4 and trail the Kiwis by 39 runs. Trent Boult was terrific with three scalps. Here are the key takeaways.
How did Day 3 pan out?
India got off to a strong start after picking up two quick wickets. However, Colin de Grandhomme (43) and Kyle Jamieson (44) added 71 for the eighth wicket. India removed Grandhomme when the score was 310/9. But Trent Boult (34) ensured NZ finish at 348. In reply, Mayank Agarwal scored a fifty, however, Kiwis grabbed four scalps.
Indian bowlers get their plans wrong
Grandhomme faced issues against the short ball in New Zealand's tour of Australia recently, however, Indian bowlers bowled full. This helped the player go about his game. And then the pacers targeted the tall Jamieson with short balls. He accepted that with glee and scored a brisk 44. Boult came in and attacked as well. The visitors' confidence took a hit by then.
Kiwi pacers go about their plans well to hurt India
The Kiwis were terrific in the manner they went about the business when India batted. The pacers had a plan and it paid off. They targeted Virat Kohli full around the off stump and also resorted to short balls. Kohli was doing fine, before being dismissed by the short ball. Mayank was out with a fuller delivery doing the trick.
Mayank, Ishant the biggest positives for Team India
After scoring 34 in the first innings, Indian opener Mayank showed character. He got a 99-ball 58 this time and looked confident in his approach. However, he would have liked to be there after having done all the hard work. Meanwhile, Ishant Sharma ended up with a fifer (5/68). He looked as the most consistent Indian pacer and was rewarded for his work.
