1st Test: India toil as New Zealand get solid start

TEST world champions New Zealand came up with a strong response against a depleted Indian side in the first Test in Kanpur on the second day.

Replying to the home team’s 345 in the first innings, Kane Williamson’s side did not lose a wicket and ended the day at 129 (in 57 overs) with openers Tom Latham (50 not out) and Will Young (75 not out) giving their team a solid foundation.

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The Kiwis are now trailing India by 216 runs with three days remaining.

The Indian bowling attack, which includes experienced bowlers like Ishant Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin, could not make any inroads as the left-hand-right-hand opening pair capitalised on some few hairy moments to neutralise the hosts’ attack.

Earlier in the day, New Zealand bowled India out for 345 after the hosts resumed from their overnight score of 258 for 4. Debutant Shreyas Iyer scored his maiden Test century (105) while opener Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja made 50s and Ashwin scored 38.

Kiwi spearhead Tim Southee took five wickets for New Zealand for 69 runs.

India's stand-in captain Ajainkya Rahane won the toss and elected to bat first on Thursday (25).