New Delhi: The Indian men’s cricket team is on the verge of losing its first home Test series after another dismal batting show on the second day. India were bowled out for 156 in the first innings after New Zealand spinners exposed frailty in their batting technique. The Black Caps gained a substantial 103-run lead before extending it past 300 when they finished 198 for 5 at stumps.
Mitchell Santner (7 for 53) and captain Tom Latham (86) kept the tourists ahead a day after they could only manage to put 259 after opting to bat first. India were expected to bounce back in Pune after a humiliating eight-wicket defeat in the overcast conditions of Bengaluru. But the silver linings seen in the first Test weren’t bankable here. Let’s look at the major talking points of Day 2 that turned the table for New Zealand.
Indian batters falter against spin
A lot was said in the build up of the second Test given India’s ability to dominate in the spin-friendly conditions. It apparently looked that New Zealand were ready for all the challenges thrown at them. The solitary change of Mitchell Santner coming in for Matt Henry, the wrecker-in-chief for the Black Caps in Bengaluru, has paid rich dividends for them.
(More to follow)
