India got the big wickets of Will Young and Kane Williamson as the hosts staged a fightback on day 3 of the Kanpur Test against New Zealand.
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New Zealand was continuing all the good work that they had done on day 2. Tom Latham and Will Young were tackling spin well. The duo was also negotiating the uneven bounce brilliantly. However, Ravichandran Ashwin was in his element on day 3 at Kanpur. He used the crease well, employed the variations, and changed his length brilliantly to break the morale of the New Zealand batsmen. Luckily for India, DRS also went in their favor this time. Ashwin’s wicket of Young for 89 finally broke a partnership that had crossed 150 and consumed over 400 balls. But, Umesh Yadav’s wicket of Kane Williamson just before the lunch break tilted the advantage in India’s favor. At lunch on day 3, New Zealand was 197/2, still trailing by 148 runs.
It was a magnificent comeback by India, in particular by Ashwin who should have had far more success with the ball. But, nothing must be taken away from New Zealand’s openers who showed tremendous application and grit to negotiate the tough conditions. Young, in particular, would consider himself unlucky to have missed out on a ton. But, Latham’s discipline and resilience have served him well, having overturned decisions three times on day 2.
Both Young and Latham continued to frustrate India even after the end of the first hour on day 3. India was already dealt a blow when Wriddhiman Saha did not take the field due to neck stiffness. KS Bharat was the substitute keeper and he put on a good show, especially against Ashwin.
Young neared the 90s with a couple of fours off Ishant Sharma. Latham also pounced on the inconsistency of Ishant, hitting him for a four through covers. The duo bought up the 150-run stand, making them the sixth pair to have a 150-plus run opening stand in away Tests for New Zealand. But, Ashwin finally gave India the breakthrough as he dismissed Young for 89 with a flatter delivery that just skidded on straight.
Ishant continued to leak runs while Latham, along with Kane Williamson, looked to build upon the great start. Williamson, in particular, looked to be aggressive against the spinners, playing a slog sweep at one point very early to Ashwin. The New Zealand skipper showed his intent with two boundaries off Jadeja, one a glide through point and another a punch past cover.
India missed a chance for a review in the 73rd over when Ashwin appealed for an LBW against Latham. The replays showed that the ball pitched in line and was hitting the stumps.
Before the lunch break, both Jadeja and Ashwin were building pressure on Williamson. Both spinners beat the outside edge as they tested the skipper’s compact technique. Latham entered the 80s with a couple of fours off Umesh Yadav as India took the new ball in the 85th over.
New Zealand seemed to be heading into lunch on a high but on the third ball of the 86th over, India got the breakthrough. Umesh got a full ball to skid in from an angle which also nipped back in. The delivery hit Williamson on the back leg as India appealed. The umpire gave it out and Williamson hoped against hope that the height would save him. Unfortunately, the DRS showed three reds and Williamson fell at the stroke of lunch.
The first session has probably laid the base for India to run through the middle order of New Zealand. The likes of Ross Taylor will be vital to ensure New Zealand do not fall behind. At the same time, Latham would be hoping to capitalise on four good fortunes and make a brilliant hundred.
