The debutant Kyle Jamieson left India struggling on a rain curtailed opening day of the first Test match played at Basin Reserve, Wellington on Friday.
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson won the toss and decided to field first on a pitch which had lot of grass. Prithivi Shaw was shaky against Trent Boult and Tim Southee but hit 2 lovely boundaries while Mayank Agarwal looked solid with his technique. Tim Southee produced a beauty to get rid off Shaw for 16. The debutant Jamieson and Colin de Grandhomme troubled Pujara and Mayank Agarwal. At the end of first hour, India were 35 for 1. Soon after the first drinks break, Jamieson struck to get rid of Pujara to put visitors under pressure. Jamieson produced another big wicket dismissing Indian captain Virat Kohli with a simple catch to Taylor at slips leaving India at 40 for 3.
Ajiyanka Rahane came to the crease and looked solid with his defensive technique. Mayank Agarwal played with positive intent putting some sort of pressure on Kiwis bowlers. Agarwal survived anxious moments. India went into lunch break at 79 for 3.
In the second session, the Kiwis bowlers kept a tight line and length on Agarwal and Rahane. After being well set, Mayank Agarwal played poor stroke to be dismissed for 34. Agarwal and Rahane added 48 runs in 100 balls for the 4th wicket. Hanuma Vihari also struggled initially with seaming ball but looked composed with his defence. Jamieson struck his 3rd wicket to get rid of Vihari to leave India in big trouble at 101 for 5.
Rishabh Pant who was included in the playing XI took 10 balls to get off the mark. Jamieson troubled Rahane and Pant with his pace. The experienced Rahane looked as solid as ever along with Pant. At the end of tea break, India were struggling at 122 for 5. Rahane and Pant have added so far 21 runs for the 6th wicket. Rahane is still there at the crease with 38 off 122 balls while Pant on 10 from 37 balls.
The third session was completely washed out due to rain which means that 98 overs will be bowled from 2nd day onward.
India 122 for 5 in 55 overs ( Rahane 38*, Mayank Agarwal 34, Kyle Jamieson 3/38)
