Left handed batsman Rachin Ravindra dazzled with a century, helping New Zealand establish a substantial lead of 299 runs on day three of the rain-affected first Test against India in Bengaluru on Friday.
At lunch, New Zealand had posted 345-7, with Ravindra holding strong at 104 as he aggressively attacked the Indian bowlers.
This innings marked his second Test century in just 10 appearances, highlighted by a boundary off Ravichandran Ashwin.
Starting the day at 180-3, New Zealand faced a challenging morning, losing four wickets for just 53 runs.
Ravindra Jadeja made significant contributions for India, claiming two wickets in two overs.
Despite the early setbacks, Ravindra formed an unbeaten partnership of 112 runs with Tim Southee, who contributed a solid 49 runs, striking three fours and three sixes.
India`s fast bowlers put in strong performances during the morning session, with Mohammed Siraj dismissing Daryl Mitchell, who was caught at gully for 18 runs. Wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Blundell soon followed, as Jasprit Bumrah caught him at second slip for just five runs.
Jadeja continued to lead the spin attack effectively, taking out Glenn Phillips for 14 and Matt Henry for eight with deliveries that skidded off the pitch to hit the stumps.
In a notable update, India kept Rishabh Pant off the field for the day due to a knee injury sustained on Thursday.
Dhruv Jurel stepped in as a substitute wicketkeeper.
This was the same knee that Pant had injured in a serious car accident in December 2022, which sidelined him for over a year.
On the previous day, New Zealand`s fast bowlers, Henry and William O`Rourke, wreaked havoc, dismissing India for just 46 runs—their third-lowest Test total and the lowest ever recorded on home soil.
