Ravichandran Ashwin took a career-best six for 31 to put India in firm command on a rain-hit third day of the opening Test against New Zealand in Hyderabad yesterday.
The 25-year-old was superbly backed by left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha (three for 44) as New Zealand were dismissed for 159 in their first-innings at the stroke of lunch in reply to India's 438. The hosts, who enforced the follow-on after taking a 279-run lead, reduced New Zealand to 41 for one at stumps on a day when only 37.3 overs were bowled. Opener Brendon McCullum was unbeaten on 16 and Kane Williamson was three not out when play was called off after tea due to rain.
"There is some bounce in the pitch and it has started turning more,” said Ojha. “We are confident that everything will fall in place for us. Keep it there and let the batsmen make some mistakes. We have two more days to go and are confident with the way the guys are bowling."
Earlier, the tourists added 53 to their overnight total of 106 for five after the match started. Ashwin took three wickets and Ojha and paceman Umesh Yadav took one each.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 26th, 2012.
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