New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee dealt a crucial blow to India’s top order on Day 1 of the second Test in Pune by removing captain Rohit Sharma for a duck on Thursday (October 24). The Indian skipper, who had shown promise earlier in the series, failed to make an impact, leaving the hosts in an early spot of bother. However, the team stabilized as the day progressed, ending on a more positive note. With New Zealand already holding a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, India will need a strong performance in this Test to stay alive in the contest.

Rohit Sharma dismissed for a duck by Tim Southee

Southee’s skillful bowling proved too much for Rohit, who was dismissed for a duck after facing nine balls. In the third over of India’s first innings, Southee delivered a well-directed good-length ball, angling into the middle and off-stump. Rohit, caught on the back foot with no significant foot movement, tried to defend but was beaten by the sharp inward movement. The ball took a slight deflection off his back pad and clipped the top of the off-stump, sending the Indian captain back to the pavilion without scoring. This early breakthrough left India reeling at 1/1, and it further highlighted Rohit’s ongoing struggles with consistency, following his poor run of scores in the recent series against Bangladesh and the first Test against New Zealand.

Here’s the video:

Rohit sharma out pic.twitter.com/7oMHwnNdtJ

— Virat (@chiku_187) October 24, 2024

Also READ: Washington Sundar rips through New Zealand with career-best 7-wicket haul in Pune Test

New Zealand’s first innings: Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra lead the charge

New Zealand’s first innings saw solid contributions from Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra, who anchored their team to a total of 259. Conway was the standout performer, crafting a well-paced 76 off 141 balls, including 11 boundaries. His innings was marked by patience and technical precision, especially against India’s potent spin attack. Ravindra complemented Conway with an aggressive 65 off 105 balls, featuring a six and five boundaries, providing momentum to the middle order.

However, India’s Washington Sundar turned the tide with a stunning display of bowling, taking his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket, with figures of 7/59. His relentless accuracy and ability to extract turn from the Pune pitch proved too much for New Zealand’s lower order. Ravichandran Ashwin also played a vital role, claiming three key wickets, including the top-order batters, to halt New Zealand’s progress and restrict them below 300.

India’s response and series context

Despite the early blow of losing Rohit, India managed to regroup by the end of the day. Young openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill showed resilience, taking India to 16/1 at stumps. Their steady approach in the remaining overs of the day was crucial to avoid further damage from New Zealand’s seamers. This Test is pivotal for India, as New Zealand holds a 1-0 lead in the series after their dominant eight-wicket victory in Bengaluru. With pressure mounting, the second Test offers India a chance to fight back and level the series. Much will depend on how well Jaiswal, Gill, and the rest of the Indian batting lineup respond on Day 2 against New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack.

Also WATCH: Washington Sundar cleans up Tim Southee with a peach of a delivery on Day 1 of Pune Test

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