India’s all-rounder Washington Sundar made a dream comeback to Test cricket, claiming career-best figures of 7/59 to help bowl out New Zealand for 259 on day one of the second Test. Sundar, who hadn’t played a Test match since March 2021, proved his selection right with a brilliant display of spin bowling. However, India’s start with the bat was less than ideal, as they lost skipper Rohit Sharma early, ending the day at 16/1, still trailing by 243 runs.
Sundar’s Return in Style
Washington Sundar stole the spotlight with a remarkable performance that devastated New Zealand’s batting lineup. The 25-year-old spinner, returning to Test cricket after a 45-month hiatus, showed patience and precision, picking up seven wickets and controlling the game for India. His bowling was especially impressive, as five of his seven victims were bowled, showcasing his ability to hit the right areas and outfox the batsmen.
Sundar’s breakthrough came in the second session, just when New Zealand looked to consolidate. He dismissed Rachin Ravindra, who had been the star for New Zealand in their first Test victory, with a beauty that spun away to clip the off-stump. Ravindra’s dismissal at 201/5 changed the course of the innings, and New Zealand never recovered.
Sundar’s dominance continued in the final session, where he picked up crucial lower-order wickets, including Mitchell Santner (33), Tim Southee (5), and Ajaz Patel (4). His spell ensured that New Zealand’s tail was quickly wrapped up, leaving them well short of a competitive first-innings total.
Early Strikes by Ashwin
Before Sundar took center stage, it was veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin who set the tone for India. Ashwin, with his experience and guile, struck early, removing New Zealand’s captain Tom Latham (15) and Will Young (18). He then claimed the crucial wicket of opener Devon Conway, who was the top scorer for New Zealand with 76 from 141 balls.
Conway had looked solid, playing reverse sweeps and driving confidently, but he was caught behind off a loose shot against Ashwin. His dismissal meant that New Zealand’s hopes of posting a significant first-innings total were dashed.
Rohit Falls Early as India Reply
India’s response with the bat got off to a shaky start, as captain Rohit Sharma was dismissed for a duck by New Zealand’s pacer Tim Southee. The Indian skipper, who has struggled against Southee in this series, was bowled once again, this time by a delivery that moved away just enough to hit the off-stump. This marked the third time Rohit had been dismissed by Southee in the series, raising concerns about his form against the Kiwi pacer.
With Rohit gone early, India’s openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (6*) and Shubman Gill (10*) played cautiously, ensuring no further damage before stumps were drawn. However, the team still has a mountain to climb, trailing New Zealand by 243 runs.
New Zealand’s Inconsistencies
New Zealand’s batting performance was marked by inconsistency, with only Conway showing the required temperament to deal with India’s spinners. Despite spending considerable time at the crease, the likes of Latham, Ravindra, and Daryl Mitchell (25) were unable to convert their starts into significant contributions.
Ravindra’s dismissal before tea was the pivotal moment in the innings, as New Zealand collapsed from 201/5 to 259 all out. Sundar’s relentless pressure in the final session made it impossible for the Kiwis to mount any resistance.
India’s Strategy Moving Forward
As India heads into day two, the focus will be on building a solid first-innings total to take control of the match. Jaiswal and Gill will need to provide a strong foundation, as the pitch is already showing signs of turn, which could make batting difficult as the match progresses.
With Sundar and Ashwin in top form, India will look to capitalize on their bowling dominance. The team’s ability to respond with the bat will determine whether they can level the series after their defeat in the first Test.
The second day promises to be an exciting contest as both teams battle for supremacy in what could be a decisive match for the series outcome.
