CAPTAIN’S INNINGS: Brendon McCullum was last man out for 224 when attempting to slog another six to add to the five in his 307-ball inning. PHOTO: AFP
AUCKLAND: India were struggling at 130 for four after day two of the first Test against New Zealand, who posted a daunting 503-run first-innings built on a double century by Brendon McCullum.
In a dramatic start to India’s reply, New Zealand claimed the prized scalps of Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli in a withering burst from Tim Southee and Trent Boult that reduced the tourists to three down for only 10 runs.
When Rohit Sharma (not out 67) and Ajinkya Rahane (not out 23) began to rebuild the innings as spin was introduced in fading light, New Zealand orchestrated an early end to the day’s play by threatening to bring the pace attack back.
“Our swing and seam-bowlers are our best option so it seemed a bit silly to try and persevere with our spinners when there’s still a bit in the wicket,” captain McCullum said after play was halted 17 overs early.
“I thought it would be better to bring them [Boult and Southee] back which obviously forced us off the field.
“What it means is we’ve still got a hard ball in the morning. Hopefully we’ll get some overcast conditions and it will suit both Tim and Trent again.”
Top-order batsmen fail to deliver
Pujara, who averages 66.25, went for one and Shikhar Dhawan a duck as both fell in the opening over when they edged good-length deliveries from Boult.
Kohli’s sole scoring shot was a four off Boult before a sharply rising bouncer from Southee nicked his glove and popped into the hands of Peter Fulton at second slip.
Kohli was reluctant to leave and indicated the ball hit his helmet but replays showed it deflected from the helmet to the glove and then to Fulton.
By tea, India were limping at 45 for three but the situation become more dire after the resumption of play, when a swinging Neil Wagner delivery beat Murali Vijay (26) and broke the bails.
When New Zealand resumed the day at 329 for four, McCullum spearheaded a blistering end to their innings as they put on 174 runs in 31.4 overs.
His was the last wicket to fall for 224, one run short of his career best 225, also set against India at Hyderabad in 2010.
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