India skipper Virat Kohli insisted it was the pitch that undid his team at the Basin Reserve, not the Black Caps.
New Zealand’s quick bowlers twice skittled India for less than 200 to give Kane Williamson’s side a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
Photo Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
New Zealand vs India | Second Test | 29 February – 4 March 2020 | Hagley Oval, Christchurch | 00:30
New Zealand
Tim Southee led New Zealand’s effort with the ball in the first Test by claiming nine wickets and the seamers are expected to be key once more in Christchurch.
Williamson led from the front in a batting effort that was bolstered by a wagging tail. New Zealand got by on efforts from up and down their order in Wellington but will be keen for the top order to do more of the work at the Hagley Oval.
A series win over India would put New Zealand in the hunt for a place in the World Test Championship, which should serve as an extra incentive for the Black Caps to win the series.
Kyle Jamieson’s stunning debut and the return to fitness of top-ranked New Zealand bowler Neil Wagner gives the hosts a selection conundrum.
India
India couldn’t get on top in the first Test and will need to make a strong start to the second to prevent being blown away by an underrated New Zealand team.
On balance, Mayank Agarwal was India’s best batsman in a poor first Test effort, but the tourists need a lot more from their top order and will be keen to make the most of their starts.
India’s bowlers let New Zealand off the hook by allowing the hosts to add over a hundred runs for their last three first-innings wickets. Ishant Sharma stood out among the three-pronged pace attack while Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami went missing at times.
Kohli’s team have shown great resilience in the recent past, but India’s struggles against seam have returned in full force to make the task of levelling the series a tough one.
Verdict: New Zealand
The Black Caps should close this out.
