Williamson, Latham lead strong New Zealand reply against India on rain-hit day

Pair added 117 runs for second wicket to take visitors to 152 for one at end of day's play

Afp September 23, 2016

new zealand 039 s tom latham r and captain kane williamson run between the wickets during the second day of the first test match between india and new zealand at green park stadium in kanpur on september 23 2016 photo afp

New Zealand's Tom Latham (R) and captain Kane Williamson run between the wickets during the second day of the first Test match between India and New Zealand at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur on September 23, 2016. PHOTO: AFP

KANPUR: New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson and Tom Latham led a strong reply to take the visitors to 152 for one at stumps against India on a rain-hit second day of the first Test in Kanpur on Friday.

The visitors lost opener Martin Guptill earlier in the day, but Williamson and Latham's unbeaten 117-run stand helped them make major inroads into India's first innings total of 318.

At stumps, Kiwis had reduced the deficit to 166 runs, with Williamson unbeaten on 65 and Latham also well set on 56 when rain washed out the play after tea on the second day.

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The Black Caps skipper survived a scare when a Ravichandran Ashwin ball hit the back of his helmet. The back flaps which provide extra support to the skull fell onto his stumps, but didn't dislodge the bails.

Latham also rode his luck after Ravindra Jadeja got the left-handed batsman caught at short leg, but replays showed the ball hitting the helmet grill of fielder Lokesh Rahul.

The decision was referred to the third umpire who gave Latham not out as according to the rules, external protective gear cannot come into play while taking a catch.

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The duo got to their respective fifties soon after, although off-spinner Ashwin and left-arm spinner Jadeja continued to trouble the batsmen.

India's Umesh Yadav remained the only wicket-taker after he trapped Guptill lbw for 21 in the first session of play.

Guptill started with positive intent as he struck three boundaries in his 31-ball stay before being undone by Yadav's pacy, in-swinging delivery.

Earlier overnight batsman Jadeja played a useful 42-run cameo for the hosts, who started the day on 291 for nine.

Jadeja struck seven fours and a six during his unbeaten knock as he entertained the crowd at Kanpur's Green Park.

Medium-pacer Neil Wagner got Yadav caught behind for nine to end up with two wickets in the innings. Mitchell Santner and Trent Boult claimed three apiece.