After a washout on the opening day, the toss finally happened in the first Test between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru on Thursday, which saw the home team’s captain Rohit Sharma winning it and deciding to bat in overcast conditions. The decision backfired as India’s top-order disintegrated in no time.
In the 12.4 overs bowled before the first rain stoppage on Thursday, India lost three wickets for just 13 runs as opener Yashasvi Jaiswal battled to 8 not out in 37 balls while watching his partners fall at the other end, including a stunning catch by Devon Conway at extra cover to send Sarfaraz Khan back for a duck.
Rohit was the first to depart, cleaned up by Tim Southee for 2, followed by Virat Kohli who failed to open his account during his 9-ball stay. He was dismissed by William O’Rourke.
That followed a stunning piece of play where Conway caught a screamer diving full length to his right after Sarfaraz horribly mistimed his walking drive on the up against Matt Henry.
The ball seemed to be flying past Conway at extra cover before his outstretched right hand came in the way. India’s score at that stage read 10 for 3.
It was the second duck of the Indian innings that saw the team losing three wickets for 10 runs or below for the first time since 2010 at home and only the third such instance since 1990.
Rishabh Pant (3*) was accompanying Jaiswal (8*) when rain stopped play.