Published: Feb 08, 2014, 10:09 AM (IST)
Edited: Feb 08, 2014, 10:16 AM (IST)
Feb 8, 2014
For the first time in the series, India got off to a solid start but the hard work was undone when Murali Vijay was caught behind playing down the leg-side for 13 chasing 407 on Day Three of the first Test at Auckland. Vijay tried to get his bat on to a wayward delivery from Tim Southee. Replays were inconclusive to prove Vijay had edged it but the umpire was convinced.
Vijay was watchful against the opening bowlers, Tim Southee and Trent Boult, while Shikhar Dhawan eager to go for his strokes right from the start. Throughout this series, the opening partnerships were hard to come by for India. After a duck in the first innings, Dhawan allowed Vijay to take the strike. Dhawan though was itching to go for his strokes. He played and missed a few times but seemed to back his instincts.
The duo soon settled in and scored easily and more significantly blunted the new ball attack from Southee and Boult. They went about scoring at almsot four and half per over.
Earlier, India bowled against the run of expectations to skittle New Zealand for 105 thereby keeping the target down to 407. Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma picked three wickets each with Ross Taylor top-scoring for the Kiwis.
Catch Live score and ball-by-ball commentary of Day Three of the 1st Test here
