Atreyo Mukhopadhyay in Pune
The visiting side bowled out for 259 after electing to bat in Pune, on a pitch which is showing indications of becoming increasingly spin-friendly. Hardcore fans of Indian cricket will not take it as a good sign. It was here at the MCA Stadium in 2017 that Australia made 260 under similar circumstances and went on to win the Test by a whopping 333 runs.
Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja had played in that game, where India folded for 105 and 107 against Steve O’Keefe’s left-arm spin. That’s something this team led by Rohit Sharma must not succumb to. By bowling New Zealand out for 259 from 197/3, they have made a comeback. To make sure that the visitors don’t fight back, India need a substantial lead.
That way, India’s job has just begun. It’s not well begun is half the job done. Going by early indications, a healthy first-innings lead will have a big impact on this second Test, which India must win after losing the first. For that, they need a collective effort with the bat. It won’t be easy, considering the nature of the pitch and the presence of three spinners in the New Zealand ranks.
The bowlers led by Washington Sundar have done their job. To take 10 wickets on the first day of a Test is a commendable effort. Now, it’s up to the batters to consolidate on the good job. Rohit is back in the hut already for a duck. There is every reason to think that the visitors will make India’s task tougher on Day 2, which could well determine which way this game is headed.
Looking at the Indian line-up for this game, there is plenty of depth in batting. Washington’s inclusion strengthens this department, where nine can be counted upon to score a few runs each. Almost all of them are in form, if one takes into account recent Test or first-class performances. On paper, this is one of the most formidable batting units across nations.
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But then, this game will be played on a pitch that will become progressively difficult for batting and not on paper. Yes, there are batters of several types in this side, including imposers like Rishabh Pant and Sarfaraz Khan. Going by names, there are many more, of which Kohli is the foremost. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Jadeja, Ashwin, Washington — it’s a long list.
Despite that, it will come down to application and will-power, not just natural ability or past records. Reputation was no less seven years ago, when O’Keefe wrecked the Indian ship with identical figures of 6/35 in both innings. The Indians didn’t know what hit them. Wiser by that experience, hopefully, they have to put up a united front in order to harbour hopes of winning this one.
Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips and Mitchell Santner will be a handful in these conditions. One can justifiably say that a few hours of Pant will turn the match in India’s favour. Or, so can a big knock by Kohli or anybody else. The point to remember is, these things will have to be done in testing conditions. The ball gripped and turned on Day 1. These things will be more pronounce now on.
It may not be evident looking at the scores, but this Test is balanced at a knife’s edge before the second day. A minor tilt here or there can make a telling difference. There is no margin for errors in this battle of attrition. Whoever blinks first will be at a disadvantage and it’s important for India to not do that in the first session at least. Pune is in for another gripping contest after seven years.
Also Read: Washington’s tale: Batter who could bowl to spinner of an extraordinary deed