That’s it from us in our coverage of the second day of the first Test between India and New Zealand in Kanpur. It was a day that belonged almost entirely to the Black Caps, starting with Tim Southee’s morning burst as he helped restrict India to a total 30-40 lesser than what the hosts would’ve hoped for overnight. The bowling efforts were then complemented by openers Will Young and Tom Latham, both of whom produced half-centuries and forged an unbroken 129-run stand. For the Indians, the only positives were Shreyas Iyer completing a fine ton on debut and a fighting cameo from Ravichandran Ashwin with the bat.
Do join us tomorrow for Day 3 of the match. For now, this is Amit signing off.
Game wide open now!
Incredibly impressive opening partnership from the lads in challenging conditions. All to play for tomorrow! #IndiaVsNewZealand— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) November 26, 2021
Shreyas Iyer: (Has the feeling of the maiden ton sunk in?) Yes definitely. I was really happy with how everything went on from Day 1. I couldn’t get good sleep overnight when I was on 75. He motivated me a lot while I giving me the cap, but told me to not look to far ahead, not look at the past but focus on the present and on the next delivery. When you come to the ground and score a century, it’s the best feeling. Cracks are starting to open up. We will hope to not give too many runs tomorrow while keeping things tight.
After 57 overs,New Zealand 129/0 ( Tom Latham 50 , Will Young 75)
Tidy over from Axar, with just one coming from it as Young works the ball through square leg off the fourth ball for a single. And this turns out to be the final over of the day as the umpires have decided the light is no longer conducive for play to continue further.
The balance of the game definitely has tilted in New Zealand’s favour at stumps on Day 2, thanks to Southee’s superb morning spell as well as the solid unbroken partnership between Young and Latham.
After 56 overs,New Zealand 128/0 ( Tom Latham 50 , Will Young 74)
Been a tough day in the office for the umpires as yet another decision gets reversed in the closing minutes of the final session. Latham is adjudged caught-behind off Ashwin in the penultimate delivery of this over, and the southpaw reviews right away. Turns out to be the bat hitting the bat, no contact with the ball whatsoever. India’s hunt for their first wicket of the match continues.
After 55 overs,New Zealand 128/0 ( Tom Latham 50 , Will Young 74)
Just the one off Axar’s ninth over, which brings up Latham’s 21st Test half century. Another five overs left in the day’s play. The umpires have a quick word regarding the light, but decide to continue.
Fifty up for Tom Latham in 157 deliveries. The southpaw brings up his 21st Test half-century with a sweep — his favourite shot this innings — off Axar Patel in the 55th over. NZ 128/0
After 54 overs,New Zealand 127/0 ( Tom Latham 49 , Will Young 74)
Ashwin continues to experiment with variations in his bid to break the opening partnership, going so far as to alter his delivery stride — releasing the ball in front of the umpire in his follow through after running in wide. Two singles collected in the over.
After 53 overs,New Zealand 125/0 ( Tom Latham 48 , Will Young 73)
Young collects a single off the fourth delivery, the first run collected by the Black Caps in 16 deliveries. A misfield by Umesh at mid on then allows Latham to come back for a third run and move to 48. Fielding has been a big difference between the two sides so far in the match. Three from the over.
After 52 overs,New Zealand 122/0 ( Tom Latham 46 , Will Young 72)
Back-to-back maidens for the spinners. Mayank, meanwhile, is back on his knees at the second slip/gully position, with the slip fielder standing behind him. Getting quite dark in Kanpur at the moment, but light shouldn’t be much of an issue with the slower bowlers operating from both ends at the moment.