Three quick wickets have New Zealand struggling at 5-135 in reply to India’s 217 in their rain-ruined World Test Championship final at the Ageas Bowl.
India have finally pressed the accelerator in their rain-ruined World Test Championship final against New Zealand, raising hopes of a positive result with three cheap wickets on the fifth morning.
With the reserve day almost certain to be activated to make this inaugural event a six-day Test, things needed to happen quickly to advance a game that had already lost two full days to bad weather and more to bad light at the Ageas Bowl.
Play began an hour late due to more drizzle and when Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor dropped anchor to score just 16 runs in a wicketless first hour it seemed like a draw would be the only possible outcome.
But with the Black Caps making almost no forward progress towards India’s 217 all out, they left themselves vulnerable to a quick change in fortunes.
India’s bowling had been sound throughout but things finally clicked and they went on to dismiss three batsmen in 7.1 overs.
At lunch, the Kiwis were 5-135 , with Williamson unbeaten on 19 after grinding through 112 deliveries.
Mohammed Shami was the key man, capping some wonderful swing bowling with two scalps: Ross Taylor pushing an aerial drive to Shubman Gill at short cover to finally end the long third-wicket stand, before BJ Watling lost his middle stump to a beauty.
In between Ishant Sharma landed his own blow from round the wicket, with Henry Nicholls feeling for contact and edging to the cordon. Rohit Sharma took matters into his own hands, throwing himself in front of Cheteshwar Pujara to pouch the catch.
Paul
Roar Guru
I'd bet if we played the Black Caps in New Zealand in the next 12 months, we'd struggle to win a Test. Aussies need to face facts; this is a very strong Black Caps outfit.
Paul
Roar Guru
Thrilled for you, the Black Caps and New Zealand cricket. Such a terrific outcome, given the circumstances. Just goes to show what a team that's playing focused, aggressive cricket cricket can do. Not only the winners of the WTC, but undisputed number one Test nation. I'm sure the hangover won't feel quite so bad after a result like that. :happy:
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
The blueprint is there for the eng bowlers
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
Well close enough!
PeteB
Roar Rookie
We’ve claimed your musicians, actors, racehorses and desserts. Now we’re claiming your cricket team as well :silly:
PeteB
Roar Rookie
Great win by New Zealand. Should have had the World Cup as well except for that farcical rule (or lack of one) that allowed Ben Stokes to hit a fielders throw for four runs.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
Nice one for you guys JD.. Those comments that come across as.. Well being a bit envious makes it even sweeter I'm sure.. :stoked:
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
Well done NZ.. Credit where it's due... England are a useful team and India are a very good team.. Both dealt with.. Quite comfortably really..
Riccardo
Roar Rookie
What say you now. Has that yawn turned into admiration and exhilaration?
Greco Dominicus
Roar Rookie
It's actually more a comment on the governance of cricket than anything else
Greco Dominicus
Roar Rookie
It's really not difficult to look up the laat 10 years of cricket results. I know it's not popular view but the truth is the truth. Anyone who thinks 1 off tests and these 2 test series, tell you anything about the relative strengths of teams has not been watching test cricket long enough
Riccardo
Roar Rookie
OMG boys. Eyes like bloodshot sticks this morning. Watched the Black Caps creating their opportunity with some superb pressure bowling, although when Southee dropped Pant off Jamieson I admit to doubt. Even better I was at Headquarters in the Viaduct; Hesson, MCullum and Smithy were there too. Then Watling dislocated his finger. Talk about drama. That pitch, while still offering assistance, seemed better to bat on in the sun and I cannot imagine two more deserving batsmen to close it out than Rosco and Williamson. A fantastic team effort under difficult circumstances. Black Caps are World Test Champions and this fanatical supporter is delirious although part of that could have been the oysters and Heineken!
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
One of the English commentators said that over the past few years our home record has been second only to India, our away record is only behind India and Sri Lanka (who have a poor home record.) We deserved to be in the final.
WEST
Roar Guru
Congratulations NZ!! Didn’t expect much love for NZ cricket on an Aussie site. But well done Black Caps!! We’re proud of you! :happy: totally deserved :thumbup:
Riccardo
Roar Rookie
Your erudite moniker is at odds with your ill-informed commentary. Black Caps just beat England away and won a difficult World Test Championship assignment. They did it in style and are an advertisement for this grand game. It might be that the next time they square off against Australia the Black Caps will present a much different proposition.
WEST
Roar Guru
Jealous bro :laughing:
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Just beat India and are now World Champs, away from home. Your comment hasn’t aged well.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
We also whitewashed India at home. I'm just trying to remember how Australia did against India...
Greco Dominicus
Roar Rookie
So New Zealand are supppsed to be the best test team in the world on the back of winning a long list of 2 test series at home. They lost both 3 test series against Oz and havent won a home two test series against Proteas and people want to know why test cricket is dying. The least they could do if force everyone to play a minimum 3 test series home and away so this thing has a semblance of credibility.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
We want longer series but we aren't box office enough for the rich countries.