Wellington, Dec 13: Opener Mark Richardson hit a fighting 83 not out today before New Zealand suffered a middle-order collapse and let India bowl itself back into the first cricket Test at the Basin Reserve. Richardson's six-hour knock was the cornerstone of the New Zealand innings which closed the rain-shortened second day at 201 for seven. Daniel Vettori was not out, not facing a ball before stumps.
Resuming on 53 for one, the home side was well placed on 181 for three before losing three wickets within five runs as India minimised the day's damage to 40 runs when a big first innings deficit loomed.

Mark Richardson, dropped on 63, batted cautiously, and helped New Zealand retain the initiative after India were dismissed for 161 on the first day.
Leftarm seamer Zaheer Khan, 3-42, and offspinner Harbhajan Singh, 2-22, checked New Zealand's threatening progress, and claimed 3 wickets for five runs off 27 balls between them.

Khan also struck in the penultimate over getting Robbie Hart (6) leg before wicket. Bureau Report