Washington Sundar added to squad for second and third Tests against New Zealand

After New Zealand defeated India by 8 wickets in Bengaluru on Sunday, Indian cricket has made a crucial squad adjustment. Washington Sundar has been added to the team for the second and third Tests against New Zealand. This decision follows Sundar's outstanding performance in the ongoing Elite Group D Ranji match against Delhi. Sundar impressed with a remarkable 152 runs off 269 balls, featuring 19 fours and a six for Tamil Nadu. Batting at number three, a position different from his usual lower-middle-order slot, Sundar's innings was a pivotal moment in the match.

Known for his all-round abilities, Sundar has proven his worth both as a spinner and a batter. In his Test career, he has scored 265 runs in four Tests and six innings, boasting an impressive average of 66.25. His achievements include three fifties, with a top score of 96 not out. Sundar's inclusion in the squad is expected to bolster the Indian team as they prepare for the upcoming Tests against New Zealand. His form and versatility will be valuable assets as India aims to bounce back from the recent defeat.

Coming to the first Test match, this is the Kiwis' first win in India in over 36 years, since 1988. With this victory, they lead the three-match series 1-0. Chasing 107 runs, New Zealand had a shaky start as Jasprit Bumrah dismissed skipper Tom Latham for a duck on the second ball of the innings. The Kiwis were 0/1 in 1 over. Will Young and Devon Conway began to build a partnership for New Zealand. However, Bumrah struck again, trapping Conway leg-before-wicket for 17, leaving New Zealand at 35/2 in 12.3 overs. New Zealand reached the 50-run mark in 13.4 overs.

Young was joined by Rachin Ravindra, and together they took New Zealand to the 100-run mark in 26.3 overs. New Zealand reached the target, finishing at 110/2 in 27.4 overs, with Young unbeaten on 48 (76 balls, seven fours, and one six) and Ravindra on 39* (46 balls, six fours). Bumrah (2/29) was the only wicket-taker for India. Earlier, India had taken a 106-run lead in the second innings, scoring 462/10 in response to New Zealand's total of 402/10 in the first innings. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (35 from 52 balls, with six fours) and skipper Rohit Sharma (52 from 63 balls, with eight fours and a six) gave India a solid start with a 72-run opening stand.

Sarfaraz Khan then took charge, first forming a 136-run partnership with Virat Kohli (70 from 102 balls, with eight fours and a six) and later a 177-run stand with Rishabh Pant (99 from 105 balls, with nine fours and five sixes) to put India in the lead. However, the introduction of the new ball saw India lose seven wickets for just 54 runs, with the middle order failing to contribute significantly.

William O'Rourke (3/92) and Matt Henry (3/102) took full advantage of the new ball, dismantling the Indian batting line-up just when a massive lead seemed likely. Spinner Ajaz Patel took two wickets, while Glenn Phillips and Tim Southee chipped in with one each.

In their first innings, New Zealand posted 402 in response to India's 356. A magnificent century from Rachin Ravindra (134 from 157 balls, with 13 fours and four sixes) and a quickfire 65 from Southee (73 balls, eight fours, and four sixes) helped lift New Zealand from 233/7 to 402, thanks to a 137-run stand for the eighth wicket. Devon Conway (91 from 105 balls, with 11 fours and three sixes) also made a valuable contribution at the top. Ravindra Jadeja (3/72) and Kuldeep Yadav (3/99) bowled well for India, while Mohammed Siraj picked up two wickets, and Ravichandran Ashwin and Bumrah took one each.

Earlier, after electing to bat, India had a nightmare start under overcast, pace-friendly conditions. Henry (5/15) and O'Rourke (4/22) ran through the Indian batting order, bundling them out for just 46 runs in 31.2 overs. Only Jaiswal (13) and Pant (20) managed to reach double figures. (ANI)