After heavy rain washed out the opening day, New Zealand's fast bowlers took centre stage on the second morning of the first Test against India in Bengaluru. Led by William O'Rourke (3-13) and Matt Henry (2-12), the Kiwi pacers capitalised on tricky overhead conditions and a damp surface, wreaking havoc on the Indian batting lineup after Rohit Sharma’s decision to bat first.
Right from the start, Henry and the experienced Tim Southee put India's openers under pressure. Despite several close calls in the first half-hour, Rohit and Yashasvi Jaiswal managed to survive. However, the breakthrough came when Southee's inswinger beat Rohit’s inside edge, bowling the Indian captain as he attempted an aggressive shot to break free. Rohit’s frustration was evident as he walked back to the pavilion.
O'Rourke, fresh from an impressive series in Sri Lanka, struck immediately in his first over. He bowled a menacing delivery that reared up on Virat Kohli, forcing the Indian star to fend it to Glenn Phillips at leg gully, who took a sharp low catch. Phillips continued to shine in the field, while Devon Conway pulled off a stunning one-handed catch at mid-off to dismiss a nervous Sarfaraz Khan for a duck, leaving India reeling at 10/3.
With India in deep trouble, Rishabh Pant came in at number five, seemingly as a counterattacking option. Pant attempted to disrupt New Zealand's rhythm but had a lucky escape when Tom Blundell dropped a catch behind the stumps. A brief rain delay followed, only making the pitch even more challenging for the batters. Just before lunch, Ajaz Patel’s brilliant fielding at backward point ended Jaiswal’s resistance.
New Zealand continued to dominate as India lost two more wickets for ducks. KL Rahul fell into a well-set leg trap, guiding a short ball from O'Rourke straight to the fielder, while Ravindra Jadeja’s careless flick produced a leading edge that was caught by Ajaz at backward point.
At 34/6, with four of their top seven dismissed for ducks—a first in a home Test—India faces a nightmare scenario. As the innings crumbles, India's hopes of posting a respectable score now rest on Rishabh Pant and the lower order.
Brief Scores:
India 34/6 (Rishabh Pant 15; William O'Rourke 3-13, Matt Henry 2-12)
New Zealand yet to bat.