India fight back after Ravindra’s century propels New Zealand to lead
India responded with a strong batting performance after New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra struck a brilliant 134, helping the visitors to a commanding lead of 356 runs on day three of the rain-affected first Test in Bengaluru on Friday.
The hosts reached 231-3 at stumps, trailing by 125 runs, after Virat Kohli was dismissed for 70 on the last ball of the day, caught behind off Glenn Phillips. Kohli, who added 136 runs with Sarfaraz Khan, unsuccessfully reviewed the decision. Sarfaraz remained unbeaten on 70.
“It’s important for us to hold our lines and lengths and do that for long periods,” Ravindra said post-match. “The wicket of Virat was very massive.”
Kohli’s fifty, reached at his IPL home ground of Bengaluru, came after Sarfaraz reached his half-century in just 42 balls. Kohli also passed the 9,000-run milestone in Tests, joining Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar in the elite club.
Earlier, Ravindra’s ton anchored New Zealand to 402, supported by a quickfire 65 from Tim Southee. India’s bowlers, led by Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, struggled on the surface but managed to wrap up New Zealand’s innings.
India had earlier collapsed for 46 in their first innings, their lowest-ever Test score at home.
(Source: AFP)
