India off to wobbly start as Kiwis take control of Test

Napier, Mar 27 (PTI) India dug themselves into a hole by
losing three quick wickets after an insipid bowling display
allowed a spirited New Zealand to pile up a mammoth first
innings total and take control of the second cricket Test here
today.

The Kiwis rode on Jesse Ryder's (201) maiden double
century and Brendon McCullum's strokeful 115 to rattle up 619
for nine declared, their highest against India on home soil,
on a placid track at the McLean Park.

The Indians, whose fielding left much to be desired and
the bowling lacked the sting, were at a jittery 79 for three
at close of the second day which was completely dominated by
the Blackcaps.

Needing 341 runs to avoid the ignominy of follow on, the
experienced duo of Rahul Dravid (21) and Sachin Tendulkar (0)
will now have to bat out of their skin to save India the
blushes.

VVS Laxman, Yuvraj Singh and Dinesh Karthik are the other
recognised batsmen and all of them have to come good if India
hope to prevent the Kiwis from equalling the three-match
series.

India's ploy of sending Ishant Sharma (0) as the
nightwatchman backfired as he fell in the penultimate over of
the day, forcing Tendulkar to come out and face seven
deliveries. More PTI JH MRM
HMK
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