India pacemen trigger New Zealand collapse

Kiwis struggle to reach 148 for seven on opening day of final Test.

NAGPUR: India rode on some fine performances by their under-fire bowlers to restrict New Zealand to 148 for seven and seize early control of the series-deciding third and final Test. New-ball bowlers Shanthakumaran Sreesanth and Ishant Sharma provided early breakthroughs before the spinners got in on the act on a lively wicket at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur.

Brendon McCullum, who came in to bat at number eight after injuring his back on the morning of the match, was unbeaten on 34 when stumps were drawn on the opening day. New Zealand owed much to left-handed batsman Jesse Ryder who defied a calf injury to top-score with a fine 59 off 113 balls.

The gallant show by McCullum and Ryder seemed to be the only high point for the visitors, seeking to win a first-ever Test series in India after the first two matches ended in draws.

India’s bowling attack, depleted in the absence of injured pace spearhead Zaheer Khan, put in an inspired performance after much criticism and reduced the tourists to 82 for six before Ryder gave his side something to cheer about.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 21^st, 2010.