bharat 156 road fresh zealand 259 and 255 (Phillips 48, Blundell 41, Jadeja 3-72, Ashwin 2-97) in 359 runs
The hour did not start well for Bharat as they headed towards the skilled pair of spinners. Ashwin’s first ball produced a lead which Rohit Sharma did not capitalize on. Tom Blundell and Phillips added a brisk 33 to the overnight leaderboard before Jadeja found his first wicket of the fit, a natural variation that spent the week inside Blundell’s edge.
Santner thought he had a half-volley he could hit for a six, but the pitch made his points and the tip of the bat could only send it all the way. Ashwin produced a lead from Tim Southee, which Rohit cleared at this rate.
In a chaotic end to the innings, Ashwin was denied a wicket as Bharat failed to learn, but Ajaz’s hard work in the later over ended in an admirable catch at deep mid-wicket. Washington Sundar ran to his right and stretched out his long fingers, but this only meant his chances of taking a second attacking five were evaporating. However, he was not executed for the attack. Don’t be surprised if he gets promoted in the batting sequence.
The last wicket was idle games by Washington and William O’Rourke. Phillips, having hit two sixes, was trying to control the clash and left Washington sleeping in deep reserve. The nonexistent second now appeared, and O’Rourke took it nonchalantly, not anticipating a shot toward his goal. Jadeja showed quick thinking by deflecting the shot towards the stumps while expressing his displeasure with Washington.
