CHRISTCHURCH: India’s top-order frittered away a golden opportunity with another substandard batting program as New Zealand regained complete control after Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah’s hostile fast-bowling spell had actually offered the visitors a slim first-innings lead in the 2nd Test here on Sunday.
Shami (4/81 in 23.1 overs) and Bumrah (3/62 in 22 overs) were fantastic in their execution, dismissing New Zealand for 235 in 73.1 overs as they showed why they are one of deadliest quick bowling pair in Test match cricket.
Nevertheless, India’s top-order came a cropper once again as New Zealand recuperated, minimizing India to 90 for 6 at stumps on day two as a three-day finish is on the cards.
India is now efficiently 97 runs ahead with just four wickets in hand and it will take an amazing effort to prevent another series whitewash after the ODIs.
Trent Boult (3/12 in 9 overs) got Mayank Agarwal (3) and Cheteshwar Pujara (24) with conventi