Team India has performed well to conclude Day 1 in the second test in Mumbai versus New Zealand reaching 221/4. Mayank Agarwal was the standout for the visitors, batting the whole day and finishing undefeated on 120 to get the team out of difficulty at 80/3. Even though Virat Kohli’s contentious LBW departure was the buzz of the day, Ajaz Patel remained New Zealand’s finest bowler and sole wicket-taker. Here is India vs New Zealand 2nd Test Day 1 Report.
India vs New Zealand 2nd Test Day 1 Report
Later, the start of action and toss were postponed owing to a moist outfield and spots on the bowlers’ play. Several examinations were conducted prior to the toss, which occurred at 11:30 AM IST, and play commenced at 12 PM IST. Virat Kohli resumed attacking, winning the toss and electing to bat first. Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ishant Sharma were all forced out due to injuries, whereas New Zealand captain Kane Williamson reportedly missed the Test.
Shubman Gill and Mayank Agarwal got India off to a good start, neutralizing the early spin on the play as a result of all the rainfall involved in the Test match. The pair took few chances in order to pick up runs, and Tim Southee once more excelled with his approaches that troubled the hitters. However, he was unable to establish the early partnership.
Gill’s striking showed a shift in technique as he stayed well outside his crease despite confronting Kyle Jamieson to counteract any adjustment to the bowler. It also did the trick for him, as he produced some stunning strokes. Mayank, on the other extreme, was cautious at first before opening out to play his strokes.
Stumps on Day 1 of the 2nd Test.#TeamIndia 221/4 (Mayank 120*)
Scorecard – https://t.co/KYV5Z1jAEM #INDvNZ @Paytm pic.twitter.com/WL8GGArLEe
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 3, 2021
As India reached 80/0, New Zealand desperately needed a wicket, and Ajaz Patel supplied it, removing Gill on 44. Gill swung his bat at a lofted delivery from the left-arm spin bowler, only to tip it to first slip. Ajaz was just not done either, and he struck again in his next over. Cheteshwar Pujara missed the line after stepping out, causing the ball to spin and disrupt his stumps.
His difficulties worsened in 2021 as he struck a five-ball duck. Following his removal in the same over, Virat Kohli appealed an LBW decision against him, which sparked controversy. His aggressive defence had resulted in the ball hitting the pads, but he was certain he had struck it with the bat first. However, snickometer complicated matters for the 3rd umpire, who ruled that “there was no conclusive evidence to overturn the on-field decision.”
The delivery was always going to strike the stumps, and ball tracking verified it, leaving Kohli breathless. He was always certain that he had struck the ball before it hurtled against his pads and griped when it returned. Without the snickometer, it appeared that the ball had truly struck the bat. India were reduced to 80/3 in the course of 16 balls, and NZ were now in command.
Mayank Agarwal, on the other hand, had a different concept. From the other end, he observed everything that was going on, but he was unfazed and continued to bat in the same manner. Agarwal was partnered in the middle by Shreyas Iyer, although it was Agarwal who commanded the 80-run partnership. His bat produced some stunning cover drives, and he appeared to be compact in his approach. Just as India appeared to be recovering from the following 3 strikes, Ajaz struck again, sending Iyer back for 18.
Ajaz Patel leading the way with the ball on Day 1 in Mumbai. Scorecard | https://t.co/tKeqyLOL9D #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/7ZWzQEjpOQ
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 3, 2021
That promised to be the Kiwis’ final chance of the day, with Wriddhiman Saha providing excellent assistance for Agarwal. The first hitter batted with patience and targeted loose balls. In the meantime, he scored his 40th Test century, and the happiness on his face demonstrated how much the knock mattered to him.
Mayank looked composed and calmly went about his work after hitting the tonne, anticipating an even greater knock. He finished the day undefeated on 120, including 14 fours and 4 sixes. Saha did well to keep pace with him, scoring 25 runs as India achieved 221/4 in 70 overs and will try to make a huge total.
New Zealand, on the other extreme, would be kicking themselves for passing up the chance to control the play, as only Ajaz Patel was challenged every time he stepped on to bowling.
Also read: Hanuma Vihari Must Ignore Distractions And Focus On His Game: Zaheer Khan
