NEWS
Follow UsAs many as 453 runs were scored on Day Three of the first Test between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru on October 18 (Friday). New Zealand were bowled out for 402, taking a 356-run first-innings lead, thanks to Rachin Ravindra's second Test ton. With the conditions much better for batting on the third day, India, who were bowled out for 46 in the first innings, scored 231/3 in just 49 overs but still trail New Zealand by 125 runs. Virat Kohli was dismissed off the final ball of the day on 70, while Sarfaraz Khan is still going strong, eyeing his maiden century.
Kuldeep Yadav was among the wickets with three scalps, including that of Ravindra. He hopes that there is a lot of spin on offer on Day Five, but for that, the batters need to put up a decent total on the board.
“The spinners were getting some help when we were bowling, and hopefully, we will get more spin on Day 5. But for that, we need a good total to defend,” said Kuldeep in the post-match press conference.
“Considering our bowling attack, we will be aiming at setting an effective target. We can’t predict a proper total right now as a lot of batting is still left for us."
Kuldeep is also hopeful that Sarfaraz, who is striking at close to 90, will score some big runs. “We all saw how he scored 200 during the Irani Trophy. We’re hoping that he slams another here. Since he is playing for India, his technique does not matter as long as the runs keep coming," Kuldeep said.
“However, he has a good technique against the spinners and doesn’t let them settle down. I always feel that if a batter does not allow a spinner to settle down, he is a true batter. The way he was counter-attacking the left-arm spinners forced them to bring in the pacers."
The wrist-spinner also lauded Ravindra, saying that he has improved a lot in the last two years. “He’s batted really well. I did miss the chance of taking his wicket a couple of times. But overall, he is a great player and has improved a lot in the last two years," Kuldeep, who finished with 3/99, said.
“He has a good batting technique and looks comfortable against the spinners. But I just hope he doesn’t bat so well in the remaining contests against us."
Ravindra (134) and Tim Southee (65) frustrated India with a 137-run eighth wicket stand, playing a huge role in New Zealand taking a massive lead. Kuldeep reckons Southee was lucky to survive for as long as he did.
“My plan was simple — get them [Rachin-Southee] out anyhow. Southee was lucky to have survived some close chances, but he did bat well and added valuable runs for his team,” Kuldeep said.
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