A brilliant fight-back by
New Zealand. They were reeling at 94/5 at one point but then Brendon McCullum
and Watling got together and made sure that they not only steadied the ship but
also helped the hosts achieve a lead. Both were watchful to start off with but
then McCullum opened up and placed his innings to perfection. While, Watling
gave the perfect support that his skipper was looking for. However, the work is
far from over for the man in the middle and these two need to continue the same
momentum tomorrow. The Indian bowlers lost the bite after lunch and looked
listless. Their fielding was shabby as they dropped a couple of catches, both
of McCullum, which is proving costly. The visitors would look to wrap it up as
soon as possible and make sure the target is minimal.
Brendon McCullum has
also pulled out his toughest Test knock to take the Test into the fourth day
and make sure India will have to bat again. He was on 114* scoring his
second ton in the series and 9th overall with BJ Watling on 52* New Zealand's best sixth-wicket
partnership worth 158. For India, Zaheer Khan has 3-60.
Watling is known for such
fighting innings, but McCullum had to battle his attacking instincts, swallow
his pride along with pain-killing pills, and absorb all the pressure before
opening up. He was also assisted by the Indian fielders when Virat Kohli
and Ishant Sharma dropped him when his score was 9 and 36.
New Zealand are 252-5, a
lead of six runs, but technically at stumps on the third day of the second Test
New Zealand are 6 for 5 going into the Day four against India in Wellington. India
is in strong position at present but bowlers need to break the on-going
partnership and wrap up the attacking lower order were India need to win the Test
and level the series after losing the narrow finish in first Test by 40 runs.
See you tomorrow with more excitement and news. Till then take care and never say bye to me.
#$D
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