There are not too many days when teams can feel as exalted as the New Zealand team would have felt at the end of the first day's play at McLean Park in Napier. But two of their most dynamic batsmen literally created a stitch in time scenario, leaving India with a rider- they have to take more wickets to steamroll the New Zealand side.
taylor ryder
Not many would have blinked in astonishment when New Zealand were reeling at three down for just twenty-three on board. That is not because New Zealand lacks in talent. Rather it is because of the sheer inexperience in this line up that makes them the favourite under dogs. But there is another factor. New Zealand have often found themselves in similar situations only to have their middle order fight back like street fighters. The story was no different today.
India lost their skipper to an untimely pain in the back literally. With Mahendra Singh Dhoni ruled out in a line up otherwise expected to remain unchanged, Virender Sehwag donned the captain's hat. He would have felt mightily high knowing that the hosts were put in terrible misery so early into the match. But it was his team that would not necessarily be too worried about the runs they have to make but of the fact that they allowed New Zealand to escape from such tight clutches into a position of strength, which if not in physical terms, will be a huge psychological boost for the hosts overwhelmed by India in the first Test.
Ross Taylor and Jesse Ryder formed the unlikely pair that took New Zealand to a strong position at the end of the first day on 351 for 4. While Taylor's talent was never something to underestimate, Ryder's redemption is almost complete after this consecutive Test century against India in this series.
Taylor's 150 and Ryder's unbeaten 137 broke the rhythm of the morning when India held the sway after Zaheer Khan removed Martin Guptill and Jamie How as Ishant Sharma picked up the other opener, Time McIntosh, whose wretched run continues.
But India dropped a couple of crucial chances and the record breaking partnership for the fourth wicket went from consolidation to command, from being the limp underdogs to being equals in a rather unequal battle. It has certainly livened up matters which were looking lifeless before this match, much like some of the pitches on view these days around the world.
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