“It was a mistake,” said Rohit Sharma on his decision to bat first in the bowling-friendly conditions in the 1st Test. Soon after electing to bat first, the Indian team realized it was in trouble after being bowled out for just 46 runs in the first inning. India eventually lost the first Test and now needs to win the remaining two Test matches to win the 3-match Test series.
1st Test Match Recap
India lost the 1st Test by eight wickets, mainly due to the decision to bat first, which resulted in India being bowled out for just 46. Indian bowlers tried their best to restrict New Zealand to as low a total as they could, but an outstanding century by Rachin Ravindra gave New Zealand an upper hand, giving them a lead of 356 runs in the first inning.
India fought back in the second innings with solid century stands between Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan and then between Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant. Virat Kohli scored 70 runs, Sharfaraz Khan scored 150 runs, and Rishabh Pant was unfortunately dismissed on 99. Rahul, Jadeja, and Ashwin couldn’t contribute much, with India losing the last seven wickets for just 54 runs.
New Zealand needed just 107 runs to win but got off to the worst possible start, losing the captain Tom Latham for a duck. Will Young and Rachin Ravindra guided the Kiwis to a famous win with an unbeaten 75-run partnership. Rachin Ravindra, for his incredible performance with the bat, was named the player of the match.
What to Expect from the 2nd Test?
While India has lost the 1st Test, even the New Zealand team knows how India can bounce back when cornered. The 2nd Test will be played in Pune from 24th October, where conditions are expected to be spin-friendly. India has 3 quality spinners: Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav, all capable of running through the opposition.
New Zealand will also rely on their key spinner, Ajaz Patel, to pick up the bulk of wickets. Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips are also handy spinners who can provide able support to Ajaz Patel. New Zealand also have the option of picking Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewll for the 2nd Test, both of whom are specialist finger spinners.
India is expected to take the aggressive route, while New Zealand will have to counter India’s aggression with smart strategies. Despite the defeat in the 1st Test, team India will be favorites to win the 2nd Test and square the 3-match Test series 1-1.
Key Indian Players to Watch Out for in the 2nd Test
The following Indian players could be crucial if India has to make a comeback in the 3-match Test series:
- Rishabh Pant
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Sarfaraz Khan
- Jasprit Bumrah
Final Thoughts
India made some poor strategic decisions that cost it the 1st Test. While the batting collapses in the first innings and later part of the second innings are a big concern for the Indian team, the rise of Sarfaraz Khan is one big positive. The Indian team has the ammunition to make a comeback in the 3-match Test series, and the New Zealand team will have to stop the aggressive Indian team if they have to create history. India needs to conquer Pune first and then think of winning in Mumbai to wrap up the Test series. India will be favorites to win the Test series, but a tactically solid New Zealand team can cause an upset.