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Thu, 06 February 2014
Cricket! McCullum, Williamson tons help NZ dominate Day 1
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11:21
STUMPS - DAY 1
NZ 329-4 (90 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
McCullum led from the front with the bat, with a splendid innings of 143 not out, having hit 18 fours and two sixes in 210 deliveries.
Anderson also got into the act with a few boundaries to hit 42 from 78 balls as New Zealand dominated the last two sessions after being rocked by early wickets in the morning session.
McCullum counter-attacked the Indians in the company of Williamson, who made 113, as the duo put on 221 runs for the fourth wicket.
India's bowlers enjoyed the early help as Ishant took a couple of wickets at the start but faded as the day progressed to finish with two for 62 in 21 overs. Zaheer was the other wicket-taker, claiming two for 98 in 23 overs, while Shami had no luck as he bowled 22 overs for 66 runs.
But left-arm spinner Jadeja was poor with the ball, and was hit for 81 runs in 20 overs.
NZ 329-4 (90 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
McCullum led from the front with the bat, with a splendid innings of 143 not out, having hit 18 fours and two sixes in 210 deliveries.
Anderson also got into the act with a few boundaries to hit 42 from 78 balls as New Zealand dominated the last two sessions after being rocked by early wickets in the morning session.
McCullum counter-attacked the Indians in the company of Williamson, who made 113, as the duo put on 221 runs for the fourth wicket.
India's bowlers enjoyed the early help as Ishant took a couple of wickets at the start but faded as the day progressed to finish with two for 62 in 21 overs. Zaheer was the other wicket-taker, claiming two for 98 in 23 overs, while Shami had no luck as he bowled 22 overs for 66 runs.
But left-arm spinner Jadeja was poor with the ball, and was hit for 81 runs in 20 overs.
11:11
STUMPS - DAY 1
NZ 329-4 (90 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Anderson continues his positive approach as he looks to pull Zaheer but gets a top edge which flies over the keeper for a six. Two singles from the last two deliveries make it eight runs from the 87th over.
Zaheer looks in some sort of pain and feeling some pain on his back.
Shami will continue as NZ collect three singles from the over with two just overs remaining for close of play.
So Zaheer looks okay as he continues with the ball. McCullum comes forward to defend but gets a thick inside edge which goes past the stumps for a boundary behind the stumps.
Shami to bowl the final over of the day. He bowls a beauty to beat Anderson outside the off-stump as it nips away at the last movement. The left-hander defends the last over as New Zealand end the day on a high, on 329 for four
NZ 329-4 (90 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Anderson continues his positive approach as he looks to pull Zaheer but gets a top edge which flies over the keeper for a six. Two singles from the last two deliveries make it eight runs from the 87th over.
Zaheer looks in some sort of pain and feeling some pain on his back.
Shami will continue as NZ collect three singles from the over with two just overs remaining for close of play.
So Zaheer looks okay as he continues with the ball. McCullum comes forward to defend but gets a thick inside edge which goes past the stumps for a boundary behind the stumps.
Shami to bowl the final over of the day. He bowls a beauty to beat Anderson outside the off-stump as it nips away at the last movement. The left-hander defends the last over as New Zealand end the day on a high, on 329 for four
10:48
NZ 311-4 (85 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Anderson in attack mode now, goes after a short delivery from Shami but misses the pull shot as it goes over the bat.
The field is well spread out and Anderson flicks it to deep square leg for a single.
A maiden over from Ishant before Zaheer comes back, to replace Shami. McCullum takes one from the first ball before Anderson slaps the fifth straight back past the bowler for a four.
Anderson in attack mode now, goes after a short delivery from Shami but misses the pull shot as it goes over the bat.
The field is well spread out and Anderson flicks it to deep square leg for a single.
A maiden over from Ishant before Zaheer comes back, to replace Shami. McCullum takes one from the first ball before Anderson slaps the fifth straight back past the bowler for a four.
10:36
NZ 303-4 (82 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
India take the second new ball straightaway and bring back Shami, who so far has bowled 18 overs for 61 runs.
He starts with two deliveries down the leg side before McCullum gets a leg bye as he misses the flick. A disappointing first over from Shami with the new ball.
Ishant gets the second new ball ahead of Zaheer. The first ball is a half volley which McCullum drives through the covers for three runs. The next ball slides down the leg side to Anderson, who flicks it fine past keeper Dhoni for a four.
Two balls later, Anderson steers it past the slip cordon for another boundary to bring up New Zealand's 300.
Ishant then drops short and Anderson is quick to rock back and pull it powerfully through midwicket for the third boundary of the over to raise the 50-run stand. A disappointing over by Ishant as he is hit for 15 runs.
India take the second new ball straightaway and bring back Shami, who so far has bowled 18 overs for 61 runs.
He starts with two deliveries down the leg side before McCullum gets a leg bye as he misses the flick. A disappointing first over from Shami with the new ball.
Ishant gets the second new ball ahead of Zaheer. The first ball is a half volley which McCullum drives through the covers for three runs. The next ball slides down the leg side to Anderson, who flicks it fine past keeper Dhoni for a four.
Two balls later, Anderson steers it past the slip cordon for another boundary to bring up New Zealand's 300.
Ishant then drops short and Anderson is quick to rock back and pull it powerfully through midwicket for the third boundary of the over to raise the 50-run stand. A disappointing over by Ishant as he is hit for 15 runs.
10:24
NZ 288-4 (80 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
India's two spinners rushing through their overs but they will still fall short by a huge margin. 10 minutes to go for scheduled close of play but 12 overs to be bowled today.
Anderson gets a lifeline as India mess up on the field yet again. A misunderstanding sees the left-hander stranded mid pitch but Zaheer at point fails to get the direct hit or to the bowler, but hits Anderson on his back.
After 80 overs, New Zealand are 288 for four.
India's two spinners rushing through their overs but they will still fall short by a huge margin. 10 minutes to go for scheduled close of play but 12 overs to be bowled today.
Anderson gets a lifeline as India mess up on the field yet again. A misunderstanding sees the left-hander stranded mid pitch but Zaheer at point fails to get the direct hit or to the bowler, but hits Anderson on his back.
After 80 overs, New Zealand are 288 for four.
10:13
NZ 282-4 (77 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Part-timer Rohit Sharma comes into the attack with India look to rush through their overs. Also in his mind is the fact that there are only six overs remaining for the second new ball.
Rohit beats McCullum with one that slants across him before the right-hander plays the reverse sweep for a boundary to break the shackles.
McCullum has decided to cut loose after a brief period of playing with caution. He steps down the track to Jadeja and lofts him back over his head for a six to take his score to 117.
Rohit will continue as New Zealand take three singles from his third over before drinks are taken with the score on 282 for four in 77 overs.
Part-timer Rohit Sharma comes into the attack with India look to rush through their overs. Also in his mind is the fact that there are only six overs remaining for the second new ball.
Rohit beats McCullum with one that slants across him before the right-hander plays the reverse sweep for a boundary to break the shackles.
McCullum has decided to cut loose after a brief period of playing with caution. He steps down the track to Jadeja and lofts him back over his head for a six to take his score to 117.
Rohit will continue as New Zealand take three singles from his third over before drinks are taken with the score on 282 for four in 77 overs.
10:04
NZ 263-4 (74 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
India looking in no hurry at all with 21 overs yet to be bowled with nearly 45 minutes left for close of play.
Anderson gets off the mark with a single off Jadeja, who is milked for three easy singles in his 15th over.
McCullum hits Zaheer hard through the off-side but gets a single to sweeper cover. Anderson clips the third ball fine on the leg side for a couple before he is nearly done in by the bouncer. The left-hander fends off the short ball but it falls safely between the slips and gully for two runs.
McCullum has gone into a shell since getting to his century as he plays out a maiden over from Jadeja.
Strangely, New Zealand have shut shop very early with nearly an hour's play to go.
The boundaries have disappeared completely as runs are coming in singles at the moment with just two being scored from the last three overs.
India looking in no hurry at all with 21 overs yet to be bowled with nearly 45 minutes left for close of play.
Anderson gets off the mark with a single off Jadeja, who is milked for three easy singles in his 15th over.
McCullum hits Zaheer hard through the off-side but gets a single to sweeper cover. Anderson clips the third ball fine on the leg side for a couple before he is nearly done in by the bouncer. The left-hander fends off the short ball but it falls safely between the slips and gully for two runs.
McCullum has gone into a shell since getting to his century as he plays out a maiden over from Jadeja.
Strangely, New Zealand have shut shop very early with nearly an hour's play to go.
The boundaries have disappeared completely as runs are coming in singles at the moment with just two being scored from the last three overs.
09:44
NZ 251-4 (69 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Zaheer comes back with India trying their best to get the elusive breakthrough. Williamson continues to bat with ease and picks up a single on the leg side from the first ball before McCullum defends the rest of the over. The Kiwis seem to have got a bit relaxed after both batsmen completed their centuries.
Jadeja has been guilty of trying too many things. And he again drops short as Williamson goes back and punches him through the covers for a couple before one to midwicket.
Zaheer from round the wicket trying to get the reverse swing working. The first ball comes in as Williamson flicks it to deep square leg for one.
McCullum goes for the pull as it goes uppishly towards fine leg as Shami holds back and takes it on the bounce leaving Zaheer a bit displeased.
Williamson plays another delightful shot through the covers finding the gap to perfection to get three runs.
India finally get the much-needed breakthrough with the wicket of Williamson, who is caught down the leg side off Zaheer.
The right-hander played a splendid innings of 113 from 172 balls, hitting 10 fours and two sixes to continue his good recent run with the bat. He put on 221 runs for the fourth wicket with McCullum that helped NZ rally after they were reeling at 30 for one at one stage.
Zaheer nearly picked another wicket in the same over but the inside edge saved Corey Anderson from getting out LBW.
Zaheer comes back with India trying their best to get the elusive breakthrough. Williamson continues to bat with ease and picks up a single on the leg side from the first ball before McCullum defends the rest of the over. The Kiwis seem to have got a bit relaxed after both batsmen completed their centuries.
Jadeja has been guilty of trying too many things. And he again drops short as Williamson goes back and punches him through the covers for a couple before one to midwicket.
Zaheer from round the wicket trying to get the reverse swing working. The first ball comes in as Williamson flicks it to deep square leg for one.
McCullum goes for the pull as it goes uppishly towards fine leg as Shami holds back and takes it on the bounce leaving Zaheer a bit displeased.
Williamson plays another delightful shot through the covers finding the gap to perfection to get three runs.
India finally get the much-needed breakthrough with the wicket of Williamson, who is caught down the leg side off Zaheer.
The right-hander played a splendid innings of 113 from 172 balls, hitting 10 fours and two sixes to continue his good recent run with the bat. He put on 221 runs for the fourth wicket with McCullum that helped NZ rally after they were reeling at 30 for one at one stage.
Zaheer nearly picked another wicket in the same over but the inside edge saved Corey Anderson from getting out LBW.
09:29
NZ 241-3 (64 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
McCullum top edges the sweep shot against Jadeja but it falls safely as it goes over the short fine leg fielder. Three singles from the last three balls as India's bowlers struggle to contain the flow of runs.
Ishant, who bowled a maiden over previously, comes up with another tidy over conceding just a single.
Two singles from Jadeja's next over, who has gone for 60 runs in 12 overs as India struggled big time as the ball got a bit older.
At the drinks break, New Zealand are sitting pretty on 241 for three in 64 overs.
McCullum top edges the sweep shot against Jadeja but it falls safely as it goes over the short fine leg fielder. Three singles from the last three balls as India's bowlers struggle to contain the flow of runs.
Ishant, who bowled a maiden over previously, comes up with another tidy over conceding just a single.
Two singles from Jadeja's next over, who has gone for 60 runs in 12 overs as India struggled big time as the ball got a bit older.
At the drinks break, New Zealand are sitting pretty on 241 for three in 64 overs.
09:09
NZ 233-3 (60 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
32 overs to go in the day and New Zealand look to set the finish opening day on a huge score unless India make some breakthroughs soon.
Ishant tries the bouncer to Williamson who rocks back and pulls it over midwicket for a boundary to move to 99.
McCullum takes a single from Jadeja's first ball to raise the 200-run stand for the fourth wicket.
Off the next ball, Williamson completes another landmark as he drives Jadeja through the covers for a couple to reach his fifth Test century.
32 overs to go in the day and New Zealand look to set the finish opening day on a huge score unless India make some breakthroughs soon.
Ishant tries the bouncer to Williamson who rocks back and pulls it over midwicket for a boundary to move to 99.
McCullum takes a single from Jadeja's first ball to raise the 200-run stand for the fourth wicket.
Off the next ball, Williamson completes another landmark as he drives Jadeja through the covers for a couple to reach his fifth Test century.
08:59
NZ 225-3 (58 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Williamson getting better with every delivery. He takes full toll of an overpitched delivery from Shami, playing a perfect straight drives that beats mid-off for a boundary. The next ball comes in and he manages to clip it to midwicket for a couple as India's bowlers continue to struggle.
McCullum has overtaken his partner Williamson in getting to the century as he continues his attack on Jadeja.
McCullum brings up his century in grand style, lofting Jadeja back over his head for a six.
Williamson getting better with every delivery. He takes full toll of an overpitched delivery from Shami, playing a perfect straight drives that beats mid-off for a boundary. The next ball comes in and he manages to clip it to midwicket for a couple as India's bowlers continue to struggle.
McCullum has overtaken his partner Williamson in getting to the century as he continues his attack on Jadeja.
McCullum brings up his century in grand style, lofting Jadeja back over his head for a six.
08:41
NZ 190-3 (54 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
India's over rate has been poor and they will need to bowl 39 overs in the final session and certainly we will see more of Jadeja to speed up things.
Jadeja resumes proceedings after the tea break. A single each to McCullum and Williamson before the former sweeps the fourth ball to midwicket for a boundary to take his score to 80.
A single each to the two batsmen in the next over from Shami as the Kiwis continue to keep the scoreboard moving.
McCullum comes forward and drives Jadeja to the left of the fielder at cover and gets three runs in the process before Williamson plays out the rest of the over.
India's over rate has been poor and they will need to bowl 39 overs in the final session and certainly we will see more of Jadeja to speed up things.
Jadeja resumes proceedings after the tea break. A single each to McCullum and Williamson before the former sweeps the fourth ball to midwicket for a boundary to take his score to 80.
A single each to the two batsmen in the next over from Shami as the Kiwis continue to keep the scoreboard moving.
McCullum comes forward and drives Jadeja to the left of the fielder at cover and gets three runs in the process before Williamson plays out the rest of the over.
08:17
NZ 179-3 (51 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
A session that was dominated by New Zealand as they staged a great comeback to reach 179 for three in 51 overs at the tea break on Day 1.
Williamson continued his good run with the bat to hit 79 not out from 115 balls, while McCullum hit a fluent 71 from 111 balls with the duo having put on 149 runs for the fourth wicket so far.
The Kiwis scored 125 runs in 27 overs in the second session. India's bowling was poor and they were not helped by the dropped catch from Vijay at first slip off Shami before losing the initiative.
A session that was dominated by New Zealand as they staged a great comeback to reach 179 for three in 51 overs at the tea break on Day 1.
Williamson continued his good run with the bat to hit 79 not out from 115 balls, while McCullum hit a fluent 71 from 111 balls with the duo having put on 149 runs for the fourth wicket so far.
The Kiwis scored 125 runs in 27 overs in the second session. India's bowling was poor and they were not helped by the dropped catch from Vijay at first slip off Shami before losing the initiative.
08:07
NZ 177-3 (50 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Williamson continues to be positive against Jadeja as he sweeps fine to get three runs. Even in the ODI series, he looked quite comfortable against the Indian spinners.
India's length has been quite poor since lunch as Zaheer drops short against and Williamson pulls it for a boundary.
It's been 34 overs since Indian bowlers last bowled a maiden as New Zealand have marched along at a good pace in the post lunch session.
This time McCullum targets Jadeja with the sweep and again he gets it in the gap for a boundary.
After 50 overs, NZ are 177 for three with Williamson on 78 (111) and McCullum on 70 (109) having put on 147 runs for the fourth wicket so far.
Williamson continues to be positive against Jadeja as he sweeps fine to get three runs. Even in the ODI series, he looked quite comfortable against the Indian spinners.
India's length has been quite poor since lunch as Zaheer drops short against and Williamson pulls it for a boundary.
It's been 34 overs since Indian bowlers last bowled a maiden as New Zealand have marched along at a good pace in the post lunch session.
This time McCullum targets Jadeja with the sweep and again he gets it in the gap for a boundary.
After 50 overs, NZ are 177 for three with Williamson on 78 (111) and McCullum on 70 (109) having put on 147 runs for the fourth wicket so far.
07:49
NZ 160-3 (45 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Shami overpitches as Williamson drives him through the covers for a boundary before clipping the next through the leg side for three runs.
In the next over, McCullum drives a half-volley from Zaheer past mid-off for a boundary to bring up his fifty in some style, from 86 balls. The next ball is a bit wide and the NZ captain plays the late cut, steering it past gully for a four and then plays the pull shot for a couple to deep square leg.
Time for spin as Jadeja comes back for his second spell. He makes a poor start, bowling a short ball on the pads which Williamson pulls past short fine leg for a four. The next ball slides down the leg side even further and Williamson sweeps it fine for another easy boundary to take NZ past the 150-run mark. Jadeja is unhappy with something gestures with his hands before having a chat with his captain.
Zaheer drops short and McCullum hooks it for a boundary behind square to make it 100 runs in the session with another 10 minutes to go for tea. The NZ captain turns it fine on the leg side where Shami takes his time to get to the ball and the batsmen steal the second run, leaving Dhoni annoyed.
Shami overpitches as Williamson drives him through the covers for a boundary before clipping the next through the leg side for three runs.
In the next over, McCullum drives a half-volley from Zaheer past mid-off for a boundary to bring up his fifty in some style, from 86 balls. The next ball is a bit wide and the NZ captain plays the late cut, steering it past gully for a four and then plays the pull shot for a couple to deep square leg.
Time for spin as Jadeja comes back for his second spell. He makes a poor start, bowling a short ball on the pads which Williamson pulls past short fine leg for a four. The next ball slides down the leg side even further and Williamson sweeps it fine for another easy boundary to take NZ past the 150-run mark. Jadeja is unhappy with something gestures with his hands before having a chat with his captain.
Zaheer drops short and McCullum hooks it for a boundary behind square to make it 100 runs in the session with another 10 minutes to go for tea. The NZ captain turns it fine on the leg side where Shami takes his time to get to the ball and the batsmen steal the second run, leaving Dhoni annoyed.
07:28
Mohandas Menon @mohanstatsman gives more details on Williamson's fine run in Test cricket since October last year:
"Kane Williamson's Test scores this season from Oct 2013
114, 74
62
45
58, 56
52*
Total 461 runs (ave 76.83)" he writes on Twitter.
"Kane Williamson's Test scores this season from Oct 2013
114, 74
62
45
58, 56
52*
Total 461 runs (ave 76.83)" he writes on Twitter.
07:26
NZ 126-3 (40 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Sunil Gavaskar slams the decision of bowling part-timer Virat Kohli for the first over of the post lunch session, saying it has set the tone for things to come in the second session and has affected India's momentum.
Williamson takes on a short ball from Zaheer, but gets a top edge and it goes behind the wicket for a six to bring up his half-century from 79 balls. He is red hot form at the moment, having hit five fifties in a row in the ODI series.
After a short burst from veteran Zaheer, Shami is called back into the attack with India desperate for a wicket.
He bowls a maiden over as NZ reach 126 for three in 40 overs.
Sunil Gavaskar slams the decision of bowling part-timer Virat Kohli for the first over of the post lunch session, saying it has set the tone for things to come in the second session and has affected India's momentum.
Williamson takes on a short ball from Zaheer, but gets a top edge and it goes behind the wicket for a six to bring up his half-century from 79 balls. He is red hot form at the moment, having hit five fifties in a row in the ODI series.
After a short burst from veteran Zaheer, Shami is called back into the attack with India desperate for a wicket.
He bowls a maiden over as NZ reach 126 for three in 40 overs.
07:11
NZ 118-3 (37 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
India missing a seaming all-rounder in their ranks as the pacers continue to toil. On the other hand, New Zealand are lucky to have the likes of Corey Anderson, who is quite a handful with both bat and ball.
Williamson has been quite busy as he taps Shami on the leg side for one before McCullum drives the last ball past mid-on for a boundary.
At the drinks break in the post lunch session, New Zealand have reached 118 for three in 37 overs.
Williamson is on 46 and McCullum on 44 with both the batsmen looking quite comfortable out in the middle.
India missing a seaming all-rounder in their ranks as the pacers continue to toil. On the other hand, New Zealand are lucky to have the likes of Corey Anderson, who is quite a handful with both bat and ball.
Williamson has been quite busy as he taps Shami on the leg side for one before McCullum drives the last ball past mid-on for a boundary.
At the drinks break in the post lunch session, New Zealand have reached 118 for three in 37 overs.
Williamson is on 46 and McCullum on 44 with both the batsmen looking quite comfortable out in the middle.
06:58
NZ 110-3 (34 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Williamson picks Shami on the leg side for one before McCullum drives it down the ground for a couple as the two batsmen look to lift the tempo after a sluggish first session.
Ishant drops one short as McCullum is quick to rock back and powerfully cut it through the off-side for a boundary. The next ball is again short and wide and McCullum helps him to another four through point.
The boundaries continue to flow as Williamson pulls a short ball from Shami through the leg side and it carries all the way for a six to move to 42.
Zaheer comes back to replace Ishant and he starts with a long hop which McCullum pulls over midwicket for a boundary. He then looks to cut but gets an edge which flies over the slips for another four as the runs continue to leak.
New Zealand have been very positive after lunch, scoring 56 runs from 10 overs as India's pacers kept erring with their length.
Williamson picks Shami on the leg side for one before McCullum drives it down the ground for a couple as the two batsmen look to lift the tempo after a sluggish first session.
Ishant drops one short as McCullum is quick to rock back and powerfully cut it through the off-side for a boundary. The next ball is again short and wide and McCullum helps him to another four through point.
The boundaries continue to flow as Williamson pulls a short ball from Shami through the leg side and it carries all the way for a six to move to 42.
Zaheer comes back to replace Ishant and he starts with a long hop which McCullum pulls over midwicket for a boundary. He then looks to cut but gets an edge which flies over the slips for another four as the runs continue to leak.
New Zealand have been very positive after lunch, scoring 56 runs from 10 overs as India's pacers kept erring with their length.
06:46
NZ 82-3 (30 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Ishant causing a lot of problems for the Kiwi batsmen. This time he gets an edge off McCullum but it drops short of first slip and goes through him for a boundary.
Dropped! Williamson (32) gets a lifeline as Murali Vijay puts down a simple catch at first slip off Shami. That miss could prove to be very costly as Williamson is the man in form having hit five consecutive fifties in the ODI series.
McCullum gets a top edge as he tries to pull Ishant but it falls safely on the leg side and goes for a boundary to bring up the 50-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
New Zealand have recovered slightly to reach 82 for three in 30 overs with Williamson on 34 and McCullum on 20.
Ishant causing a lot of problems for the Kiwi batsmen. This time he gets an edge off McCullum but it drops short of first slip and goes through him for a boundary.
Dropped! Williamson (32) gets a lifeline as Murali Vijay puts down a simple catch at first slip off Shami. That miss could prove to be very costly as Williamson is the man in form having hit five consecutive fifties in the ODI series.
McCullum gets a top edge as he tries to pull Ishant but it falls safely on the leg side and goes for a boundary to bring up the 50-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
New Zealand have recovered slightly to reach 82 for three in 30 overs with Williamson on 34 and McCullum on 20.
06:34
NZ 70-3 (27 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Dhoni springs a surprise right after the lunch break as he calls on part-timer Virat Kohli into the attack. A short wide delivery is cut past point by Williamson for a boundary before he plays out the rest of the over.
Ishant comes back as McCullum guides him past point for two before he is beaten by the next, trying to play the cut shot.
Williamson is looking in good nick yet again as he drives Shami through the cover region to get three runs before McCullum yet again misses the cut shot, getting a bottom edge.
Dhoni springs a surprise right after the lunch break as he calls on part-timer Virat Kohli into the attack. A short wide delivery is cut past point by Williamson for a boundary before he plays out the rest of the over.
Ishant comes back as McCullum guides him past point for two before he is beaten by the next, trying to play the cut shot.
Williamson is looking in good nick yet again as he drives Shami through the cover region to get three runs before McCullum yet again misses the cut shot, getting a bottom edge.
05:43
NZ 54-3 (24 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
At lunch on Day 1, NZ are struggling on 54 for three in 24 overs with Williamson on 22 and McCullum on five.
A great comeback by Ishant after his recent poor showing in the ODIs as he took two wickets for eight runs in six overs.
Zaheer also bowled well and troubled the batsmen a lot, to claim one for 28 in nine overs. Shami bowled quick but didn't pose much threat to the Kiwi batsmen with the new ball.
At lunch on Day 1, NZ are struggling on 54 for three in 24 overs with Williamson on 22 and McCullum on five.
A great comeback by Ishant after his recent poor showing in the ODIs as he took two wickets for eight runs in six overs.
Zaheer also bowled well and troubled the batsmen a lot, to claim one for 28 in nine overs. Shami bowled quick but didn't pose much threat to the Kiwi batsmen with the new ball.
05:41
NZ 54-3 (24 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Brendon McCullum off the mark with a couple off Ishant through point and turns the next delivery to midwicket for the same result as NZ reach 40 for three in 20 overs.
Williamson punches Zaheer down the ground through the mid-off region for a boundary before Shami comes in to replace Ishant.
A superb first spell from Ishant -- six overs, two maiden, eight runs while claiming two wickets to give India the early advantage. NZ captain Brendon McCullum is happy to defend Shami's comeback over.
We have spin for the first time as left-armer Ravindra Jadeja comes into the attack just ahead of the lunch break. Williamson continues his good form against the Indian spinners as he lofts the fourth delivery back over the bowler for a boundary.
Shami bowls the final over of the morning session, giving away two singles.
Brendon McCullum off the mark with a couple off Ishant through point and turns the next delivery to midwicket for the same result as NZ reach 40 for three in 20 overs.
Williamson punches Zaheer down the ground through the mid-off region for a boundary before Shami comes in to replace Ishant.
A superb first spell from Ishant -- six overs, two maiden, eight runs while claiming two wickets to give India the early advantage. NZ captain Brendon McCullum is happy to defend Shami's comeback over.
We have spin for the first time as left-armer Ravindra Jadeja comes into the attack just ahead of the lunch break. Williamson continues his good form against the Indian spinners as he lofts the fourth delivery back over the bowler for a boundary.
Shami bowls the final over of the morning session, giving away two singles.
05:09
NZ 34-3 (18 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Ross Taylor is off the mark with a single before Williamson gets an edge off Zaheer but it fall short of Rohit at second slip and it goes between his legs for a boundary.
Ishant cripples New Zealand further with the key wicket of Taylor, who is caught in the covers for three as the hosts are reduced to 30 for three in the 18th over. Taylor went for a full blooded shot through the off-side but Ravindra Jadeja at short cover took a blinder.
Ross Taylor is off the mark with a single before Williamson gets an edge off Zaheer but it fall short of Rohit at second slip and it goes between his legs for a boundary.
Ishant cripples New Zealand further with the key wicket of Taylor, who is caught in the covers for three as the hosts are reduced to 30 for three in the 18th over. Taylor went for a full blooded shot through the off-side but Ravindra Jadeja at short cover took a blinder.
04:46
NZ 23-2 (13 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Shami continues as Fulton takes a single from the fourth delivery before new batsman Kane Williamson hits it on the leg side to get off the mark with one.
Zaheer comes back and strikes with the first delivery of his second spell. Fulton, who made 13, is hit on the pads by the incoming delivery and this time the umpire rules it in favour of the bowler. NZ are 23 for two after 13 overs.
Shami continues as Fulton takes a single from the fourth delivery before new batsman Kane Williamson hits it on the leg side to get off the mark with one.
Zaheer comes back and strikes with the first delivery of his second spell. Fulton, who made 13, is hit on the pads by the incoming delivery and this time the umpire rules it in favour of the bowler. NZ are 23 for two after 13 overs.
04:30
NZ 19-1 (10 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Fulton collects another easy single on the off-side while Rutherford continues to defend, playing out the rest of the over.
Rutherford gets his first boundary as he gets forward and drives Zaheer through the vacant region with some confidence. Not many problems for the Kiwi openers so far despite the ball doing quite a bit in the initial overs.
A huge appeal for LBW by Shami against Fulton as the ball came in sharply but was perhaps doing bit too much. Another good over from Shami.
Rutherford goes for the big drive through the off-side against Zaheer but gets a thick outside on to his pads. He gets the next off the middle and in the gap for three runs before Fulton takes one to the covers. The left-hander is then beaten trying to play another drive as Zaheer gets it to move away.
Shami has another huge appeal for LBW turned down. Fulton is struck plumb in front of the stumps but umpire Richard Kettleborough is not interested. Replays show Fulton was very, very lucky to survive that call.
Ishant Sharma comes in to replace Zaheer, who bowled four overs in his first spell. He beats Rutherford with one that bounces a bit extra and moves away. But he strikes with the last delivery of the over as Rutherford (6) gets the edge and Ajinkya Rahane at gully pulls off a stunning catch, diving full length to his right and taking it in mid-air.
New Zealand are 19 for one in 10 overs with Fulton unbeaten on 12.
Fulton collects another easy single on the off-side while Rutherford continues to defend, playing out the rest of the over.
Rutherford gets his first boundary as he gets forward and drives Zaheer through the vacant region with some confidence. Not many problems for the Kiwi openers so far despite the ball doing quite a bit in the initial overs.
A huge appeal for LBW by Shami against Fulton as the ball came in sharply but was perhaps doing bit too much. Another good over from Shami.
Rutherford goes for the big drive through the off-side against Zaheer but gets a thick outside on to his pads. He gets the next off the middle and in the gap for three runs before Fulton takes one to the covers. The left-hander is then beaten trying to play another drive as Zaheer gets it to move away.
Shami has another huge appeal for LBW turned down. Fulton is struck plumb in front of the stumps but umpire Richard Kettleborough is not interested. Replays show Fulton was very, very lucky to survive that call.
Ishant Sharma comes in to replace Zaheer, who bowled four overs in his first spell. He beats Rutherford with one that bounces a bit extra and moves away. But he strikes with the last delivery of the over as Rutherford (6) gets the edge and Ajinkya Rahane at gully pulls off a stunning catch, diving full length to his right and taking it in mid-air.
New Zealand are 19 for one in 10 overs with Fulton unbeaten on 12.
04:04
NZ 10-0 (4 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Mohammed Shami to bowl the first over as Peter Fulton and Hamish Rutherford walk out to open the batting.
Fulton gets NZ off the mark with a single on the leg side while Rutherford is surprised by the bounce first up as he edges it but falls short of second slip. He is struck on the pads with one that comes in sharply but the impact is high as Shami's appeal is turned down.
Zaheer Khan gets Fulton to edge the first delivery but it is put down by Dhawan at third slip jumping in front of Rohit at second. He hits the next ball for a boundary flicking it through midwicket and repeats the shot off the last ball of that over.
A good second over from Shami as Rutherford watchfully defends it with the ball moving at a good pace.
Fulton taps the third ball from Zaheer on the off-side and takes a quick single as just a single comes from that over.
Mohammed Shami to bowl the first over as Peter Fulton and Hamish Rutherford walk out to open the batting.
Fulton gets NZ off the mark with a single on the leg side while Rutherford is surprised by the bounce first up as he edges it but falls short of second slip. He is struck on the pads with one that comes in sharply but the impact is high as Shami's appeal is turned down.
Zaheer Khan gets Fulton to edge the first delivery but it is put down by Dhawan at third slip jumping in front of Rohit at second. He hits the next ball for a boundary flicking it through midwicket and repeats the shot off the last ball of that over.
A good second over from Shami as Rutherford watchfully defends it with the ball moving at a good pace.
Fulton taps the third ball from Zaheer on the off-side and takes a quick single as just a single comes from that over.
03:32
India will keen to improve their overseas record, having lost nine of their last 10 Test matches with one finishing in a draw.
The first Test in South Africa finished in a thrilling draw after India looked set for victory at one stage but the hosts staged a remarkable fightback with the bat in the second innings.
Meanwhile, India will retain their number two position in Tests if they win or draw this two-match series.
The first Test in South Africa finished in a thrilling draw after India looked set for victory at one stage but the hosts staged a remarkable fightback with the bat in the second innings.
Meanwhile, India will retain their number two position in Tests if they win or draw this two-match series.
03:25
There is a lot of the grass on the pitch and India's pacers would be looking to make most of bowling first in overcast conditions.
Check out how the two teams line-up for the first Test:
India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma.
New Zealand: Brendon McCullum (captain), Peter Fulton, Hamish Rutherford, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Corey Anderson, BJ Watling, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult.
Check out how the two teams line-up for the first Test:
India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma.
New Zealand: Brendon McCullum (captain), Peter Fulton, Hamish Rutherford, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Corey Anderson, BJ Watling, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult.
03:22
India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has won the toss and elected to bowl against New Zealand in the first Test match, in Auckland, on Thursday.
The start has been delayed by 15 minutes because of some light rain early in the day.
India have gone in with three pacers with veteran Zaheer Khan back to lead the bowling attack, while Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma are the other two pacemen.
Ravindra Jadeja is the lone spinner ahead of Ravichandran Ashwin.
The start has been delayed by 15 minutes because of some light rain early in the day.
India have gone in with three pacers with veteran Zaheer Khan back to lead the bowling attack, while Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma are the other two pacemen.
Ravindra Jadeja is the lone spinner ahead of Ravichandran Ashwin.
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