Ind vs NZ: Play called off on Day 2; New Zealand in control

Kanpur: While the rain played spoilsport in the third session, New Zealand strengthened their position (152/1) on Day 2 of the first Test against India, at the Green Park, in Kanpur, on Friday.

While the Kiwis could not restrict India to a total below 300, their batsmen made sure that they were in complete control of the match.

Umesh Yadav picked up the only wicket of the day for India, as he dismissed Martin Guptill for 21 runs.

However, captain Kane Williamson and Tom Latham stabilised the New Zealand innings, putting up a 177-run partnership. Their efforts made it certain that the Kiwis remain firmly in control of the game, which will have an early start on Day 3 (Saturday), at 9.15 am local time (IST).

Scorecard:

New Zealand: 152/1 (Latham 56, Williamson* 65; Yadav 1-22)

India: 318 all out.

Stumps on Day 2: New Zealand 152/1 from 47 overs

After a brief inspection of the outfield, the umpires have decided to call off play on Day 2 for the first Test between India and New Zealand. The visitors are in complete control of the game, restricting India to 318 at the start of the second day.

We will get to know in five minutes, when the game will restart.

Rain stops play! New Zealand 152/1 from 47 overs

New Zealand look firmly in control, as rain pours down on the Green Park, in Kanpur. Tom Latham and Kane Williamson have complete control of the match, putting up a 117-run partnership.

New Zealand 152/1 from 47 overs

Tea time! New Zealand have consolidated their position but India can take some heart as spinners have started to get some assistance from the wicket. But for India to make a comeback in the game, they must strike quickly in the final session on day two. For New Zealand, Williamson (66) and Latham (56) have done well to push India on the backfoot.

New Zealand: 135/1 from 40 overs

Tom Latham and Kane Williamson have completed hundred-run partnership as India continue to search for wickets. While Ashwin is testing the New Zealand duo, they have managed to find a way to tackle the Indian bowlers.

New Zealand: 71/1 from 21 overs

LUNCH! New Zealand have done a fine job to keep India at bay. While Guptill could not capitalise on a brisk start, Tom Latham and Kane Williamson have been solid in their defence and kept the run-rate ticking.

New Zealand: 35/1 from 9.3 overs

WICKET! India pick up their first wicket. Martin Guptill (21) misjudges the line of an Umesh Yadav in-swinger. The ball seemed to be going on to hit the middle and leg stumps. NZ captain Kane Williamson comes out to bat.

India: 318 all out in 97 overs

Wagner picks up his second scalp of the innings. Umesh Yadav fails to negotiate a bouncer from which supposedly brushes off Yadav's gloves, as Watling glefully takes the catch. However, Yadav himself does not look too convinced about umpire Tucker's decision.

India: 318/9 from 96 overs

It seems like India's tail is wagging...merrily. The New Zealanders would have been hoping to wrap up the Indian innings as quickly as possible. However, Umesh Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja have gotten the hosts off to a good start in Day 2, and are inching towards the 350-run-mark.

Preview:

New Zealand made a great comeback after lunch on Day 1 of the first Test against India, after the hosts made a good start to the first innings of the match.

Murali Vijay (65), Cheteshwar Pujara (62), and Ravichandran Ashwin (40) were the pick of Indian batsmen, most of whom received a lot of criticism for their poor shot selection.

New Zealand, on the other hand, will be happy after the end of the first day, and will be looking to restrict the Indians to less than 300, on Day 2. The Kiwis’ decision to name three spinners in their lineup seems to have worked perfectly, as Neil Wagner, Mitchell Santner, and Ish Sodhi bowled a total of 59 overs between themselves. The spin trio have also dismissed five of the top order Indian batsmen.

Trent Boult also had a good day towards the end of Day 1, picking up three quick wickets as New Zealand took the new ball.