The Indian team has got off to a great start in the all important winner takes all title bout vs New Zealand. Since the first day of the test was washed out due to persistent downfall, the reserve day of the test would come into equation. Hence this match would still run for 5 days considering the day lost would be covered under reserve day for the game.
After losing the toss, India was sent in to bat first. The New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and elected to bat as the conditions are overcast for the day and the pitch is a bit helpful for swing bowling. Virat Kohli too wanted to bowl first but was happy to bat first also, since runs on the board would be helpful in a final, he said.
Proactive start by India!
Rohit Sharma and Shubhman Gill came out to open for Indian team. It is the first time that both of them are opening in England. While this is Shubhman’s Gill maiden test in England, it will be second test for Rohit in England. He played his first and last test in England way back in 2014. Hence, this was an acid test for both the right hander batsmen.
For New Zealand, the two new ball bowlers were right arm seamer Tim Southee and left arm swing bowler Trent Boult. The first over bowled by Southee was a bit off color as he struggled for his line and length. Most of his deliveries were down the leg side and easily blunted by the Indian openers.
The first runs for India came on the first ball of the match itself. Tim Southee bowled a straight delivery as Rohit clipped off his pads for 3 runs towards square leg. In the sixth over of the match by Boult, Gill hit the first four of the match. He smashed a lovely pull shot on a short ball by the bowler.
Both of them gained in confidence as the overs passed by. In the next over bowled by Southee, Rohit hits 2 fours within 4 deliveries and get the innings moving. Consequently, at the first drinks break India were sitting pretty at 41-0 in 14 overs.
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