India vs New Zealand 1st Test Day 2 LIVE: India in Trouble After Early Wicket
India vs New Zealand 1st Test, Day 2 LIVE Score: India Struggles as Southee Strikes Early
India and New Zealand are locked in a heated battle during the first Test in Bengaluru, and the action on Day 2 is already intense. New Zealand’s Tim Southee claimed the first breakthrough of the day, dismissing Indian skipper Rohit Sharma for just 2 runs. Virat Kohli, greeted by enthusiastic cheers from the fans, has stepped in at No. 3, joining Yashasvi Jaiswal at the crease. India is looking to build a strong partnership, while New Zealand is eager to claim more quick wickets to dominate the game.
First Test Toss and Team Lineups
Earlier, India won the toss and elected to bat first, taking advantage of the conditions. Rohit Sharma, leading India, made two key changes in the lineup: Sarfaraz Khan replaced Shubman Gill, who was rested due to a neck issue, and Kuldeep Yadav was included, taking Akash Deep’s place. The visiting Blackcaps, captained by Tom Latham, are fielding a strong side, featuring three seamers led by Southee and spinner Ajaz Patel, with all-rounders capable of contributing with both bat and ball.
Day 2 Key Moments: India’s Batting Struggles
India’s innings got off to a shaky start, with New Zealand’s pace attack, led by Tim Southee and Matt Henry, keeping the Indian batters on edge. In the early overs, Rohit Sharma narrowly avoided dismissal, surviving a close DRS call on Henry’s delivery. However, Southee’s precision ended Rohit’s innings at 6.3 overs, leaving India at 9/1.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, alongside Virat Kohli, is aiming to stabilize India’s innings, but Matt Henry’s fierce pace continues to challenge the Indian batsmen. Jaiswal, particularly, has had trouble coping with Henry’s swing, keeping the home crowd on edge.
New Zealand’s Dominant Start on Day 2
New Zealand’s bowlers have taken control, not allowing India to score freely. The pitch conditions, damp after overnight rain, are aiding the Kiwi bowlers, as both Southee and Henry put up a dominant show in the early session. India will need a strong partnership to counter the New Zealand attack and post a competitive score in this crucial opening Test.
Pitch Report: Early Advantage for Bowlers
Experts Murali Kartik and Simon Doull noted that the pitch, having been under covers due to rain, still holds some moisture, making it ideal for seam bowlers early on. New ball movement is expected, and as the match progresses, spinners like Kuldeep Yadav and Ajaz Patel might come into play.
Toss Insights: Strategies from Both Captains
Rohit Sharma chose to bat first despite the tricky conditions, hoping to set a solid total on the board. In contrast, Tom Latham’s New Zealand side was eager to capitalize on the pitch’s early swing and seam movement, opting for a bowling-heavy lineup with a balanced mix of pace and spin.
Looking Ahead: India Needs to Regroup
As Day 2 unfolds, all eyes are on Kohli and Jaiswal as they look to rebuild India’s innings. With the match evenly poised, India will need to focus on partnerships to get back into the game, while New Zealand will aim to keep up the pressure with disciplined bowling.
Stay tuned for live updates throughout the day as we bring you the latest action from Bengaluru.
