India vs New Zealand Highlights, 1st Test Day 3: IND 231/3, Virat Kohli falls at stroke of stumps in Bengaluru

Rachin Ravindra: Was just trying to build partnerships. That partnership with Tim (Southee) really helped me out, the objective was clear and we knew what we needed to do. (On Bengaluru) It’s a little bit comforting although the wicket is completely different, nice knowing the surroundings. It’s a lovely wicket to bat. Not really superstitious. Great to have him (his father) here, it’s his hometown, also have some family here. Great crowd here as well. I actually took the whole booklet (of ticket allocations). Virat is obviously a great player, he punished us but we’ve still got a lot of runs to play with.

Well, who would have seen that coming? Glenn Phillips has picked Virat Kohli for the final ball of the day's play. The batter tried to defend the ball and the ball pitched and turned sharply. The slightest hindrance in concentration from the Indian talisman costs his wicket. What a day it would have been if he would have stayed to come out in the morning. Nonetheless just when it looked like India will take a session completely New Zealand came and delivered. It is not going to be easy coming into bat tomorrow morning for a new batter. Though India has significantly crawled back into the game because of how the last few minutes went New Zealand would be happier of the two sides. 

We are coming to the close of play here. 10 minutes left and both Kohli and Sarfaraz are looking to fend and get through the day. New Zealand have tried to pepper out Sarfaraz with O Rourke but it was only done for a couple of overs. However, it is a ploy something which New Zealand might look to do more. Mainly because of the Sarfaraz being a shorter played compared to others and the wicket is also having a bit of uneven bounce at the moment. This has been an enthralling day of Test cricket for the Bengaluru crowd and the entertainment promises to get even better tomorrow. 

As mentioned earlier one of the stand-out features of this Indian team is to stitch good sessions together and that is what they have done here. They had an average noon session but they have converted this one into their own and have given a proper fighting chance in this game. The wicket is playing a few tricks if a big IF India can manage to give New Zealand a target between 150-and 200 we might have the game on our hands. However, tomorrow morning will be crucial there will be some moisture in the surface and India has to make sure they don't lose too many in clusters in the morning. 

Virat Kohli reached a significant milestone of 9000 Test runs during India's first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru. He achieved this feat while batting at number three in India's second innings. Interestingly, he had been dismissed for a duck in the first innings, batting at the same position for the first time in eight years. (Read more)

India created a new record by becoming the first team to hit 100 sixes in Test matches during a single calendar year. This milestone was achieved during the first Test against New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Virat Kohli hit the historic 100th six for India, surpassing the previous record held by England (89 sixes in 2022). India had already broken England's record during the Bangladesh series earlier in the year. This achievement marks India's third-highest number of sixes in a calendar year, following their 87 sixes in 2021. New Zealand ranks fourth and fifth with 81 sixes in 2014 and 71 in 2013, respectively. (Read more)

It is not often that a batter dominates Kohli's batting from the other end both in terms of scoring and aesthetics but Sarfaraz did it. Come what may in the future in his career he has played an exceptional knock under pressure here today. He will have bigger tests in the future but he would enjoy this moment thoroughly. It is not all about just playing cheeky shots and getting boundaries away he has this gifted tendency of pushing the ball into the gap and taking a quick single which is a hallmark of genuine greats. As we update Virat Kohli gets to his half-century. This is exceptional batting from India. 

Pace has been brought in from both ends to tie up the scoring rate. While Henry is predominantly an accuracy bowler who needs something from the surface, Southee can make things happen. He does possess all these cheeky variations in his armoury which can force an error from the batsman. Even if the surface is slow he can bowl in a few three-quarter balls and some slower ones which do trouble the batters. However, what will be interesting to see is since there has been no rain for the last of days will it start to reverse. As we update Sarfaraz scores a 50. 

New Zealand is rotating the seamers here from one end and trying to stem the flow of runs. It is a hindsight thing but when India picked three spinners in the first thing it looked like a terrible decision and thus far New Zealand with three seamers is looking like they have made a terrible decision. However, having said that because of the momentum shift it might seem like India has come into the game but nothing of that sort has happened. India is still way behind in this game it will still require these cameos which they playing get convert into a top class inning. 

Sarfaraz is playing an exceptional innings here. It is already difficult to ask to play attacking cricket in Test matches because of the consequences of getting out playing a silly shot and it is a whole different thing to do in a situation like this which India is in and play like Sarfaraz is playing now. It won't matter if India will win or lose from here but it definitely has shell-shocked New Zealand at this point. If they are waiting to see if wickets will come from a mistake they might but it would be too late. Latham has to come up with a plan. It might not be even a bad ploy to bring in someone like Glenn Phillips who is well versed in bowling in white-ball cricket. 

Sarfaraz is playing an excellent hand here. He has taken the game away from New Zealand in no time. It has not been all anger but soft shots with some very good timing. And seems like the aggression is rubbing onto Kohli as well. Who started a bit tentatively is playing some lovely shots now. Most importantly it seems like a clear strategy from India to go after Ajaz Patel. It the succeed to squeeze Patel as a batting group New Zealand have to keep going back to the seamers again and again who already did a lot of work in the first innings. 

Tim Southee's Test debut in 2008 was remarkable for his all-round performance, particularly his batting. Despite his five-wicket haul with the ball, his unbeaten 77 in the second innings and other notable highlights showcased his batting skills and made him a valuable asset to the New Zealand team. (Read more from Lalith Kalidas)

It has been an excellent 20 minutes from an entertainment perspective first Rohit Sharma departed and then runs started flowing. Sarfaraz Khan is looking to counterpunch here regardless of the match situation which is what makes him a special player. Kohli too now seems like is getting into the groove. Once again this wicket is very good to bat on however, India has to make sure that they don't throw their wickets away as the openers fall. As much as New Zealand would get irritated with all these boundaries they won't mind Sarfarz taking his chances as well because it might create an opportunity somewhere. 

It was very unfortunate how Rohit departed. The batter tried to fend off the ball and the ball took the inside edge and rolled onto hit the stumps and the Indian skipper shouted no in agony. Ajaz Patel has now picked up two wickets. Once again like Jaiswal Rohit too looked good for 100 and it is the lack of awareness that has cost him. These first 30 minutes after Tea have been very fruitful for New Zealand. Sarfaraz Khan has walked into the middle. He is an attacking batter but the situation here demands an innings of substance more than a counter-attacking 60. 

Virat Kohli has taken a cautious route here. Which might be a tricky thing to do. Usually, the Indian talisman is a free-stroking player and have piled a lot of runs playing that way. And he needs to make sure that he plays with a free mind today. On the contrary, what the wicket of Jaiswal has done is given a bit of confidence and he started to get a bit of turn and is looking a lot more assured of lengths he wants to bowl on this one. Once again one of the basic things that India needs to do is make sure that there is a constant rotation of strike. As we update Rohit Sharma gets to his 50. (After 21 overs IND 90/1)

Well just as things were sailing smoothly Yashasvi Jaiswal decided to dance down the track and miss the ball completely and was stumped by Blundell. While the intention of the shot at this point in the game might be questionable but the execution has gone wrong. He went down the track even before the ball was bowled which allowed Ajaz to pull back his length. A wasted opportunity from Jaiswal as given the way the surface was playing and partnership was building a century was there for taking for him. Having said that Virat Kohli has walked in at three for India once again in this game. (After 18 overs IND 72/1)

We are back, the weather is good we have another 2 and a half hours to play. This could be pivotal in the way this Test match might go. Either India might lose 3-4 wickets and lose the hope of getting back into the game or put on a batting display which they are capable of doing in home conditions and put a dent in the confidence of New Zealand bowlers. 

Well, there is the Tea Break and India will be happy with the start they have got here. There is still a long way to go in this game but India did start well. As per New Zealand, this mini-session will be a sample of what is to come. It will be hard work this time to pick 10 wickets. The wicket so far has not been responding either for both seamers and spinners. It is a shared a session for the first time in the Test match not say New Zealand will lose or anything but these are the kinds of sessions India makes a comeback from in-home Tests and wins so a bit of caution is required from New Zealand from here on. (After 15 overs IND 57/0)

India has gone past their first innings score without losing a wicket which is some sort of positive if one has to be cheeky. However, it has been very good batting from India in this inning so far. Conditions have been kinder and batters are making most of it. Also it seems like there is an agreement between Rohit and Jaiswal that the latter is going to take the bulk of strike against Ajaz and will attack him. And if India does manage to do it New Zealand will be hamstrung with their options. Indian fans can be cautiously optimistic with the start India had. (After 12.5 overs IND 51/0)

Finally, spin from New Zealand and it is Ajaz Patel who has been brought into the attack here. He started well hitting the right areas however, drifted one into the pads of Rohit which the batter played through the on-side for a boundary. Tom Latham has been proactive in this second inning here. He waited it bit in the first innings to bring in the bowling changes but in the second innings 10 overs into the innings he has already used four bowlers. We are about 15 minutes to go for Tea Break we might see a lengthy spell from Ajaz here and seamers being rotated from the other end.  (After 10.4 overs IND 37/0)

The first signs of aggression have been shown by the Indian batters. Rohit Sharma looked to pull one against O'Rourke in the previous over and similarly Jaiswal danced one down the track to hit Henry through covers in the following over. Seems like both the batters have realized there is not as much help and are opening up now. There is not much to lose for India either here they can treat this like a practice game given the game situation and build for Pune. Another interesting thing to watch out for is who will be coming in at three will it be Sarfaraz Khan or Virat Kohli? (After 8 overs IND 28/0)

Steady start here for both sides neither India nor New Zealand are flustered about the situation and pace of the innings. One team is way ahead of the other and both are playing 2nd gear at this point in time. India will change gears at some point in the innings given their attacking nature but New Zealand has nothing to lose for them it is all about bowling in discipline and waiting for the mistakes to come. It is not going to be as easy in the first innings but the longer this innings goes the pitch will start to turn and grip more. There are also a few cracks which are forming on the pitch which will help New Zealand's fast bowlers in a big way. (After 6.2 overs IND 22/0)

Tim Southee is getting the nice shape of the ball here. He has beaten Yashasvi Jaiswal a few times and this is what will happen with this new ball especially when you are up against bowlers like Southee and Henry who may not be gifted with pace but are accurate and skillful enough to pick wickets with their own methods. It has been cautious start from both Rohit and Jaiswal as well as acknowledging the quality of bowlers they are up against. If they do get through the new ball spell from seamers New Zealand has only one spinner up their ranks to use which will become an advantage only and only if India don't lose too many wickets against the new ball. (After 3.4 overs IND 8/0)

Tim Southee has taken the new ball for New Zealand, and Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma are in the middle for India. Things won't be anything like first innings but India needs to be cautious of the threat this new ball poses especially given how long they have been on the field and the mental toil of what has happened in the game so far. However, both of them need to switch on with their bat and have to lay a foundation with the bat. Even India manages to lose this game a few runs under the belt and some time in the field for New Zealand bowlers will be some sort of moral victory going into Pune. (After 1.3 overs IND 3/0)

400 comes up for New Zealand as Rachin Ravindra danced down the track to hit Kuldeep Yadav out of the ground.  As we update Kuldeep Yadav picks up Rachin Ravindra. It is a tossed-up delivery in which the batter tried to slog sweep and got the top edge and Dhruv Jurel took a clean catch. India has picked up 10 wickets but we are afraid it has cost them way too many. The good thing is conditions are still good for batting but Indian batters need to put in a display of sorts that will remain in history. Even when the wicket starts turning New Zealand has only one spinner in their ranks which is some sort of advantage for India. We will be right back after the innings break.

Kuldeep Yadav picks up Ajaz Patel. The ball spun back sharply and the batter could not pick it. It was given out on the field but the batter decided to send it upstairs and there was an umpire's call on impact and wickets hitting hence he walked back. William O Rourke comes into the middle and Rachin might now look to take on the bowling. The lead is 338 runs and Indian batting needs a miraculous batting effort from some of the batsmen in the batting order. It might take a 250 and 100 coming from somewhere which will give India at least a chance. Rohit Sharma after all this have to come and open and have to bat well. 

Well, we had an incident here Siraj threw one wide outside the off-stump which Ravindra flashed at and the ball and fielders went up immediately after the ball reached Dhruv Jurel the umpire gave it out however, Ravindra after a bit of discussion with Ajaz went up stairs. There was a minor spike but the ball went past the edge and the third umpire decided it is not out. The Indian fielders looked pretty confident and Rachin did doubtful after the ball went past but the Ultraedge thinks otherwise. Ravindra survives and continues his innings. It must be said Siraj has bowled well today. (After 88.4 overs NZ 372/8) 

The partnership is sucking out all the optimism of the Bengaluru crowd in the stadium who were buzzing in the morning and now have gone completely silent. Given the way this partnership is playing,, it seems like New Zealand might not even need to bat again. As we update Mohammed Siraj picks Tim Southee and it is the slower one which does the trick. The batter got beaten in the pace tried to hit the ball over the covers went through with the hard hands and hit it straight to Jadeja. It was a much-needed breakthrough but a subdued celebration from India as they know they have let this game drift away. (After 86.5 overs NZ 370/8) 

It is a reality check for the Indian side. Yes, there have been games they have lost in recent times but this has been different. Right from Rohit's decision to bat first and to the side that has been picked and bowling changes he has been making there seems to be an assumption that things would take care of themselves as they always do. However, this has been not the case today nor yesterday. New Zealand took their moments,, unlike the other oppositions India have faced in recent times. It is a warning that no matter how good and skilled side India might be if they get complacent in their decision-making and tactics the nature of Test match cricket is it is unforgiving. (After 85.1 overs NZ 363/7) 

Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj have taken the new ball from either end. Bumrah has not looked up to the mark in that first over bowling a few down the leg side. However, Mohammed Siraj has been spot on. He kept beating the bat of Tim Southee maybe he might think to pitch it up further to get that nick in the next over. Very crucial spell this in the context of the game. India bowlers need to strike here. Especially given how easily spinners have been dealt with. As we update Tim Southee has scored a handy innings from New Zealand veteran. (After 83.3 overs NZ 351/7)

We are back for post lunch session. The new ball will be taken by India will it have any impact we have to wait and see. But whatever maybe the case India needs to bundle out New Zealand in this session and have to come out to bat. 

India's forgettable first-day first-session performance in a cricket match at home. The decision to bat first after a rain-affected period and the unusual batting order of Virat Kohli at No. 3 both proved to be unsuccessful. The team's batting technique against the moving ball was exposed, leading to a disastrous score of 34/6 at lunch. (Read more)

Virat Kohli has surpassed MS Dhoni to become the second-most capped Indian international cricketer. This milestone was achieved during the first Test match against New Zealand in Bengaluru. Kohli now has 536 international appearances, while Dhoni had 535. Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for the most international matches played by an Indian cricketer. (Read more)

The possibility of Shubman Gill opening the batting for India in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, if regular opener Rohit Sharma is unavailable for any of the matches. Anil Kumble has suggested that Gill could be a good option to fill in for Rohit at the top of the order. (Read more)

That's the morning session done and dusted and it would have been a shared session if only the session was taken in isolation however, when the game is taken into context New Zealand are way ahead in this game. It will take something extraordinary from India to even to make New Zealand bat again given the way things are going. It is not turning yet but it will. A new ball is on offer but India opted not to take for that final over of first session which they might do it after lunch, which again might go either way. New Zealand might get a few runs or India will able to bundle them out. We will be right back after the break but as sun shines in Bengaluru chances of India winning this game are looking grim. 

Rachin Ravindra sweeps and gets to his 100. What an inning this has been from the young man. It increasingly feels like an inning that will take the game away from India. He played some sublime cover drives against spin and slog sweeps in the mid-wicket region through his innings. While he was solid in his defence anything loose he has been severe. And in the last 30 minutes or so he has changed the gears and this partnership is racing along nicely. This is getting from bad to ugly for India. Even Tim Southee is looking very good now. (After 79.5 overs NZ 334/7)

Tim Southee and Rachin Ravindra have now put on a 50-run stand. This is starting to get concerning for India now. More importantly both have looked unphased against the Indian spinners. This is irritating for India just when they thought they could roll over New Zealand after four quick wickets today morning and out came Tim Southee who has shown quite a bit of resistance here. India need to change their plan of action here. Jasprit Bumrah who bowled five overs in the morning might brought back into the attack for a small burst before lunch.(After 77.3 overs NZ 291/7)

Compared to pace New Zealand batters have found it easier to play spin. Mind you it has been a good wicket though a few ones turned last evening and morning moisture yesterday helped seamers the pitch has been batting-friendly for the most part and if and only if India could have shown some resistance and found a way to bat through the morning session they could have got to a decent total. Even as things stand wicket looks excellent for batting but the more time New Zealand keeps batting and extending their lead it will seem inevitable who the winner of this game could be. (After 74.2 overs NZ 272/7)

It's not very often that Kuldeep gets a pasting in home Tests but yesterday and today have been those instances. He has been selected ahead of Akash Deep and has offered little to nothing. Though he picked up a wicket he is leaking a lot of runs. While he is tossing a few up and hoping for the mistakes to game given the smaller dimensions of this ground batters can get their boundaries away. It is becoming a cause of concern for Rohit now. While chances can bring in wickets India does not have the luxury to give away too many runs. The change seems imminent soon from his end. (After 71 overs NZ 260/7)

Tim Southee has come into the middle and he is looking to block a few and support Rachin unlike what Henry tried to do. Which might be the right ploy at the moment one good partnership of 50-60 will be very handy for New Zealand. As per India they are trying to pick Southee with spin. While Jadeja has bowled well today he is not getting the same support from Kuldeep Yadav from the other end who is leaking a few runs from last evening. It might be not a bad ploy from Rohit to bring in Ashwin for a spell or even Bumrah back for a couple of overs. (After 68.4 overs NZ 242/7)

Ravindra Jadeja gets Matt Henry. The batter was only in one mood to whack every delivery into the stands and Jadeja too smart for the tailender stuck to his lines and lengths and picked the wicket. New Zealand will be disappointed with how things have unfolded this morning yes, they do have a lead of around 200 but they could have completely pushed India out of the game with the situation they were in overnight. It is not to say India is in a good position but the momentum seems to certainly swing in the direction of India and they seem to slowly getting themselves into a position where they can fight. (After 65.1 overs NZ 234/7)

Jadeja gets his first one of the morning and it is a peach of a delivery. He dropped his wrist on this one and ball went with the angle Phillips who went onto the backfoot to play the ball for the turn and missed it. The ball came in sharply and cleaned the stumps. This has been a feature of Jadeja's bowling from last evening he has been tight and turned the odd one. He has been the best among all the bowlers. New Zealand have not lost three wickets in the morning and India are not in the game yet but with this bowling effort, they are giving themselves a chance to fight. (After 63 overs NZ 223/6)

Ravindra Jadeja has been brought into the attack now and it is the first bowling change of the morning. The end from which Jadeja is bowling there are a few rough marks outside the left-handers of off-stump. As we update Rohit has brought in Kuldeep Yadav as will. Interestingly, Rohit Sharma has used Kuldeep and Jadeja more than R Ashwin. This is what usually happens when it is a five-man bowling attack one bowler usually gets underused. Having said that India is on a roll today morning and will be hoping spinners ill continue that. (After 61.1 overs NZ 215/5)

Jasprit Bumrah picks Tom Blundell. That's the second wicket of the morning once again a very good delivery from Bumrah who has hit the right lengths today morning. It was a hard length ball Blundell was in two minds if he had to go forward or backwards and eventually nicked it to second slip KL Rahul who did not make a mistake today. Indian bowling has been sharp and Indian fielding has been sharp too today morning. While India is way behind in this game the performance today morning has been more what India used to deliver in home conditions.  (After 59 overs NZ 209/5)

It will be interesting to see how long Rohit waits to bring in the spinners. Last evening there was a bit of a turn-on offer and today morning the ball is a little older. There is also a bit of early-morning moisture in the pitch which might help the spinners get a bit of turn. R Ashwin too looked exceptional last evening in the second spell after taking a battering from Conway in his first and Ravindra Jadeja was the tidiest of the lot hence. Kuldeep though has started well and eventually tapered of his spell went on and started to bowl a few looseners. As we update Bumrah picks Blundell. (After 57.4 overs NZ 204/5)

India wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant's absence extended to Day 3 of the first Test against New Zealand. He suffered a knock on his knee while wicket-keeping on Day 2. This injury occurred after India's abysmal batting display where they were bundled for 46. Pant top-scored with 20 runs before picking up the injury in the 37th over of New Zealand's innings. (Read more)

Mohammed Siraj gets the breakthrough. Daryl Mitchell has looked a bit fidgety for a bit and eventually edged one to gully. It was an excellent catch from Yashasvi Jaiswal as the ball was flying. A much-needed breakthrough for India in the first 30 minutes of the games. Tom Blundell has walked into the middle and India will be looking to get another one quickly. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah who is bowling from the other end has also found his groove and is causing a few troubles to Rachin Ravindra. The batter did have his fair share of issues with his feet moment in the past. 

Rachin Ravindra has looked solid thus far. His defence has been good and his foot moment too is looking precise. The conditions too are well set for him. There doesn't seem to be much moisture on the surface either. The stage is set for the prodigal son of Bengaluru to make a big score. Yesterday he was a bit cautious against spinners but today we might see a lot more shots from his end and take the game further away from India. Daryl Mitchell on the other hand has looked solid so far and he too can take on the spinners. (After 53.4 overs NZ 189/3)

Two notable things first up in the morning one Rishabh Pant has not come out for keeping and Dhruv Jurel is keeping and two the sun is out and conditions look exceptional for batting. Dinesh Karthik in commentary reckons the best time to bat is lunch tomorrow and India needs to start batting by evening or sometime in the noon if they have to get their foot back in the game. However, having said Ravindra's clip shot of the first ball against Siraj how good the batting conditions are. It is going to be hard work for the Indian bowlers it is not going to come easy. (After 51.4 overs NZ 185/3)

"Sunshine and blue skies today. Surface now looks decent for batting. We said there was a lot of moisture but that has dried up. These cracks have opened up. Every spot the bowlers hit yesterday have created dents in the surface. That will mean it might move up and down a bit"

Rohit Sharma(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

Tom Latham(c), Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell(w), Glenn Phillips, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, William ORourke

India's lowest Test team total of 36 runs, which occurred during their tour to Australia in 2020-21. Despite this setback, India managed to come back and win the series. The text also corrects a previous statement that India's next-five lowest Test scores were all recorded in overseas conditions. (Read more)

The weather conditions in Bengaluru ahead of the 1st Test between India and New Zealand. While there was a low pressure area over the Bay of Bengal that caused widespread rainfall in some parts of India, the IMD officials have clarified that the weather in Bengaluru would not be affected. (Read more)

Was a great way to start the day. The way we’ve continued as well has been really pleasing. We were hopeful. There was a lot of grass taken off, we tried to apply pressure for as long as we could. The key is just worrying about what you can control. For me it was about working on my game and taking the opportunities that I got. Everytime you come back here (India) it’s a great place to play. All those experiences help. Was great to get out there today. The game being affected by rain, it’s important to have a day like this. It’s usually really difficult here and it’s about carrying on in the same way.

Hello and welcome to our live blog of the first Test between India and New Zealand. Day 2 has gone completely in favour of New Zealand and India would hope to get themselves back into the game with some wickets early in the morning and some decent batting later. However, it all being optimistic as things stand the only thing that can save India is rain. Whatever may be the case do stick with us for all the live action.