India vs New Zealand, 1st Test, Kanpur, Nov 25 – 29 2021, New Zealand tour of India
Toss Update : India won the Toss and Chose to Bat First
Day 1 Report : After the first two sessions, we can say that India looks in a comfortable position. They are not racing away but certainly have the upper hand now. Mayank Agrawal fell early but Gill and Pujara stabilized the innings. Gill has been very impressive in the test format. With performances like this, he is cementing his position in Test as an opener. We did get to see some high risk shots from him too. But overall, it was a very mature innings. And to see such a responsible batting display from a young lad is a great relief for every Indian cricket fan. Rahul Dravid was seen smiling watching Gill bat.
Gill lost his wicket in the same way he has did in his test career yet. He usually loses his stumps to full pitched deliveries and same was the case today. Pujara, as in his signature style, played a steady innings. He would be disappointed to get out in the fashion that he did. Rahane, the captain, looked pretty solid the whole time during his stay at the crease. He survived a wrong decision by the umpire with the help of DRS. But got out on the very next delivery. Chopped on to the stumps to a ball that stayed low. Iyer got off the mark in an unremarkable fashion. He went for a big hit and miscued. Luckily, for him, no fielder could reach in the area where the ball landed.
(Scroll below at the end of article to Watch the Video)
Kane Williamson: We would have batted first as well. But we got the ball in hand first, so it’s important we get some early wickets. Looking forward to this challenge. It’s mixed (the elbow injury), but it’s okay. Ajaz Patel and Will Somerville have done well previously. We are going in with two spinners, two pacers and a spinning all-rounder debut in Rachin Ravindra.
Cheteshwar Pujara: It (preparation) has been good. I was part of the IPL, didn’t play but was training and preparing whenever I got time. So, the prep has been good. We also had a good practice session in Mumbai. It’s good to be back playing at home because we haven’t played in India for a while now. Their (Virat, Rohit) absence does give the others a chance to prove themselves. It (responsibility) is there obviously but I don’t think I should think too much about it. This track was a bit slow the last time we played here, but did spin later.
Pitch report: Last time a Test match was played here was five years ago. It was India-New Zealand back then as well. Looks very similar to the one last five years. Bereft of grass. We can see cracks opening up. It will be good for batting early on, but those cracks will open up. Maybe play up and down later on. The cracks are prominent already and the edges are wobbly. Ball will turn and looks abrasive as well, so reverse swing will come into play as well. I like this concept of home series, home pitch. You turn in New Zealand it looks very green. You come here this is what you expect. So players have got to adapt.
Ajinkya Rahane: Looking to bat first. Pitch looks really good. Generally slows down later on here. It’s an opportunity for all of us here to do well here and in Mumbai. Few of the senior guys are missing. So it’s an opportunity for the youngsters. Shreyas is making his debut. We are all excited to play under the new coaching staff. I personally enjoy playing under Rahul bhai. New Zealand are a quality side. 3 spinners, 2 seamers.
Click Below To Watch The Full Video:
Monster Six : Video of Shreyas Iyer attacking Weak Ball for Six : IND v NZhttps://t.co/C6FAqa5Wqo
— avishkar govardhane (@avishkargovardh) November 25, 2021
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