The World Test Championship Final is arguably the most worthy prize in world cricket – at least the purists would say so. So when Day One was rained out, some were disappointed, many were angry with the organisers. When the match at the Rose Bowl, Southampton did commence, India made a modest 217 in their first innings. A at the end of Day Three, the New Zealand team was at 101 for 2.
Fans were disappointed that the rain prevented play on the first day.
New Zealand won the toss and put Indian in to bat.
Virat Kohli is an expert – at losing the toss, feel the tweeple.
Known for his cricketing wit, Wasim Jaffer said this. The new ball made life quite difficult for the batsmen.
This old-style batsman took his time – 36 balls before he scored his first run. His 8 off 54 balls came in for a lot of trolling and compliments. Comparisons with Rahul Dravid count as the highest compliment.
Many recalled an earlier Pujara innings – when he simply wore down the Aussies to ensure that the Border-Gavaskar Trophy remained with India.
Those who feel tests are the pinnacle of the game of cricket, tend to eulogise steady but slow, defensive batting techniques.
Even if the batter is not scoring runs, that stubborn refusal to leave the crease can be annoying.
Openers Rohit Sharma and Shubham Gill made 34 and 28 respectively. Virat Kohli (44) and Ajinkya Rahane (49) were the only others who came close to respectable personal scores.
Another milestone to Sharma’s credit.
Openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway looked very settled and made 30 and 54 respectively. Fortunately the Indian bowlers managed to get them out.
By the end of Day three, the Kiwis were trailing by just 116 runs – 101 for 2.
Ravichandran Ashwin and Ishant Sharma took vital wickets when things seemed to be getting away from the Indians.
After washing out the first day of play, there has been delay in starting the day’s play and early end to the day’s play because of poor light.
The rain has been like a third team in this WTC final between India and New Zealand. There is no hope of that third team winning but it can impact the fortunes of the other two teams.
Do you have something interesting you would like to share? Write to us at [email protected]
