Now it is time for the Kiwi reply, their bowlers have done the job and it is now time for their batters to do their bit. Not going to be easy as it is not the ideal conditions to bat on. The question is, can the Indian bowlers capitalize? We will find out in a bit.

India will be disappointed with how they performed today. The problem for them was, they kept losing wickets at regular intervals and none of their batters went onto make most of the starts they got. Not even a single half ton. Yes, the conditions are tough but one believes, they should have gotten over the 250-run mark. Right now, they are probably a little under par.

4 wickets in the first session and three wickets in no time, within half an hour in the second session for the Kiwis. Jamieson is undoubtedly the star for them with a fifer. Everybody bowled well, Bew Zealand through will be a little disappointed with Southee but the others made up for it and Williamson will be pretty pleased after he elected to bowl.

A huge round of applause for the Kiwis as they make their way off the field. It has been an outstanding effort from them today. It was India who started today in a good position but it is the Kiwis who have their noses ahead at the moment.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, ! TAKEN! Jadeja has been strangled down the leg side and INDIA HAVE BEEN BOWLED OUT FOR 217! Not the best of deliveries, it is down the leg side. Jadeja looks to flick, it goes off the inner half a little too fine and Watling dives to his right and takes it.

Kyle Jamieson to Jasprit Bumrah, ! LBW! Kyle Jamieson with a 5-fer in the most important fixture. His consistency pays off. An inswinger, on middle and leg, Bumrah looks to defend it but misses. As the ball goes through and hit the pads. Kyle Jamieson and the Kiwis make a loud appeal for LBW and the umpire raises his finger in a flash. A hat-trick ball now for Jamieson.

Kyle Jamieson to Ishant Sharma, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! With this Kyle Jamieson gets his fourth wicket. It is a treat to watch this lad bowl. Good length ball, outside off, Sharma moves across the stumps which make him play at it. He looks to push it through the off side, but the ball takes the outside edge and flies towards Ross Taylor at first slip, who takes the catch calmly. Eight down now the Indian team.

Kyle Jamieson to Mohammed Shami, ! What a great way to get off the mark, the pressure of the hat-trick ball does not trouble Shami at all. This is full and outside off, Shami leans and slashes it through the cover region for a boundary.

Shami is the last man in. He'll be facing the bat-trick ball.

Jasprit Bumrah walks out to bat!

Kyle Jamieson to Ishant Sharma, Good length ball, outside off, coming back in. Sharma leaves it watchfully.

Kyle Jamieson to Ishant Sharma, A loud appeal for LBW turned down. Full and on off, Sharma looks to defend it but misses and gets rapped on the back pad. Missing the off stump.

Kyle Jamieson to Ishant Sharma, BEATEN! Kyle Jamieson has been brilliant with the ball today. A full ball, outside off, nipping away. Sharma looks to defend it but misses.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, Another one outside off, shaping away. Left alone. Ishant will be on strike again.

Trent Boult to Ishant Sharma, Another single! Outside off, Sharma plays it late and through point for one.

Trent Boult to Ishant Sharma, On off, Ishant walks right across and blocks it.

Trent Boult to Ishant Sharma, Outside off, left alone. 

Trent Boult to Ishant Sharma, Beaten! That swung a long way. It lands around middle and then shapes away. Sharma looks to defend but is beaten. It keeps moving as it gets to the keeper who dives and collects it.

Trent Boult to Ishant Sharma, Edged but short! Really nicely played in the end! Shorter and on off, Ishant hops, rides on top of the bounce and plays it on the bounce to third slip.

Who will bowl from the other end? It is Trent Boult who comes into the attack. His figures 20-4-46-1 so far.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, A dot to end then! On middle, this is pushed back to the bowler.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, Really good fielding again! This is fuller and on off, Jadeja drives it square on the off side. Colin dives to his right and stops it. No single taken too.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, Length yet again and outside off. Left alone nicely.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, From around the wicket now goes full and outside off, left alone.

The New Zealand fielders stride out in the middle. Followed by Ravindra Jadeja and ​​​​Ishant Sharma with their swords. Kyle Jamieson to start with the ball. Surprisingly enough, the sun is out post Lunch. Hope it stays around for a while.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, Brilliant fielding! This is fuller and on middle, it is driven nicely but the fielder at mid on dives to his right and saves at least two.

Kyle Jamieson to Ishant Sharma, Straightaway a run for India. It is off the inner half but a single. Fuller and this one tails back in from outside off. Sharma looks to drive but it goes off the inner half towards fine leg for one.

...Day 3, Session 2...

Right. All about New Zealand in this session as they have ensured that the middle order of India does not trouble them much. Although, can Jadeja, help them get around the 250-run mark. Will he manage to hang around? Or will the Kiwi bowlers continue their good work? Join us at 6:10 pm IST (1240 GMT) for the second session to find out. 

Jadeja has the tail with him now and India will hope he can somehow take them to a score around 230 or 240. New Zealand on the other hand, would want to finish things off quickly. Can they do so?

Jamieson got Kohli and Pant quite early in the session. Rahane also did not last long and at that time, it seemed they would be bowled out before Lunch. Ashwin and Jadeja though hung in there and took India over 200 but Ashwin too fell after that just before Lunch.

A really good session for the Kiwis. 4 wickets is what they have got and one can say they are probably on top, not by a lot but certainly on top.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, A loud shout from behind the stumps for a caught behind but the umpire is unmoved.. A touch short, on the body line. Ravindra Jadeja looks to flick it but misses. But there was some sound, but not off the glove. ITS TIME FOR LUNCH ON DAY 3. INDIA END THE SESSION AT 211 for 7.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, This is full and on middle, Jadeja defends it back to the bowler.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, Beauty by Trent Boult. Good length ball, outside off, swinging away. A good leave by Ravindra Jadeja.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, Full ball, around middle and leg, Jadeja defends it to the leg side.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, Full, outside off, Jadeja drives it through covers for a couple.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, Back of a length ball, on off, Jadeja is surprised by the bounce and tries to sway away from the line of the delivery, but was unable to do that. The ball clips of his chest and goes to the keeper.

Tim Southee to Ishant Sharma, Down the leg side. Left alone.

Tim Southee to Ishant Sharma, Almost drags it on! This is just outside off, Ishant is unsure whether to play at it or not. In the end, he looks to leave but it goes off the inside edge, just past the off pole.

Tim Southee to Ishant Sharma, Two! Fuller and around off, Sharma strokes it through covers for two.

Tim Southee to Ishant Sharma, Short and down the leg side, Sharma lets it be.

Tim Southee to Ishant Sharma, This is fuller and around off, it shapes away. Ishant looks to play it with a straight bat. It goes off the outside edge towards gully.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, On middle, this is worked around the corner for one. A single then off the first ball. Ishant has 5 balls to face now.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, ! A rare mistake in the slip cordon for New Zealand. A length ball, outside off, Jadeja looks to drive but the ball takes the outside edge and flies to Tim Southee at the slips, who is unable to hold the ball. The batters sneak a single.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, Fuller and on middle, Jadeja blocks it to cover.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, Full and on off, Jadeja defends it solidly.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, A touch short on off, Jadeja wanted to play it initially but decides to leave it in the end.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, Fullish and on off, Jadeja keeps it out solidly.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, BEATEN! On a length, outside off, nipping away, Jadeja looks to defend but misses.

Tim Southee to Ishant Sharma, Good length ball, way down the leg side, into the keeper's glove.

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, ! CAUGHT! A nice comeback by Tim Southee as he gets the better of Ashwin this time. Maybe Ashwin got carried away after that boundary. This is full and outside off, Ashwin extends his arms and decides to chase this one. But only managed to get the outside edge and Tom Latham takes yet another sharp catch at second slip. An important and helpful cameo of Ravichandran Ashwin comes to an end.

Ishant Sharma walks out to bat now!

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, ! Ashwin looks in some fine touch now. A touch short, on off, Ashwin camps back and punches it through cover for a boundary. Moves to 22.

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, On off, defended solidly.

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, On a length, on off, Ashwin drives it through mid off for a coupl. 200 up for India. The crowd is delighted.

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, Good length ball, down the leg side. Ashwin looks to flick it but misses.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, Full and on off, Jadeja defends it watchfully.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, A length ball, down the leg side, Jadeja looks to flick but misses.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, On a length, on middle, Ashwin tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, Quicker, good length ball, outside off, Ashwin lets it go to the keeper.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, On a length,  on off, Ashwin blocks it to cover.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, Short of a length on middle, Ashwin pushes it back to the bowler.

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, Fuller and on off, Ashwin drives it down the ground, past mid off. Neil Wagner gives it a chase and was able to cut it off in time. The batters come back for three.

A bit of an issue with the ball. Kane Williamson showed it to the umpires after it got wet post that drive from Ashwin but the umpires are happy with it. No change.

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, EDGY ! Up and over the slip cordon. A length ball, nipping away, Ashwin looks to go hard at it, the ball takes the outside edge and over the slip region for a boundary at third man.

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, Fullish and on off, Ashwin drives it to cover but cannot find the gap.

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, BEATEN! What a beauty! A length ball, on off, swinging away, Ashwin looks to drive but misses as the ball zips past the outside edge.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, Full again, on middle, Jadeja clips it through mid-wicket and gets a single. Moves to 11.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, Fires in a full ball, on off, Jadeja blocks it out watchfully.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, ! A nice way to end the over. Ashwin uses his wrists this time. A length ball, on the pads. Ashwin flicks it past mid-wicket and finds the boundary.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, Fullish, on off, Ashwin works it to short mid-wicket.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, A length ball, on off, Ashwin drives it through cover for a couple more.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, An inswinger, attacking the stumps, Ashwin flicks it through mid-wicket for first runs. He collects two.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, Back of a length ball, on off,  Ashwin goes back and defends it, but the ball takes the outside edge and lands just a few spaces in front of point.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, Good length ball, outside off, Ashwin lets it go to the keeper.

Trent Boult to bowl as well. 16-4-34-1 so far.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, Full toss, around off, Jadeja pushes it to mid on.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, A full ball, outside off, Jadeja extends his arms and taps it down to slip cordon.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, Again a carbon copy of the previous delivery, Jadeja works it towards mid-wicket.

THE SECOND NEW BALL HAS BEEN TAKEN. New Zealand have around 30 minutes to try and get it into effect.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, An inswinger, full on off, Jadeja blocks it out watchfully.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, Good length delivery, way outside off, Jadeja shoulders arms to it.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, Southee coming around the wicket. Serves a length ball, outside off, Jadeja has no stroke to offer.

Neil Wagner to Ravichandran Ashwin, A touch short, on off, Ashwin tucks it to the leg side.

Neil Wagner to Ravichandran Ashwin, Back of a length ball, around middle and off, Ashwin blocks it back to the bowler.

Neil Wagner to Ravichandran Ashwin, Good length ball, around the hips, Ashwin tucks it to square leg.

Neil Wagner to Ravichandran Ashwin, A touch short, on off, Ashwin stays back and defends it onto the pitch.

Neil Wagner to Ravichandran Ashwin, Full, on off, Ashwin drives it to cover.

Neil Wagner to Ravichandran Ashwin, Back of a length ball, around off, Ashwin leans back and lets it go to the keeper.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, On a length, outside off, this one comes back in sharply, Jadeja shoulders arms to it.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, A length ball, outside off, Jadeja lets it go to the keeper.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, Good length, outside off, swinging away, left alone by Jadeja.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, Full and down the leg side, Jadeja looks to flick but the ball stays away. BJ Watling this time dives to his right to stop the ball.

BOWLED! But not out. Why? Because Ravindra Jadeja backed away at the last possible moment. Southee was just about to deliver. He delivers the ball and it hits the leg stump. Dead ball signalled. Replays show that Jadeja was looking at the ground till that moment and suddenly when he looked up, Timothy was right up, charging in.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, Another, length ball, on off, nips in, Jadeja keeps it out.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, On a length, coming back in, Jadeja blocks it out solidly.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, ! CAUGHT! A change in the fielding position pays off. Wagner strikes this time. The short ball, does the trick for New Zealand. Back of a length delivery, outside off, Rahane is tempted again, and this time he connect it well, but hits it straight to the man at mid-wicket. Where Tom Latham takes a sharp catch. 

Tim Southee finally gets a bowl. 17-4-47-0 so far.

Neil Wagner to Ravichandran Ashwin, A loud appeal for Caught behind but the umpire is not interested. A full ball, down the leg side. Ashwin swings his blade but misses, as the ball goes through to the keeper, where BJ Watling dives to his left to make a top stop. The Kiwis thought there was a thin edge but nothing from the umpire.

Neil Wagner to Ravichandran Ashwin, A length ball, on middle, Ashwin looks to flick it but the ball takes the leading edge and rolls to the off side.

Ravichandran Ashwin walks in at number 8, replacing Ajinkya Rahane.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, In the air.. Safe! Back of a length ball, outside off, Rahane looks to pull it, but does not time it well. The ball takes the top edge and flies towards mid-wicket but it lands in a vacant region. Two taken.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, Full and outside off, Rahane drives it to mid off.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, A low full toss, on middle, Rahane nudges it to mid-wicket. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Ravindra Jadeja, ! Well played. Full ball, on off, Jadeja leans and drives it past mid off as the ball races towards the boundary rope at long off. The camera pans to the Indian dressing room where Virat Kohli stands up and applauds that shot. Clearly, India believe the time has come to start scoring some runs.

Colin de Grandhomme to Ravindra Jadeja, Another length ball, outside off, Jadeja lets it go to the keeper.

Colin de Grandhomme to Ravindra Jadeja, On a length, way outside off, Jadeja leaves it alone.

Colin de Grandhomme to Ravindra Jadeja, Full and outside off. An easy leave for Ravindra Jadeja.

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, On a length, outside off, Rahane works it to sweeper cover for a single.

DRINKS BREAK. End of a fine battling hour. 12.2 overs, 25 runs, 2 wickets. A game of attrition it has been. New Zealand have been right on the money while India are playing a game of patience. Just feel that this is the perfect stage for Ajinkya Rahane. He is at his best in the most trying conditions and he becomes crucial for India to get to 300. He has not played too many loose shots and looks in good rhythm. Kohli and Pant were kept quiet and worked over. The good thing for India is - it has

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, ! Clipped away! There we go. Jamieson is off and the scoreboard ticks on. A nice way for India to start the post-Drinks break. A touch fuller, on the pads, Rahane clips it towards fine leg for a boundary.

Neil Wagner to Ravindra Jadeja, A touch fuller on off, Jadeja blocks it solidly.

Neil Wagner to Ravindra Jadeja, BEATEN! Nicely bowled by Neil Wagner. A length ball, outside off, nips away. Jadeja looks to defend it but misses as the ball beats the outside edge.

Neil Wagner to Ravindra Jadeja, Good length ball, outside off, swinging away. Jadeja leaves it alone.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, Nice shot by Ajinkya Rahane. A full ball, on middle, Rahane removes his front leg and flicks it through mid-wicket. But the ball does not have the legs to reach the boundary. Three runs taken.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, Serves a full ball, on off, Rahane defends it watchfully.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, On a length, around leg, Rahane pulls it towards square leg for a couple. Good running.

We always marvel about New Zealand's fielding attributes. Since the start of 2019, for a minimum of 10 Tests played, New Zealand have recorded an efficiency of 91 percent in catching. That is an efficiency of taking 9 catches out of 10. They have always been good catchers, being nimble on their feet. It was started primarily by Brendon McCullum who just redefined fielding.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, Another short ball, on off, nips away, this one gets an extra bounce after hitting the deck. Good leave by Ravindra Jadeja.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, Back of a length delivery, around off, Jadeja sways away from the line of the delivery.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, Full, outside off, Jadeja pushes it through the cover region for a couple. Moves to 6.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, On a length, outside off, swinging away, Jadeja lets it go to the keeper.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Full and outside off, Rahane leans in and drives it through covers. The batters pick three before the fielder cuts it off.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Fires in a full ball, around middle, Rahane defends it solidly.

Neil Wagner to Ravindra Jadeja, Outside off, on a length, let through.

Neil Wagner to Ravindra Jadeja, EDGED, ! Full, outside off, swinging away, Ravindra Jadeja has a poke at it, with soft hands. The ball takes the outside edge but the soft hands prevent it from carrying to third slip. Tim Southee gets a very difficult chance to stop the ball as it lands right in front of him. Goes past his hands to the third man fence.

Neil Wagner to Ravindra Jadeja, Full, around middle, flicked straight to mid-wicket.

Neil Wagner to Ravindra Jadeja, Landed outside off, swinging away, left alone. 

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, This one swings in, Rahane flicks it towards backward square leg in the deep for a single.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, Full, around off, pushed towards cover by Ajinkya Rahane.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, Fuller, around off, solidly defended. Kyle Jamieson's figures read 19-12-21-3.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, Around off, on a length, pushed towards point.

Ravindra Jadeja walks in at number 7, replacing Rishabh Pant.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, ! CAUGHT AT SLIP! It is that man, Kyle Jamieson again. But this wicket is more to the fault of Rishabh Pant. Did he get carried away after that boundary? Too loose a shot. Perhaps he felt it is time to break the shackles. Full, wide outside off, Pant reaches out and looks to drive. The ball moves but the feet don't. An outside edge is taken and the ball literally flies to second slip where Tom Latham takes a very sharp catch. That was travelling. He pla

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, Around off, moving away, left alone.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, ! Rishabh Pant is off the mark on the 20th delivery he has faced. He has not quite middled it, but he will get a boundary. Full, outside off, Pant leans and looks to flick. Gets it off the lower part of the bat but the ball still races away through mid-wicket. Trent Boult gives it a chase from the 30-yard circle, puts in a late dive after the ball touches the ropes and comes second.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Around middle, nudged towards fine leg for a single.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, On a good length, outside off, coming in, Ajinkya Rahane shoulders arms. Ahhh wait. The third umpire has indicated to Michael Gough that Jamieson has overstepped. NO BALL is signalled but replays show that it was very, very tight. It cannot be said with total conviction that the foot landed on the line. Some part of the heel seemed to be behind the line.

Neil Wagner to Rishabh Pant, Full, around middle, Rishabh looks to flick but the ball swings away and goes off the leading edge towards cover. Back-to-back maiden overs.

Neil Wagner to Rishabh Pant, 40 balls. Number of deliveries bowled in succession without conceding a run off the bat. Tremendous discipline. Full, outside off, moving away, left alone.

Neil Wagner to Rishabh Pant, Fuller, outside off, swinging away, Pant sholders arms again. He is shoing great restraint and letting balls go. He has faced 17 balls and not scored a single run but it is just a matter of time before he gets going.

Neil Wagner to Rishabh Pant, Fuller, outside off, tempting to drive, Rishabh Pant holds himself back.

Neil Wagner to Rishabh Pant, On middle and off, flicked straight to mid-wicket.

Bouncer time! Here comes the first bowling change of the day. Neil Wagner it is. 10-3-28-1 so far.

Neil Wagner to Rishabh Pant, Full, outside off, swinging away, left alone.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller, around off, defended solidly by Ajinkya. Third successive maiden by Kyle Jamieson.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, That's another great delivery. Right in the channel, in the corridor of uncertainty, the avenue of apprehension, just outside off, Jinx is not sure whether to play at it or leave it. He initially looks to play but then decides the better of it. Is late and gets a bottom edge to first slip.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Closer than the previous one, but wide enough outside off to be left alone.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, On a good length, outside off, moving away, dabbed to gully again.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller, outside off, a touch wider, swinging away, Rahane looks to drive but is a bit loose and gets a thick outside edge. It lands short of gully.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Landed on a length, wide outside off, Ajinkya Rahane shoulders arms.

Trent Boult to Rishabh Pant, Outside off, moving away, pushed towards cover.

Trent Boult to Rishabh Pant, Ahh... that one keeps coming in with the arm and then straightens. This is because Trent Boult has kept his fingers on the seam and not allowing it to swing. RP looks to go hard at this one, aiming for a big booming cover drive but the ball lands outside off, straightens, takes the inside edge and hits the pads.

Trent Boult to Rishabh Pant, Similar ball, perhaps slightly wider, this is an easier leave for Rishabh.

Trent Boult to Rishabh Pant, Indecision. Outside off, on a length, Pant looks to push initially but then seems to be wanting to hold himself back. From the front angle, it looked like he missed the ball. But from the rear angle, the bat was withdrawn well before the ball could arrive. So, in a nutshell, nicely left alone.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, Review time! Jamieson reckons this is close. He feels this is hitting leg stump. Umpire Michael Gough shakes his head. Williamson goes with his bowler and takes the review. No bat involved. UMPIRE'S CALL! Saved by a hair's breadth! What a ball it was from Jamieson. He switched to over the wicket for this ball and got it to swing back in prodigiously. Rishabh Pant missed his flick and was hit on the pads. To the naked eye, it looked like it would swing down

Trent Boult to Rishabh Pant, Full, around off, swinging in, watchfully defended by Rishabh Pant.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, A length ball, around middle, Ajinkya Rahane looks to tuck but misses. The ball goes off his thigh pads towards fine leg. A leg bye taken. 150 UP FOR INDIA.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, Full, around middle, swinging down, Rishabh misses his flick and is hit on the pads.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, Gift from Kyle Jamieson. Brilliant from Rishabh Pant. Outstanding from Kane Williamson. Who says Test cricket is boring? Half volley, outside off, Pant leans and creams this through the covers. The ball races away off the turf but the Kiwi skipper dives to his right and makes a terrific stop.

Earlier this morning, Rishabh Pant was up for a chat. On being asked about how does he approach his batting, Pant says that he just tries to play his natural game all the time and keeps things very simple. Does not like to take too much pressure and keeps taking it over by over.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, Outside off, coming in, left alone.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, Outside off, Rishabh Pant reaches out and pushes it towards cover.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, On a good length, around off, coming in, watchfully defended.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Outside off, on a length, angling away, left alone. Successive maiden overs.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller, outside off, Ajinkya pushes this through the covers but Henry Nicholls dives to his right and makes an excellent stop.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Now comes the short-ball Test, around middle, Jinx ducks.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Another beauty. New Zealand's coach said that he wanted an extra 10 percent out of his bowlers this morning and he is getting it. Around off, fuller in length, Rahane plays for the inswinger but the ball pitches and then leaves him, going past the outside edge.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Nips back in a long way, Ajinkya Rahane walks across, looks to flick but misses and is hit high on the pads, almost around the groin.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Full, outside off, angling away, left alone.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, This one comes in a long way from around the wicket, fuller in length, Rishabh Pant looks to flick but misses and is hit on the pads. Going down leg.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, Almost a carbon copy of the previous ball. If any, this looked to be going down even more. Pant misses his flick again and wears it on his pads. Excellent over from Kyle Jamieson. His figures read 16-10-15-2.

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, ! LBW! Kyle Jamieson gets his man. Big, big blow early in the morning. That's 7 deliveries now that Jamieson has bowled in this innings, which would have hit the stumps and the 7th is one of the most important ones, because it has the skipper's name on it. Full, outside off, Virat Kohli looks to defend but the ball comes back in a long way and hits him on the pads. Jamieson appeals and up goes umpire Michael Gough's finger. Kohli walks down the pitch, ha

Rishabh Pant comes in at number 6, replacing his skipper, Virat Kohli.

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Around off, fuller than the previous one, watchfully defended.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, And next, he gets a beauty. The ball is not too dissimilar to the previous one and Ajinkya comes forward again. But this one moves away slightly and beats the outside edge. There is more. The keeper, BJ Watling, gets a wobbly seam ball and almost fumbles as the ball dips in late.

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Good leave, that is on line. On a good length, outside off, angling in, Kohli shoulders arms. The ball then moves away off the seam, generating oohs and aahs from the slip cordon. India have been leaving balls from Jamieson mostly on length, because of his height. 56 percent of the deliveries he has bowled in this innings, have landed on the good length area. Only 6 deliveries he has bowled so far, would have hit the stumps. Maybe, he needs to be a bit more fu

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, On a good length, around off, watchfully pushed towards cover by Virat Kohli.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Outside off, wider, easier leave for AR.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller, straighter, Jinx walks forward and drops the ball right at his feet, watchfully under his eyes. Perfection in showing how to play in England, with soft hands, as late as possible.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller, outside off, swinging away, Ajinkya Rahane shoulders arms.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Around middle, angling away, pushed towards point.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Good running. Around middle, Ajinkya Rahane nudges it through fine leg. The man is more at long leg, so there is an opportunity to come back for the second which India do not miss. The stand moves to 61.

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Ooohh...the big indipper from the big man. Comes in from well outside off, Kohli looks to work it to the leg side but misses and is hit high on the thigh. He does not know where the ball is and searches for it, looking for the single as well. The ball has actually gone back towards the stumps and Kyle Jamieson quickly rushes to effect the run out. But by then, the Indian skipper gets back in his crease and tries to stop the ball which has already stopped.

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Fuller, wider outside off, swinging away, let through.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, First run of the day. On a length, outside off, angling in, Jinx nudges it towards fine leg for a single. Moves to 30.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Game of temptation. Fuller and wide outside off, Rahane gets a big stride forward to reach to the pitch of the ball but lets it go.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Gentle loosener, wide outside off, Ajinkya Rahane is not tempted and shoulders arms.

Kyle Jamieson to bowl from the other end. 14-9-14-1 so far.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Around middle, on a length, nudged towards mid-wicket.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Full, outside off, a solid block from the Indian skipper.

Touchwood. No, literally go and touch wood. The umpires have said, play will start at 11 am local and it will definitely start at 11 am local. But there is no guarantee how long will the play go on. The light is very, very marginal and bad light could come into picture pretty soon. The New Zealanders march on quickly onto the field. They want to get as many overs as possible in these conditions. Out come Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane. Trent Boult to finish off his pending over. Kohli to face

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, On a length, outside off, angling away, Virat Kohli shuffles across slightly and pushes it towards Tom Latham at gully.

... GAME TIME ....

Shubman Gill is up for a chat. Gill says that India were in a precarious position last afternoon but the Kohli-Rahane partnership has calmed down some nerves. Wants the middle order to capitalize on this and get to 300. Is disappointed on missing out after a start but is happy that he could see off the first tough period. Maintains that his game is not dependent only on leaving balls but also on playing shots whenever the opportunity arises. On him using his feet to seamers, Gill says that he p

PITCH REPORT - The surface still looks a good one to bat upon and we can certainly see some footmarks. Shades of green here and there and that will interest the fast bowlers. The pitch as such looks a beauty, it is the heavens which could dictate terms, sometimes with the ball, but perhaps more with the mind.

UPDATE - 10.30 AM LOCAL (0930 GMT) - We have some good news coming our way. The umpires have given their nod for a 11 am local start, with the second and third sessions extended by 15 minutes each. Let's hope for plenty of cricketing action today.

UPDATE - 10 AM LOCAL (0900 GMT) - THE START OF PLAY HAS BEEN DELAYED. This has been confirmed owing to the persistent drizzle. There is an inspection scheduled at 10.20 am local (0920 GMT). Just had a look at the weather radar. We could positively have a start at around 11 am local and till 5 pm, there is no threat of rain. It is in the evening again that the band of rain returns, so we could get two sessions of cricket comfortably. The conditions are brightening up and there is just the sole ho

2014. The year which changed Virat Kohli as a player and as a person. Virat Kohli entered India's tour of England with a batting average of 39.5, with 6 centuries under his belt. Good enough? Absolutely. But then, came a nightmare, in the form of a certain James Anderson. Jimmy found out a technical flaw in Kohli's technique and similar to how Stuart Broad tormented David Warner during the 2019 Ashes, Jimmy tormented Kohli during that entire tour, where VK struggled to buy a run consistently. No

20th June, 2011. It was on this day that Virat Kohli made his Test debut, against West Indies, in Jamaica. Personally, it was not a good Test for him, with Fidel Edwards getting him out cheaply in both innings, but 10 years since, that man has become a legend. And it is not just his class or technique. It is his temperament as well, to bounce back from adversity and also - fitness. Kohli has gone on record to say that within a couple of years in international cricket, he understood that whateve

Discipline. Does the letter 'V' come anywhere in this word? No, it doesn't. But 'Super V' has mastered this word to the 'T'. What we witnessed on Saturday was a batting masterclass. 44 from 124 balls and factor this - Kohli scored his first boundary on the very 4th ball he faced. He did not score a single boundary in the next 120 balls. Amazing discipline. It was at that time that the Kiwis were finding their feet and Kohli decided to get his head down and grind. Other batsmen came in, got more

Helpful conditions for the bowlers? Well, this is what we felt on Saturday as well but the Kiwis wasted the new ball, by spraying it on both sides of the wicket and being a bit too short as well. This is Day 3 but as mentioned earlier, in terms of game time, it is Day 2 and normally in England, pitches tend to quicken up from the second day. There are still more than 15 overs left for the second new ball and India would certainly love to make use of those overs. All the same, the Kiwis might sea

Drip, drip, drip. It has begun. There is some time for the first ball to be bowled but the conditions are not that encouraging. It is not raining, but there is a slight drizzle, with a major portion of the ground covered. Cricket can certainly be played in these conditions, but as per the law, if you are not in the middle while it is drizzling, you cannot come out to play. So fingers crossed, we do have a start on time but the forecast suggests for another on-off day.

Hello and a warm welcome to Day 3 of the World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand. Technically, it is Day 3 but practically it is the second day as the first day was washed out, courtesy of the rain gods. But on Day 2, thankfully there were no leakages from the sky, as we were able to witness the most awaited match in the history of Test get underway. We can say that the first day was shared among the two teams as India are in a good position thanks to a strong start by Rohit

... Day 3, Session 1 ...

Right then. Keeping in mind that we had no action on Day 1, we should be quite pleased that we had some action on Day 2, even though bad light and rain kept poking their noses between us and the game. The forecast for the rest of the days is not too promising, but all we can do is hope. The action on Day 3 will begin at 1030 local (0930 GMT). We hope to have your company for the same. Until then, cheers and goodbye! 

New Zealand started poorly as they bowled some poor deliveries and they were punished. Tim Southee had a tough day with the ball as he just could not find the lines and lengths, which he did seem to find, towards the fag end of the day. Kyle Jamieson was the star as he bowled probing lines and lengths and did not give much away. Neil Wagner was also at his best while Trent Boult came back well after Lunch. New Zealand though improved after the Lunch session and they would not be too disappointed

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Short of a length delivery around off, Kohli hops and taps it to the off side. 

India managed to get off to a good start courtesy, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. They put the loose balls away and were looking good as they raised a 50-run stand, before Sharma departed. Gill fell soon after and Pujara soon after Lunch. Since then Kohli and Rahane have looked solid and have managed to stay unbeaten till Stumps on Day 2. Overall, they will be happy with their effort.

Well, it is Stumps on Day 2! This was coming with the Light not improving and the covers remaining firmly on. But whatever play we got, it was exciting to watch. One would feel that India have done well to see off the day with only 3 wickets lost. New Zealand did well too after a poor start and it was an engrossing day's play.

UPDATE 1805 local (1705 GMT) - The two umpires came out and had a look at the conditions out in the middle and then went onto have a chat with the New Zealand skipper, Kane Williamson. All signs point towards stumps but we still have to wait for the official confirmation. 

UPDATE 1735 local (1635 GMT) - Well, the covers are still on and the bad light does not seem to improve and the chances of any more play on Day 2 looks bleak. The umpires too are having a discussion out in the middle, might be making the final decision. Let's keep our fingers crossed though. Stay with us.

UPDATE 1710 local (1610 GMT) - Some more bad news coming our way. It has started to drizzle slightly as the covers are coming out into the middle. The chance of play resuming looks negative, but all we can do is hope that it stops soon and we can begin again. Stay tuned. 

UPDATE 1653 local (1553 GMT) - Well, well. This looks to be the trend in the past hour as the light meter comes out from the umpire, who has a look at the reading and decides that the light is poor to continue and the Indian batters head back, followed by the Kiwi players. To be fair to the umpires, the light has got slightly dim, over the past 5 minutes. Let's hope that the delay is a short one. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, A couple for the Indian skipper! Around off, length ball, worked behind point for two. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Angles a ball on the pads, AR works it through square leg for a single. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Slants a good length ball across the right-hander as Ajinkya does not want a piece of this. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Slips in a fuller ball down the leg side, Virat misses his tuck away. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, A carbon copy of the previous delivery. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Swinging away from outside off, left without any issues. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, On a fuller length and on middle, this is whipped through square leg, Kohli takes two with ease. Moves to 42. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Outside off, late swing noticed as Virat registers another leave. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Slower length ball outside off, no reason for Kohli to play at this. 

The umpire will check the ball once. Goes through the 8-ball gauge and the ball is deemed to be alright. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, A back of a length ball, on leg, Rahane looks to nudge this to the leg side but misses and gets hit on the pad. Another appeal for LBW but there is nothing from the umpire. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, On a good length on off, this is worked to mid-wicket. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off, Rahane prods ahead and pushes this to the mid off region. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Leg bye. On the pads, Kohli's attepmt to tuck does not pan out and the ball takes the pad and goes to fine leg. A leg bye is taken. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, An inswinger, around leg, Virat misses his tuck away and gets hit on the pad. A stifled appeal but the Kiwi players also know that this was going down leg. 

Change. Trent Boult comes back on. 11-1-29-1 so far. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Fuller around off, this is clipped to the man at short mid-wicket. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Another solid looking block to keep the ball out, to end the over. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off, Rahane shows the full face of the blade and smothers the ball out. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Angles in a full ball around off and middle, Rahane works it to the mid on region. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Outside off, away-angler, Jinks makes no attempt to play at that. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off and middle, Rahane looks to defend but the ball takes the inner half of the blade and runs away to the fine leg region for a couple. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Slightly behind the good length and around off, AR hops and works this to the on side. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Around off, VK nudges this to the man at square leg. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Short of a length ball, outside off, the awayswinger, Virat watches it go to the keeper. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, The batsman has just blocked that from his crease.

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Way outside off, no need to go fishing as Virat makes another leave. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Angling from outside off, closer to off, still away from the off pole as Kohli raises his blade and makes a leave. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, A good length ball on off, tapped to the backward point region. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Outside off, no shot offered. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off, worked to point. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, ! Southee drags his length back and bowls a short one around off, Ajinkya Rahane pulls this one through square leg for a boundary. 50-run stand also comes up between these two. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, On a good length around off, this is nudged to the man at mid on. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Length around off, pushed to the point region. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, An awayswinger around off, Rahane keeps a level head and keeps this out. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, On the pads, Kohli looks to tuck it away but misses and gets hit on the pad. An appeal but this was heading down leg, for sure. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, A length ball outside off, Kohli makes a leave. 

We are back! The light has become better and the players are coming back onto the field. We are all set to resume now. Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane come out now. Kyle Jamieson to complete his over now. 

UPDATE 1620 local (1520 GMT) - We hate to be the bearer of bad news as the square covers have also been brought on and that is not a positive sign. It does not look good folks but we can be hopeful. Stay tuned for further updates.

UPDATE 1558 local (1458 GMT) - There is a light meter check from the umpire and the umpire deems that the light is not enough for play to continue here. The players from both the teams walk back now. The covers have also come on as they might be expecting it to rain. Stay tuned for further updates. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, An action replay of the previous delivery. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Outside off, nipping away, VK has no interest in playing at that. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, A full toss outside off, pushed nicely to mid off. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Pushed to cover by the Indian skipper. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, ! A boundary to end the over. A good length delivery outside off, shapes away as Rahane plays this in the gap at gully nicely. Conway gives chase and he looks to pull it back, before the ropes, but looks like his foot was touching the boundary cushion. The TV umpire confirms the same. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Consistency from Southee! Around off on a length, the ball shapes away just a little bit this time, Ajinkya Rahane looks to defend inside the line, but the ball manages to whistle past his edge. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Another beauty from Tim! Around off, good length, late movement past the outside edge, as the ball misses Rahane's attempted defense. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Fuller on the pads, flicked to mid-wicket for one. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Around off on a length again, there is away seam movement as VK pushes at this again but misses. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Southee is asking questions, of the Indian batters. A length ball, around off, a typical Southee delivery as it shapes away, but Virat Kohli comes ahead, looking to push, but the ball evades his bat, to the keeper. 

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, ! That looked so good. Delightful shot. Even Kohli seemed pleased with it. A half-volley around off, Ajinkya Rahane just leans into this shot and creams it through covers. No point chasing after this. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Good running yet again. This is a back of a length delivery, around off, Virat Kohli goes back and punches this one through covers and by the time the man can clean up, the batters take three. 

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, In the air...safe! On a shortish length around off, Ajinkya Rahane looks to pull this one to the leg side but the ball takes the top edge and loops up towards fine leg, but falls well short of the man there. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Punched to the mid off region for a single. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, EDGED BUT SAFE! Drops short of the slip cordon. A length ball, around off, the ball moves away as Virat Kohli looks to defend this one out, with soft hands, but the ball takes the outside edge and drops ahead of Southee, at second slip. 

Neil Wagner to bowl from the other end.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, A good length ball around off, this is punched to the cover-point fielder. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off, defended. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, A back of a length ball, sliding down the leg side, Ajinkya Rahane looks to tuck this one away but he misses and the ball takes the top of the thigh pad and goes to the keeper, who appeals. The bowler joins in the appeal, but it is turned down. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, A length delivery, outside off, it nips away as Rahane watches it go to the keeper. 

Looks like the light has improved and the players are coming out into the middle. The Kiwi players are in a huddle, before they spread out on the field. Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane stride out too. Tim Southee to complete his over. 

UPDATE 1530 local (1430 GMT) - Looks like we have a bit of a delay here. It was rain, that played spoilsport and this time, bad light has come to the fore. It looks like we will have to wait some more for the third session to get underway. The umpires have a chat with Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson to inform them about the same too. Stay tuned with us for more updates. 

The Black Caps were on fire, coming out, after the first session, but the last hour has seen the Indian batters carve a name for themselves and come back slightly and score runs freely. Colin de Grandhomme has bowled well and has not let any batter dominate him, even though he is not a frontline bowler. All the other bowlers have made the ball talk and have asked questions to the Indian batters. Now, with the final session looming, both the teams will be looking to end the day on a good note. W

... Day 2, Session 3 ...

This session has been a tale of two sides - as the first hour belonged to the side bowling and the other side of the half belonged to the Indian contingent. Pujara and Kohli were going along at a very slow rate and were not finding runs quickly. Boult came in and struck to get rid of India's wall in recent years and Pujara had to take the long walk back to the hut. Kohli and Rahane also were scoring at a slower pace, but they were picking up the pace and even crossed the 100-run mark. It was the

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, Inswinging delivery on off, worked towards point.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, Touch fuller on middle, Rahane plays it towards mid on. A no ball as Wagner has overstepped.

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Good length delivery outside off, seaming away, Rahane watches the ball closely before making a leave.

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Bowls it fuller on middle and leg, flicked towards square leg.

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, An action replay of the previous delivery. Rahane continues his leaving spree.

The umpires converge and think that it is getting pretty dark out there. They have a look at the light and decide that they can take an early tea here. Bad light stops play and IT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 2. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Shorter delivery on middle, Kohli sways away from it.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, Shortish delivery on middle, Rahane hops and flicks it towards square leg for a single.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, Good length delivery on off, Rahane keeps it out.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, On a good length on middle, angling in, Rahane pushes it back to the bowler.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, Length delivery on middle, played towards mid-wicket.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Good length delivery on off, Kohli misses out on his attempted defense. The ball goes off the outside edge towards gully. He collects a couple of runs.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Play and a miss! Very full outside off, curves away from him, Kohli can't resist playing a drive. The ball goes past the edge, into the keeper's mitts.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Fires a yorker on middle, Kohli jags his bat down and flicks it to mid-wicket.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Good length delivery outside off, Kohli lets it sail through.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Touch fuller on off, Kohli guides it towards gully for a brace.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Fullish delivery on off, Kohli stays back in the crease, drives it through covers with his head still. He gets two.

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, Length ball on off, Rahane defends it towards covers off the front foot.

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, Length delivery on off, worked on the off side.

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, ! After a long time, there is a boundary for India. Short of a good length on off, Ajinkya Rahane cuts it wide off the point fielder for a boundary. That shall give him some confidence.

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, On off, blocked out.

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, Good length delivery on off, Rahane looks to defend but misses. The ball goes off the inside edge onto the pads. He is not looking in his rhythm here.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Touch fuller on off, Kohli confidently taps it through point for one.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, 1 run in the last 12 balls! Around off, good length delivery, Kohli uses his wrists and clips this through mid-wicket. Retains the strike for the next over with a single. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Good length ball around off, Kohli pushes this to covers. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Fuller length by Southee, nips away from the right-hander, as the batter leaves. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Angles in a length ball around off and middle, Kohli shows the full face of the bat and works it back to Tim. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Pitches it up and outside off, Virat is not tempted. He resists. Leaves it alone. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Outside off, short of a length, nothing doing says Kohli, as he shoulders arms. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, Outside off, no shot offered from Rahane. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, Length around off, pushed to the off side. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off, punched off the back foot to the cover fielder. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, On a good length around off, pushed to point now. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, Length around off, Rahane looks to defend, but the ball takes the outer half of the blade, and goes to the gully fielder, on the bounce. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off, Jinks pushes it back onto the deck. 

Colin de Grandhomme is back on.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Maiden to begin Tim's second spell! Around off, length ball, Kohli looks to push at this but the ball takes the inside edge and hits him on his pads. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Outside off, shaping away, VK has no qualms in leaving it alone. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Another outswinger around off, Kohli works this to the right of mid off, and looks for the single, but does not risk it. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Punched to short covers. 

Tim Southee is brought back into the attack. 9-2-27-0 are his figures.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, That's a jaffa! Absolute beauty. A length ball, around off, shapes away from the last moment, as Virat Kohli gets squared up, looking to defend this one out. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, On a good length, around off, shaping away, Virat drives this to the man at short covers. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Length way outside off, Ajinkya leaves it alone. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, A solid looking front foot block this time. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, On a good length around off, Ajinkya Rahane leans ahead and uses his hands nicely to punch this one through covers. Kane Williamson chases after the ball and catches up, but not before the batters take two. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Outside off on a good length, Rahane raises his blade and leaves it be. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Length on off, blocked out. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Slight fumble in the deep and the batters take advantage of the same, coming back for the third. Around off, back of a length, Virat Kohli goes back and guides this through backward point. The fielder in the deep fumble and the third run is acheived. 

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Short ball on middle, Rahane ducks underneath.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Length delivery outside off, seaming away, Rahane shoulders arms.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller again on middle, Rahane face no trouble blocking this one out.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Good length ball on off, Rahane knocks it towards covers.

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Touch fuller on off, Kohli pushes it towards covers for a quick single. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Fuller on off, Kohli guides it towards point.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, NOT ! A poor review by the looks of things. A thick inside edge and New Zealand lose a review. Good length delivery on middle and leg, Rohit Sharma looks to defend but misses. Looks like the bat misses his bat and he gets pinged on his pad. Loud shout for an LBW but the umpire is unmoved. Kane Williamson takes a review. Ultra Edge confirms that there was a spike as the ball passed the bat. Sharma survives. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Swinging down the leg side, Rahane misses his attempted flick. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, On a good length on off, Rahane punches it off the back foot through cover-point for a couple of runs.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Length delivery outside off, Rahane saw some width, and looks to drive it on the off side. But gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, The umpires take this upstairs but there was no edge on this and hence, Kohli does not lose his wicket. A length ball, down the leg side, Kohli looks to clip this one to the leg side but misses and BJ takes the catch. A very loud appeal for caught behind but the umpire says no. Kane Williamson is looking around, thinking if he should take the review but they do not take it. The umpires converge and take this upstairs to see if this is a clean catch. Replays sh

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Touch fuller on middle, Rahane blocks this one out off the back foot.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Fullish delivery on middle, Kohli flicks it past the diving short mid-wicket fielder and gets three runs.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Good length delivery on off, Kohli taps it towards covers.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Big inward movement there! Length ball on middle and off, Rahane works it on the leg side.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Outside off, Rahane leaves it for the keeper to collect.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller on off, angling away, Rahane defends it watchfully.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller on off, Rahane blocks it out.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Length delivery on the pads, Rahane doesn't dig his bat down and gets struck on the pads. It was going down leg though.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Bowls an outswinging yorker on middle, Rahane pushes it back to the bowler.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Length delivery on middle, Kohli's bottom hand comes into play, as he flicks it to deep square leg and grabs a brace. Excellent running between the wickets.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Back of a length on off, Kohli pushes it towards point.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Short ball on middle, Kohli hops and plays it onto the crease.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Good length on off, played towards covers.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Length delivery on off, Kohli gets an inside edge as he looks to defend. The ball rolls on the leg side.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Starts with a bouncer on middle, Kohli ducks under it.

DRINKS. New Zealand would have been the happier of the two sides, with how the first hour of the second session has gone by. They have not let the Indian batters score runs easily and have been bowling probing lines and lengths. Pujara has been sent back and Kohli and Rahane are out there, looking to make the most of this. Can they steady things for India? Or will the Kiwi bowlers continue their good work? Let us find out. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Outside off, pushed to covers. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off, pushed to the mid off region for a quick single. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Short of a length around off, kept out. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, An inswinger around off, Kohli pushes this through covers for one. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Fullish and swinging back in, VK defends. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, A back of a length ball on off, Kohli taps this to point. 

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Short of a length delivery on off, Rahane defends it watchfully.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Beaten! Good length delivery outside off, Rahane is tempted to have a poke at it. The ball zips past the outside edge, to the keeper's gloves.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, On length outside off, Rahane shoulders arms.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Length ball outside off, Rahane watches it pass by.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller and outside off, Rahane decides to leave.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Good length delivery, swinging in, Rahane leaves it untouched.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, No run.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, 1 run.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, No run.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Length ball outside off, Rahane makes a well calculated leave. 

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off, dabbed to the off side. 

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller around off, pushed to point. 

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Awayswinger outside off, Rahane watches it closely and leaves. 

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Outside off, left alone. 

Both the umpires converge and take it upstairs. They want to check if it is a clean catch by BJ Watling. The replays show it is. Now they check the Ultra Edge and there is no bat involved.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Around middle, huge inswing, tucked to the leg side. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, A bouncer on middle and leg, the Indian skipper sits under this. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Short of a length ball around off, Kohli hops and pushes it back to the bowler. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, A gift to Jinx and he gets off the mark! A fuller ball, on leg, this is whipped through square leg for a single. 

Trent Boult to Cheteshwar Pujara, ! LBW! Boult strikes and Pujara's patient knock has come to an end. This is a brilliant delivery and Trent has struck and broken this stand, which was going along slowly, but nicely. A classic left-armer's delivery. A length delivery, around off and middle, comes back in as well. Cheteshwar Pujara is stuck as he looks to flick to the leg side but he misses. Gets struck on his pad and Boult puts in an appeal to the umpire, who does not take long to rai

Ajinkya Rahane walks out to bat at No.5.

Changes from both ends. Trent Boult is brought back into the attack. His figures read 6-1-11-0.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, A back of a length delivery around off, Kohli goes back and guides this through point. Takes one. 

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, Around off, Pujara blocks to point. The stand moves to 24 off 93 balls. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Jamieson this time decides to pitch this one up and bowl it on leg, Virat Kohli clips this one through mid-wicket. The man at deep square leg runs to his left and cleans up, but the batters take three. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Another leave as this was bowled outside off. Kohli is at 13 from 54 balls, taking his time, is the Indian talisman. 

Kyle Jamieson comes back into the attack. 7-4-10-1 are his figures so far.

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Seams away after landing outside off, Kohli watches the ball pass past him, to the keeper. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, On a length outside off, Virat, again does not go chasing. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Length ball outside off, shaping away as VK leaves it be. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Good stop by the man at short covers. Around off, Kohli drives this one nicely through covers. The man there dives and half-stops the ball, but does not manage to stop the single. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Good running between the wickets by these two. Short of a length ball, around off, Virat Kohli guides this one through point and they run hard to come back for the second. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Short and around off, Virat gets low and sways away, letting the ball through. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, SLASH AND A MISS! Wagner has a smile on his face. On a shortish length and outside off, Kohli looks to play the upper cut but only flashes around the thin air around his blade. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Fuller but way outside off, Kohli resists the temptation to go after this and leaves it be. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Piches this one up and around off, Kohli closes the face of his bat and glances this to the mid on fielder. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, Good length, outside off, Pujara watches the ball pass by.

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, Fuller on off, Pujara defends it on the off side.

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, On off, Pujara blocks it out.

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, Length delivery on off, tapped towards third slip.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Fuller again and on off, Kohli exquisitely drives it through the covers. The fielder gives it a chase and keeps it to three.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Fuller length on middle, pushed back to the bowler.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Testing lines from Wagner! Shortish again on middle and off, Pujara lets it for the keeper to collect. 

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Outside off, Pujara leaves it without any trouble.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Fraction short on off, Pujara stays back in the crease, hops, and blocks it out.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Shorter again outside off stump, Pujara makes a leave.

Damn, another Indian batter who has been struck on the helmet. The back part of his helmet has broken off as well. The physio rushes out in the middle for the mandatory concussion test, but it looks like Pujara is okay to continue. 

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Nasty stuff! Bowls a bouncer on middle, Pujara goes for the pull but misses. The ball rushed onto the grill of the helmet. A piece of the equipment pops out as the ball hits the helmet.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Back of a length delivery on off, Pujara plays it towards point.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Length delivery outside off, Kohli shoulders arms to that. The Indian skipper has been very watchful so far. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Outside off again, Kohli is happy to leave that.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Outside off, left alone.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Good length delivery outside off, nipping away, Kohli looks to defend but is beaten on the outside edge.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Length delivery on leg, Kohli strides forward and nudges it on the leg side.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Touch fuller on middle, Kohli plays it towards point.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Down the leg side, Pujara leaves it alone.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Short ball on middle, Pujara does not play it. Good take by Watling behind the stumps.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Another bouncer on off, Pujara went for an upper-cut but pulls off at the last moment.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Pitches it full way outside off, Pujara lets it sail through.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Fuller on middle, angling in, Pujara blocks it out.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, ! Totally controlled shot! Pujara has waited a long time to open his account and now, he quickly gets two boundaries. Fuller length around off, Cheteshwar Pujara leans into the shot and drives it through the covers for a boundary.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Good length ball on off, played in front of point.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Length delivery on off, Kohli comfortably defends it towards point.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, On a good length on off, Kohli defends it watchfully.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Length delivery on off, Kohli taps it on the off side.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Fuller on off, Kohli defends it off the front foot towards covers.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Length ball on middle, Kohli blocks it out. 

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, ! Pujara finally gets off the mark. Takes 36 balls but gets underway in a stylish manner. Shortish ball outside off, Cheteshwar Pujara eyes light up as he packs a punch through point. 

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, On a good length around off, this is nudged to the leg side. 

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Around off, closer to Cheteshwar, as he taps this to the gully fielder. 

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Fuller way outside off, Pujara does not go chasing after this. 

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Shortish outside off, Pujara makes another leave. 

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Outside off, left alone. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, There was an appeal for caught behind but it is turned down. A length ball, around off, nipping away, Kohli looks to block but misses and the ball takes the back pad and goes to the right of BJ Watling, who dives that side and takes the catch. An appeal from bowler and keeper, but the umpire says no. The camera pans to Kane Williamson but it looks like he is not too confident about this and does not take the review. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Closer to the off pole, back of a length, VK hops and taps this to the off side. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Three leaves in a row as this is again, bowled outside the off pole. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Another leave as this was bowled outside off. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Outside off on a good length, VK watches it go by. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Around off, nipping away, length ball, Kohli keeps it out tentatively. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, First runs of the session! On the pads, helped to the fine leg region for one. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, On a shortish length outside the off pole, Kohli again is not interested in playing at this. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Still no run scored in the second session so far. Length delivery outside off, Virat shoulders arms this time.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Drags his length back and fires a short ball around off, Kohli sways away from the line of the ball. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Way outside off, Kohli leaves it untouched. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Good length delivery around off, Virat prods ahead and keeps it out. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, In the channel of uncertainty outside off, Pujara does not want to play at this. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, Length around off, pushed to covers. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, Around off, defended watchfully. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, Length, away moving from outside off, CP leaves this one be. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, Around off, defended out. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, An outswinger way outside off, Pujara, who is yet to open his account, is in no hurry as he leaves. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, A maiden to begin the second session! On a length around the off pole, this is clipped to the man at short mid-wicket. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Another pacy ball way outside off, Kohli makes another leave. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Fuller, but way outside off, no issues in Virat to see this one through to the keeper. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Another good looking shot but straight to the fielder. Around off, length ball, punched off the back foot to the cover fielder. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Fuller, around off, Kohli punches this one to the mid off fielder. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, A length ball outside off, Kohli leaves as the ball dies on the way to the keeper. 

We are back for the second session of play here. Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara are behind the boundary line, waiting to come out into the middle. Now, the Indian batters and Kiwi players come out. Neil Wagner to begin proceedings for the second session. 

... Day 2, Session 2 ...

Right then. A very good session for both the teams as they have made some strides into the game, but the Kiwis holds a slight advantage, having snared 2 wickets to their name. Who will take the next session? Will the duo of Kohli and Pujara make inroads or will the Kiwis make the ball talk and run through the middle order? An interesting session coming up. Join us shortly for the same. 

It was not all smooth sailing for New Zealand as their gun bowlers, Boult and Southee were struggling to find their rhythm and the Indian openers knew how to get on top of them. It was when Jamieson was brought on, that he started troubling the Indian batters. Kyle was the one who broke the opening stand, with assistance from Southee, who took a good catch and removed Rohit. Gill was sent back by a peach from Wagner and they ended the session nicely. 

The openers for India, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill were tentative to get going but did not let the Kiwi bowlers have any sniff. They kept motoring along and kept attacking the loose deliveries, and respected the good balls too. Within no time, they raised a 50-run stand and it looked like they could survive until the Lunch break, but the Kiwi bowlers did not let that happen. Sharma was sent back by Jamieson and Gill, the other opener, was Wagner's first success, in his first over. India went f

This has been a cracking start and a first session to the World Test Championship final. After having waited an entire day to watch proceedings get underway, we have been treated to a session of cricket, where both teams have had their say and it is a session, which has been shared by both sides. 

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Fuller on off, Pujara blocks it out. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 2.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Length delivery on middle, angling in, Kohli tucks it towards fine leg for a single.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Down the leg side, Kohli misses his flick. Watling collects it comfortably behind the stumps.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Fuller and outside off, left alone by Kohli.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Fuller outside off, Kohli watches the ball sail through.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Good length delivery outside off, seaming away, Kohli shoulders arms.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Bowls it full on middle, Pujara taps it back to the bowler.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Shortish delivery wide outside off, Pujara is happy to ignore that.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Fuller length on middle and leg, tucked away towards mid-wicket for a single.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Length delivery on middle, Kohli pushes it back to the bowler.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, On middle, Kohli blocks it watchfully.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, ! Classic Virat Kohli! Fuller length on off, Kohli leans into the shot and drives it through the covers for a boundary. He gets off the mark in some fashion.

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Bowls it fuller on off, driven towards covers.

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Shortish delivery on middle, Pujara hops and blocks it on the leg side.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, The man is deep at covers, due to Sharma attacking that area. Outside off, shortish, this is punched to sweeper cover for one. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Wow, what a start to the game. Runs straightaway for Rohit Sharma and India gets underway here. A fuller ball, on the pads, easy pickings for Rohit as he clips this through square leg. Neil Wagner gives it chase as the outfield is slow and does well to pull it back before the ropes. Three taken. 

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, On middle, Pujara blocks it out.

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Length ball on middle, Pujara taps it on the leg side. He wants a single but is sent back by Kohli.

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Good length ball on off, Pujara continues his leaving spree.

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Way outside off, good seam moment though, Pujara leaves it alone.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Good length delivery outside off, shaping away, Kohli leaves it alone. Successful start for Neil Wagner. A wicket-maiden!

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Fuller on off, Kohli pushes it back to the bowler off the front foot.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Length delivery outside off, Kohli shoulders arms to that one.

The skipper, Virat Kohli struts out into the middle. All eyes will be on him and he will want to impose himself early on. Surviving until Lunch will be the main aim, though. 

Neil Wagner to Shubman Gill, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Neil Wagner strikes in his first over itself and he is very, very happy with this. Good length delivery around off, nipping back in, forcing Shubman Gill to play. He went for an off side defense but misses. The ball gets the outside edge and it's a regulation catch for BJ Watling behind the stumps. Shubman Gill has to depart and both the openers have been sent back to the shed before Lunch. 

Neil Wagner to Shubman Gill, Back of a length delivery on middle, Gill hops onto the crease, pushes it back to the bowler off the back foot.

Change now. Neil Wagner is handed the ball now. 

Neil Wagner to Shubman Gill, Starts with a good length delivery on off, angling in, Gill defends it watchfully.

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Down the leg side, Pujara does not offer anything to that.

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Bowls a yorker-length delivery on middle, Pujara pushes it back to the bowler.

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Outside off, Pujara shoulders arms.

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Fuller outside off, swinging away, Pujara leaves it untouched.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Touch fuller on middle, Gill pushes it towards mid on for a quick single.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Length ball outside off, angling away, Gill watches it sail through.

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, Outside off, Pujara shoulders arms. Another maiden for Kyle Jamieson.

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, BEATEN! Peach of delivery on off, Pujara decides to defend it but misses. The ball whizzes past the outside edge, into the keeper's mitts.

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, On a good length on off, Pujara gets a thick inside edge into the inner thigh pad.

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, Short-pitched delivery on middle, Pujara ducks underneath.

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, Back of a length delivery on middle, Pujara is solid in his defense.

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, Fuller length on middle, Pujara defends it on the leg side.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Fuller on off, Gill drives it well but straight to the man at covers.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Good length delivery on middle, played towards mid on.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Typical outswinger from Southee on off, Gill leaves it untouched.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Down the leg side, Gill missed his flick. The ball gets carried through to the keeper.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Outside off, left alone.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Length ball outside off, Gill mistimes his shot, the ball goes towards point off the bottom half of the bat.

Tim Southee comes back on. 0/25 in his 5 overs. 

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, On the pads, CP misses his tuck away and the ball takes the thigh pad and goes to the right of the keeper, and lands safe. A top over from Jamieson, a wicket-maiden! 

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, Around off on a good length, nudged to the on side. 

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, Around off, dabbed to the point fielder. 

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, A fuller ball around off now, Pujara blocks it out. 

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, That's a good ball first up from Jamieson. Outside off, the ball seams back in as Pujara hops and makes a leave. 

Kyle Jamieson to Rohit Sharma, ! CAUGHT! That's the wicket they were looking for! Kyle Jamieson gets the important breakthrough. Bowls it fuller outside off, Sharma was leaving anything in that channel but not this time. He pokes at it and pays the price. The ball finds the outside edge and flies to Tim Southee at third slip. He does well to grab it with both hands diving to his right. Rohit Sharma walks back to the pavilion. Kyle Jamieson is pumped. He knows the importance of this

India's wall of the last few years, Cheteshwar Pujara makes his way out into the middle. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Shubman Gill, Straighter on middle and leg, Gill hops and works this through square leg and comes back for the second. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Outside off, no shot offered. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, ! Sharma is latching onto anything that is short and wide outside off. This time, he gets back and packs a punch through covers for a boundary. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Outside off, moving away, Rohit leaves it untouched. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Around off, kept out nicely. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Length and way outside off, moving away further, as Gill shoulders arms. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Slightly behind the good length and on off, Gill goes back again and blocks it out solidly. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Back of a length delivery around off, Gill hangs back and defends it out. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Around off on a good length, Gill taps this one to the cover region. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Outside off, length ball, the ball shoots up as Gill shoulders arms. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, A length ball, around off, this is punched through mid on for a couple of runs. 

First review of the game from Kane Williamson! It is for LBW and Ultra Edge confirms that there is an inside edge. Rohit Sharma does not go back and New Zealand lose a review as well. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Outside off, left alone.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Good length delivery in the corridor of uncertainty, Sharma lets it sail through.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Width on offer outside off, Sharma does not chase after it.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Back of a length delivery on middle and leg, worked on the off side.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, ! Absolutely lovely! Shortish delivery on off, Rohit Sharma punches it through the covers for a boundary. He brings up India's total to 50 as well. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Length delivery on the fifth stump line, Gill taps it towards covers.

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Steep bounce! Shorter delivery on middle, Gill steps out of the crease. He is taken aback by the bounce and gets hit on the grill of the helmet. 

Woahhh, Gill was hit hard on his helmet. The physio is seen running out into the middle now, to have a look at Gill. All good to continue. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Good length ball on off, shaping in, Gill shoulders arms to that one.

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, On a good length outside off, Gill leaves it alone.

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Good length delivery on middle, played towards square leg.

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Jamieson is getting some extra bounce here! Bowls it outside off, the ball hits the deck and shoots up. Gill watches it sail through.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Length delivery outside off, left alone.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, ! Width on offer outside off, Rohit Sharma takes full advantage of that. He stands tall and slashes it through point for a boundary.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Back of a length on off, Sharma steers it towards point.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Length ball on middle, worked towards mid-wicket.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Outside off, Rohit Sharma continues his leaving spree.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, BEATEN! Length delivery just around off, Sharma has a poke at it but misses. The ball whizzes past the outside edge into the keeper's mitts.

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Outside off, punched to the point fielder. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, What a comeback from Jamieson! The extra bounce saves Gill. A length ball, around off, jags back in sharply and bounces a little extra too, as Shubman Gill raises his blade and lets it through. Zips over the off pole into the keeper's gloves. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, ! Don't bowl anything short to this lad! On a shortish length, around off, Shubman Gill rides the bounce and pumps this one through mid-wicket. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Outside off, length delivery, Gill is untroubled by this delivery and makes a leave. 

DRINKS. India have started very well and both the openers will continue to take this partnership ahead. Rohit Sharma has been solid in his defense and cut shots, while Shubman Gill has been looking confident and is supporting Rohit well at the other end. The New Zealand bowlers continued to bowl outside off but Indian batters haven't given anything away. The Kiwi quicks will be looking to take a couple of wickets, whereas, this duo of Sharma and Gill will want to keep everything out of their w

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Fuller, but in the channel of the fifth stump, Shubman watches it go into the keeper's gloves. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, On middle, dropped to the leg side. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Third maiden in a row! On middle, Rohit's clip finds the square leg fielder. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Good length delivery on off, Sharma plays this one to the cover region. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Around off, RS nudges this to the square leg region. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Outside off, left alone. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Well fielded by the man there. Outside off, short of a length this time, Sharma goes back and punches this, but straight to the man at point, who stops well. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Starts off with a length delivery, on the fifth stump line, Sharma leaves it untouched. 

Colin de Grandhomme is brought into the attack.

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Back-to-back maidens for the Kiwis! Around off, Gill is on his front foot and he pushes this to covers. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Around off, slightly behind the good length, Gill looks to tap this one to the off side but the ball takes the inside edge and hits him on his pads. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Closer to the off pole and on a length, Gill draws forward and pushes this to the cover region. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Takes a few paces down the track, does Gill, but seeing that this ball was outside off and moving away, he watches it sail through into BJ Watling's mitts. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Similar line and length as the previous delivery, Gill, again wants no piece of this. Leaves. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, In the channel of uncertainty outside the off pole, Gill has no issues in letting this one be. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Around middle, dropped to the on side. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Changes it up and pitches this one full and way outside off, an easy leave for the Hitman. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Around off, length, RS does not want anything to do with this. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Slants across a length delivery across the right-hander, Sharma walks a few paces ahead, but does not offer a shot. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Boult with a beauty! A length delivery, fourth stump line, nips back in late but Rohit keeps his eyes on the ball and makes a good leave. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Slightly behind the good length, nipping in, around off, Rohit looks to defend but the ball takes the inside edge and hits Sharma on the pads. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, A carbon copy of the previous delivery. 4 off Kyle's first over! 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, An away swinger outside off, no reason to play at this and Gill leaves. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Around off, blocked out. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Outside off, shaping away, Gill makes a leave at the last moment. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, ! Solid looking stroke from Gill. An inswinger around off, Shubman Gill presents a straight bat and punches this through mid on and fetches a boundary for himself. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Starts beautifully! A length delivery, closer to off, nipping away, Shubman Gill is tempted to come ahead and block it out, but gets beaten on the outside edge. 

Change. Kyle Jamieson has been introduced into the attack. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Bowls it fuller on middle, Sharma is saved by the inside edge there! He looks to drive it on the off side but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Length delivery on middle and leg, swinging back in, Sharma clips it towards square leg off the back foot.

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Good length on leg, Sharma tucks it towards square leg.

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Length delivery on the pads, Sharma is late into his flick, the ball gets hit high on the pads. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Length delivery outside off, Sharma ignores it.

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, Touch fuller on middle, nipping back in, Gill tucks it towards fine leg for a single.

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Fuller on off, Sharma defends it watchfully towards covers.

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Outside off, left alone by Sharma

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, ! Full and outside off, Rohit Sharma cuts it through the point region. Two fielders give it chase but there is no stopping that. Excellent shot.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Overpitches it on middle, Gill digs his bat down and gently pushes it towards long off. Jamieson gives it a chase and dives to put the ball back in. He keeps it to three. Excellent effort by Jamieson as he saves one.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Length delivery outside off, Gill continues to leave anything that is in that channel.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Good length delivery on middle, Gill works it on the leg side.

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Fullish delivery on off, Sharma went for a drive but gets an inside edge. The ball goes to the man at mid on.

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, On a good length on middle, played towards mid-wicket.

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Length delivery on the pads, Sharma misses his flick. The ball hits the thigh pads and rolls on the leg side. He wants a single but Gill sends him back.

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Bit fuller on the fifth stump line, Sharma watches the ball closely and makes a leave.

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, Fuller length on off, Gill pushes it towards mid off off the front foot. He gets three before the fielder gives it a chase and throws the ball back.

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, Length delivery outside off, Gill does not offer any strokeplay.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, A good length ball, around middle and leg, Gill misses his tuck and gets struck on his pad. The ball goes to the on side and the batters take a leg bye, while Tim appeals, but this was sliding down leg. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Fuller length on pads, tucked towards deep square leg for a couple of runs. Good over for India. 10 coming off it.

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, BEATEN! That's the length Southee will be looking to bowl! Length delivery on off, Sharma looks to defend but misses. The ball zips past the outside edge, to the keeper.

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, EDGED AND ! A little bit of luck for Rohit Sharma! Fuller length delivery on middle and leg, Sharma digs his bat down a bit late. The ball swings away late and takes the outside edge and goes past the slip cordon for a boundary.

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Good length ball outside off, seaming away, Sharma leaves it untouched.

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Pitches this one full on leg, Sharma works it towards mid on.

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, ! Rohit Sharma gets into the act now! Slightly short and wide outside off, Sharma cuts it through the point region for a boundary.

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, Length delivery outside off, Gill leaves it alone.

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, Back of a length delivery on middle, Gill confidently pushes it back to the bowler.

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, ! Shubman Gill is so good on the pull! Boult drags his length back, bowls a short delivery on middle, Gill pulls it through mid-wicket for a glorious boundary. First boundary of the WTC final.

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, On a good length around off, Gill shoulders arms to that one.

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, Length ball outside off, Gill lets it sail through.

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, Fuller length on off, seaming in, Gill advances down the track and hits it towards point.

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, A length delivery around off, Sharma looks to block this out, but the ball takes the inside edge and hits him on the pads. Tim puts in an enquiry but the shake of the head from the umpire. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Angles in a length ball on middle and leg, Sharma looks to clip it away but closes the face of the bat early and the ball takes the outer half of the blade to the off side. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Similar line and length as the last ball, this time, Rohit is smart as he does not go fishing and leaves it be. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, That's a peach! A length delivery, around the fourth stump channel, the ball seams away beautifully as Rohit Sharma prods ahead and looks for the defensive block but gets beaten on the outside edge. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Around off, pushed to cover. 

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Worked nicely by Gill this time. Strays and delivers a length ball on the pads, Gill takes a few paces down the track and clips this one through square leg. The man at fine leg runs across and by the time the man can come across, the batters take three. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Length delivery around off, gently worked to the point fielder. 9/0 are India, at the end of the 4th over. 

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Big away movement noticed here. A length delivery, outside off, the ball nips away sharply as Gill makes a leave. 

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Another length delivery down the leg side, Gill look to tuck this one away but he misses. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Around off, defended watchfully by Rohit. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Angles a length ball across the right-hander, as Sharma makes a late leave. 

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, Gill is off in a streaky manner! A length ball, nipping back in around off, Gill looks to push but the ball takes the inside edge and goes through square leg, for one. 

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, Makes Gill play this time, does Trent. Around off on a length, worked to the off side. 

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, What a delightful ball and a good leave too. A length ball outside off, the jags back in at the last moment as Gill raises his blade to let this one through, and the ball whistles past the off pole, to the keeper. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, A length delivery around off, Rohit pushes this one gently through covers and collects a couple as two men chase the ball down and clean up in the deep. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Another good leave! Outside off on a length, seams away yet again as RS shoulders arms. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Fuller around off, Sharma plants his front foot ahead and pushes it to point. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Another length delivery, outside off, nips away from the right-hander as Rohit does not offer a stroke. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, A good length delivery on the fourth stump line, Rohit hops up and makes a well calculated leave. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, A couple to end the over! A full toss around off, Sharma taps this through mid off with the toe end of his bat and collects a brace. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Fuller on off, RS pushes it back towards Trent. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Length delivery outside off, Sharma leaves it be. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, OHHHH, that was close, but Gill makes it back in time, otherwise, he would have been run out. A length ball, around off, Rohit looks to block but the ball takes the inner half and goes to the square leg region. Sharma does not want the run, Gill is down the track, anticipating a single. Sharma sends him back and there is a throw to the non-striker's end as Gill dives back full stretch and comes back in. Well done by Gill to come back in time. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Gets it right this time, does Boult. A length delivery, around off, Rohit prods ahead and keeps the ball out nicely to the cover region. 

Trent Boult will bowl from the other end.

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Boult starts off with a back of a length delivery, down the leg side, swinging past Rohit and BJ Watling does well to dive to his left and collect the ball. 

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Just 3 off the first over then! A fuller ball, around off, Gill jams it back to the bowler, as Tim Southee collects the ball and mimes a throw back towards Gill, who rushes back into his crease. 

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, This was better from Southee. A good length delivery, outside off, the ball seams away again as Shubman does not want to go chasing after this. 

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Loses his radar here, Tim. Slips this one down the leg side as Gill misses his tuck away. 

Well then, all set for the action to get underway now! The excitement is palpable and the crowd seems to be voicing it out too. The Kiwi players are in a huddle, as Kane Williamson shares his last words of wisdom, before they spread out on the field. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill are the openers for India and they make their way out too. Tim Southee has the ball in hand, ready to steam in. Here we go...

We are ready for proceedings to begin. Both the teams make their way out into the middle and stand side-by-side. Time for the National Anthems now. First, it will be the Anthem of New Zealand, followed by India. 

Virat Kohli, the Indian skipper, says that they would have liked to bowl first as well but runs on the board have been their strength as well and they will look to put runs on the board. On tinkering the playing XI based on the conditions, Kohli opines that they have gone with the same eleven as announced and the balance in their side is good and the spinners could have a go if needed. Opines that they need to be professional here and feels that their level of cricket in the past 4-5 years has b

India (Playing XI) - Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (C), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah. 

New Zealand (Playing XI) - Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling (WK), Colin de Grandhomme, Kyle Jamieson, Neil Wagner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult. 

Kane Williamson, the New Zealand captain, says that with the conditions around them, they will make the most out of it. Goes on to say that they have gone with four frontline seamers. Adds that India is the best team in the world and they are very excited to play them in the final. Mentions that BJ Watling has been a great leader within the group. It is a great occasion for him to play the last game. Finally says that they have been trying to qualify for two years and are fortunate to be here.

TOSS - The captains are ready. Kohli and Williamson march out into the middle for the all-important toss, as both the captains will want to win the toss, looking at the conditions out there. Up goes the coin and lands in the favor of Kane Williamson! NEW ZEALAND HAVE ELECTED TO BOWL FIRST! 

... Day 1, Session 2 ...

Update 1330 local (1230 GMT) - We have some positive news for you. It has stopped raining but the covers remain firmly on and the groundsmen are hard at work. There is still a lot of work to be done though to make the ground fit to play but rain stopping is one positive. Stay with us for further updates.

Update 1400 local (1300 GMT) - Some more positive news as the umpires came out to have an inspection and they have decided that they will have another inspection at 1500 local (1400 GMT). Let's hope that we get some positive news then.

... Day 2, Session 1 ...

Time for take 2! We tried with all our might and collective prayers to ensure that we could have some play on Day 1 but the rain gods had written our fate preventing even the toss from taking place. So, here we are, on Day 2, with some fresh hopes and aspirations that we could see some action and the signs are good. The weather forecast is significantly better than it was on Day 1 and there are positive signs that we will have some action today. On that note, we hand you a warm welcome to our co

PITCH REPORT - Simon Doull is down for the pitch report. He is joined by Sunil Gavaskar. Sunny says that a new ball bowler would enjoy bowling here and there is a fair amount of grass on this deck. Doull says that the seamers will dominate more, also keeping in mind the overcast weather and opines that spinners might come into play if the sun comes out. Gavaskar feels that the batters must be very aware and careful, for the first 30-45 minutes and they should look for quick singles. 

The Indian coach, Ravi Shastri is in for a chat! He says that they were in the team room yesterday and were eager to start the match yesterday. Adds that they are all ready for today's play. Further states that the kind of attack they have doesn't depend on what pitch they play. Mentions that both the teams will fight for the WTC and it is above all the World Cups. He says that when it comes to competition, nothing beats Test cricket. Adds that nothing compares to play in a WTC final.

... Day 1 ...

The big day is here! Yes, you read that right! It is time for ICC WTC Final between India and New Zealand. After two years of hard work, we are down to the two best teams to fight it out for the coveted trophy. Both India and New Zealand have done really well in the ICC World Test Championship and it sure is going to be a clash of the ages. The weather is not ideal as there is rain predicted on all the 5 days and we hope that it stays away and we get a great match.

Weather update -  Not to be the bearer of bad news, but it is currently raining in Southampton and the pitch is under covers. The weather forecast is not great for the day but we are keeping our fingers crossed that we get to see some action. For now, it seems unlikely that we will get to see a prompt start. Stay with us.

Update 0951 local (0851 GMT) - We don't have good news for you as the first session has been washed out due to rain and the weather does not look good for the rest of the day. All we can hope for is that the rain clears and we get some play as soon as possible. Stay tuned for further updates.

Update 1102 local (1002 GMT) - There is nothing much to update as it is still raining in Southampton and it looks unlikely that we will get to play anytime soon. Stay tuned for further updates.

Update 1149 local (1049 GMT) - It does not look good folks. It is absolutely pouring down in Southampton and it looks gloomy for the rest of the day as well. All we can do is wait and hope that this clears as soon as possible and we get some play on Day 1.

Regarding team news, India have already announced their playing XI with Siraj, Saha, Vihari and Umesh missing out from the 15. They have a strong XI and they can certainly give a challenge to the Kiwis. New Zealand, on the other hand, will welcome back the players who missed out on the last Test against England but the question is who will they replace? We will find out.

Update 1446 local (1346 GMT) - PLAY HAS BEEN ABANDONED FOR THE DAY! Well, this was coming as the rain was very heavy throughout. It had stopped for a while and the umpires were due for an inspection but the rain returned and forced the umpires to call it off early. It was a disappointing day as a lot of people were waiting for this game to start as it is a big game but the rain Gods have had their final say on Day 1. We return on Day 2 to go again. Let's hope that the rain stays away and we get

Update 1230 local (1130 GMT) - It is still raining in Southampton and there is a high chance that we might not get to see any play in the second session as well. Yes, Lunch has been taken in Southampton. The ground has taken a real beating and it will take a lot of time to clean it up but for that, the rain has to stop. Let's hope that it does. Stay tuned.

Now it is time for the Kiwi reply, their bowlers have done the job and it is now time for their batters to do their bit. Not going to be easy as it is not the ideal conditions to bat on. The question is, can the Indian bowlers capitalize? We will find out in a bit.

India will be disappointed with how they performed today. The problem for them was, they kept losing wickets at regular intervals and none of their batters went onto make most of the starts they got. Not even a single half ton. Yes, the conditions are tough but one believes, they should have gotten over the 250-run mark. Right now, they are probably a little under par.

4 wickets in the first session and three wickets in no time, within half an hour in the second session for the Kiwis. Jamieson is undoubtedly the star for them with a fifer. Everybody bowled well, Bew Zealand through will be a little disappointed with Southee but the others made up for it and Williamson will be pretty pleased after he elected to bowl.

A huge round of applause for the Kiwis as they make their way off the field. It has been an outstanding effort from them today. It was India who started today in a good position but it is the Kiwis who have their noses ahead at the moment.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, ! TAKEN! Jadeja has been strangled down the leg side and INDIA HAVE BEEN BOWLED OUT FOR 217! Not the best of deliveries, it is down the leg side. Jadeja looks to flick, it goes off the inner half a little too fine and Watling dives to his right and takes it.

Kyle Jamieson to Jasprit Bumrah, ! LBW! Kyle Jamieson with a 5-fer in the most important fixture. His consistency pays off. An inswinger, on middle and leg, Bumrah looks to defend it but misses. As the ball goes through and hit the pads. Kyle Jamieson and the Kiwis make a loud appeal for LBW and the umpire raises his finger in a flash. A hat-trick ball now for Jamieson.

Kyle Jamieson to Ishant Sharma, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! With this Kyle Jamieson gets his fourth wicket. It is a treat to watch this lad bowl. Good length ball, outside off, Sharma moves across the stumps which make him play at it. He looks to push it through the off side, but the ball takes the outside edge and flies towards Ross Taylor at first slip, who takes the catch calmly. Eight down now the Indian team.

Kyle Jamieson to Mohammed Shami, ! What a great way to get off the mark, the pressure of the hat-trick ball does not trouble Shami at all. This is full and outside off, Shami leans and slashes it through the cover region for a boundary.

Shami is the last man in. He'll be facing the bat-trick ball.

Jasprit Bumrah walks out to bat!

Kyle Jamieson to Ishant Sharma, Good length ball, outside off, coming back in. Sharma leaves it watchfully.

Kyle Jamieson to Ishant Sharma, A loud appeal for LBW turned down. Full and on off, Sharma looks to defend it but misses and gets rapped on the back pad. Missing the off stump.

Kyle Jamieson to Ishant Sharma, BEATEN! Kyle Jamieson has been brilliant with the ball today. A full ball, outside off, nipping away. Sharma looks to defend it but misses.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, Another one outside off, shaping away. Left alone. Ishant will be on strike again.

Trent Boult to Ishant Sharma, Another single! Outside off, Sharma plays it late and through point for one.

Trent Boult to Ishant Sharma, On off, Ishant walks right across and blocks it.

Trent Boult to Ishant Sharma, Outside off, left alone. 

Trent Boult to Ishant Sharma, Beaten! That swung a long way. It lands around middle and then shapes away. Sharma looks to defend but is beaten. It keeps moving as it gets to the keeper who dives and collects it.

Trent Boult to Ishant Sharma, Edged but short! Really nicely played in the end! Shorter and on off, Ishant hops, rides on top of the bounce and plays it on the bounce to third slip.

Who will bowl from the other end? It is Trent Boult who comes into the attack. His figures 20-4-46-1 so far.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, A dot to end then! On middle, this is pushed back to the bowler.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, Really good fielding again! This is fuller and on off, Jadeja drives it square on the off side. Colin dives to his right and stops it. No single taken too.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, Length yet again and outside off. Left alone nicely.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, From around the wicket now goes full and outside off, left alone.

The New Zealand fielders stride out in the middle. Followed by Ravindra Jadeja and ​​​​Ishant Sharma with their swords. Kyle Jamieson to start with the ball. Surprisingly enough, the sun is out post Lunch. Hope it stays around for a while.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, Brilliant fielding! This is fuller and on middle, it is driven nicely but the fielder at mid on dives to his right and saves at least two.

Kyle Jamieson to Ishant Sharma, Straightaway a run for India. It is off the inner half but a single. Fuller and this one tails back in from outside off. Sharma looks to drive but it goes off the inner half towards fine leg for one.

...Day 3, Session 2...

Right. All about New Zealand in this session as they have ensured that the middle order of India does not trouble them much. Although, can Jadeja, help them get around the 250-run mark. Will he manage to hang around? Or will the Kiwi bowlers continue their good work? Join us at 6:10 pm IST (1240 GMT) for the second session to find out. 

Jadeja has the tail with him now and India will hope he can somehow take them to a score around 230 or 240. New Zealand on the other hand, would want to finish things off quickly. Can they do so?

Jamieson got Kohli and Pant quite early in the session. Rahane also did not last long and at that time, it seemed they would be bowled out before Lunch. Ashwin and Jadeja though hung in there and took India over 200 but Ashwin too fell after that just before Lunch.

A really good session for the Kiwis. 4 wickets is what they have got and one can say they are probably on top, not by a lot but certainly on top.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, A loud shout from behind the stumps for a caught behind but the umpire is unmoved.. A touch short, on the body line. Ravindra Jadeja looks to flick it but misses. But there was some sound, but not off the glove. ITS TIME FOR LUNCH ON DAY 3. INDIA END THE SESSION AT 211 for 7.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, This is full and on middle, Jadeja defends it back to the bowler.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, Beauty by Trent Boult. Good length ball, outside off, swinging away. A good leave by Ravindra Jadeja.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, Full ball, around middle and leg, Jadeja defends it to the leg side.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, Full, outside off, Jadeja drives it through covers for a couple.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, Back of a length ball, on off, Jadeja is surprised by the bounce and tries to sway away from the line of the delivery, but was unable to do that. The ball clips of his chest and goes to the keeper.

Tim Southee to Ishant Sharma, Down the leg side. Left alone.

Tim Southee to Ishant Sharma, Almost drags it on! This is just outside off, Ishant is unsure whether to play at it or not. In the end, he looks to leave but it goes off the inside edge, just past the off pole.

Tim Southee to Ishant Sharma, Two! Fuller and around off, Sharma strokes it through covers for two.

Tim Southee to Ishant Sharma, Short and down the leg side, Sharma lets it be.

Tim Southee to Ishant Sharma, This is fuller and around off, it shapes away. Ishant looks to play it with a straight bat. It goes off the outside edge towards gully.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, On middle, this is worked around the corner for one. A single then off the first ball. Ishant has 5 balls to face now.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, ! A rare mistake in the slip cordon for New Zealand. A length ball, outside off, Jadeja looks to drive but the ball takes the outside edge and flies to Tim Southee at the slips, who is unable to hold the ball. The batters sneak a single.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, Fuller and on middle, Jadeja blocks it to cover.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, Full and on off, Jadeja defends it solidly.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, A touch short on off, Jadeja wanted to play it initially but decides to leave it in the end.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, Fullish and on off, Jadeja keeps it out solidly.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, BEATEN! On a length, outside off, nipping away, Jadeja looks to defend but misses.

Tim Southee to Ishant Sharma, Good length ball, way down the leg side, into the keeper's glove.

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, ! CAUGHT! A nice comeback by Tim Southee as he gets the better of Ashwin this time. Maybe Ashwin got carried away after that boundary. This is full and outside off, Ashwin extends his arms and decides to chase this one. But only managed to get the outside edge and Tom Latham takes yet another sharp catch at second slip. An important and helpful cameo of Ravichandran Ashwin comes to an end.

Ishant Sharma walks out to bat now!

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, ! Ashwin looks in some fine touch now. A touch short, on off, Ashwin camps back and punches it through cover for a boundary. Moves to 22.

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, On off, defended solidly.

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, On a length, on off, Ashwin drives it through mid off for a coupl. 200 up for India. The crowd is delighted.

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, Good length ball, down the leg side. Ashwin looks to flick it but misses.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, Full and on off, Jadeja defends it watchfully.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, A length ball, down the leg side, Jadeja looks to flick but misses.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, On a length, on middle, Ashwin tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, Quicker, good length ball, outside off, Ashwin lets it go to the keeper.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, On a length,  on off, Ashwin blocks it to cover.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, Short of a length on middle, Ashwin pushes it back to the bowler.

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, Fuller and on off, Ashwin drives it down the ground, past mid off. Neil Wagner gives it a chase and was able to cut it off in time. The batters come back for three.

A bit of an issue with the ball. Kane Williamson showed it to the umpires after it got wet post that drive from Ashwin but the umpires are happy with it. No change.

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, EDGY ! Up and over the slip cordon. A length ball, nipping away, Ashwin looks to go hard at it, the ball takes the outside edge and over the slip region for a boundary at third man.

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, Fullish and on off, Ashwin drives it to cover but cannot find the gap.

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, BEATEN! What a beauty! A length ball, on off, swinging away, Ashwin looks to drive but misses as the ball zips past the outside edge.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, Full again, on middle, Jadeja clips it through mid-wicket and gets a single. Moves to 11.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, Fires in a full ball, on off, Jadeja blocks it out watchfully.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, ! A nice way to end the over. Ashwin uses his wrists this time. A length ball, on the pads. Ashwin flicks it past mid-wicket and finds the boundary.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, Fullish, on off, Ashwin works it to short mid-wicket.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, A length ball, on off, Ashwin drives it through cover for a couple more.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, An inswinger, attacking the stumps, Ashwin flicks it through mid-wicket for first runs. He collects two.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, Back of a length ball, on off,  Ashwin goes back and defends it, but the ball takes the outside edge and lands just a few spaces in front of point.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, Good length ball, outside off, Ashwin lets it go to the keeper.

Trent Boult to bowl as well. 16-4-34-1 so far.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, Full toss, around off, Jadeja pushes it to mid on.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, A full ball, outside off, Jadeja extends his arms and taps it down to slip cordon.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, Again a carbon copy of the previous delivery, Jadeja works it towards mid-wicket.

THE SECOND NEW BALL HAS BEEN TAKEN. New Zealand have around 30 minutes to try and get it into effect.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, An inswinger, full on off, Jadeja blocks it out watchfully.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, Good length delivery, way outside off, Jadeja shoulders arms to it.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, Southee coming around the wicket. Serves a length ball, outside off, Jadeja has no stroke to offer.

Neil Wagner to Ravichandran Ashwin, A touch short, on off, Ashwin tucks it to the leg side.

Neil Wagner to Ravichandran Ashwin, Back of a length ball, around middle and off, Ashwin blocks it back to the bowler.

Neil Wagner to Ravichandran Ashwin, Good length ball, around the hips, Ashwin tucks it to square leg.

Neil Wagner to Ravichandran Ashwin, A touch short, on off, Ashwin stays back and defends it onto the pitch.

Neil Wagner to Ravichandran Ashwin, Full, on off, Ashwin drives it to cover.

Neil Wagner to Ravichandran Ashwin, Back of a length ball, around off, Ashwin leans back and lets it go to the keeper.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, On a length, outside off, this one comes back in sharply, Jadeja shoulders arms to it.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, A length ball, outside off, Jadeja lets it go to the keeper.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, Good length, outside off, swinging away, left alone by Jadeja.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, Full and down the leg side, Jadeja looks to flick but the ball stays away. BJ Watling this time dives to his right to stop the ball.

BOWLED! But not out. Why? Because Ravindra Jadeja backed away at the last possible moment. Southee was just about to deliver. He delivers the ball and it hits the leg stump. Dead ball signalled. Replays show that Jadeja was looking at the ground till that moment and suddenly when he looked up, Timothy was right up, charging in.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, Another, length ball, on off, nips in, Jadeja keeps it out.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, On a length, coming back in, Jadeja blocks it out solidly.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, ! CAUGHT! A change in the fielding position pays off. Wagner strikes this time. The short ball, does the trick for New Zealand. Back of a length delivery, outside off, Rahane is tempted again, and this time he connect it well, but hits it straight to the man at mid-wicket. Where Tom Latham takes a sharp catch. 

Tim Southee finally gets a bowl. 17-4-47-0 so far.

Neil Wagner to Ravichandran Ashwin, A loud appeal for Caught behind but the umpire is not interested. A full ball, down the leg side. Ashwin swings his blade but misses, as the ball goes through to the keeper, where BJ Watling dives to his left to make a top stop. The Kiwis thought there was a thin edge but nothing from the umpire.

Neil Wagner to Ravichandran Ashwin, A length ball, on middle, Ashwin looks to flick it but the ball takes the leading edge and rolls to the off side.

Ravichandran Ashwin walks in at number 8, replacing Ajinkya Rahane.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, In the air.. Safe! Back of a length ball, outside off, Rahane looks to pull it, but does not time it well. The ball takes the top edge and flies towards mid-wicket but it lands in a vacant region. Two taken.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, Full and outside off, Rahane drives it to mid off.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, A low full toss, on middle, Rahane nudges it to mid-wicket. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Ravindra Jadeja, ! Well played. Full ball, on off, Jadeja leans and drives it past mid off as the ball races towards the boundary rope at long off. The camera pans to the Indian dressing room where Virat Kohli stands up and applauds that shot. Clearly, India believe the time has come to start scoring some runs.

Colin de Grandhomme to Ravindra Jadeja, Another length ball, outside off, Jadeja lets it go to the keeper.

Colin de Grandhomme to Ravindra Jadeja, On a length, way outside off, Jadeja leaves it alone.

Colin de Grandhomme to Ravindra Jadeja, Full and outside off. An easy leave for Ravindra Jadeja.

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, On a length, outside off, Rahane works it to sweeper cover for a single.

DRINKS BREAK. End of a fine battling hour. 12.2 overs, 25 runs, 2 wickets. A game of attrition it has been. New Zealand have been right on the money while India are playing a game of patience. Just feel that this is the perfect stage for Ajinkya Rahane. He is at his best in the most trying conditions and he becomes crucial for India to get to 300. He has not played too many loose shots and looks in good rhythm. Kohli and Pant were kept quiet and worked over. The good thing for India is - it has

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, ! Clipped away! There we go. Jamieson is off and the scoreboard ticks on. A nice way for India to start the post-Drinks break. A touch fuller, on the pads, Rahane clips it towards fine leg for a boundary.

Neil Wagner to Ravindra Jadeja, A touch fuller on off, Jadeja blocks it solidly.

Neil Wagner to Ravindra Jadeja, BEATEN! Nicely bowled by Neil Wagner. A length ball, outside off, nips away. Jadeja looks to defend it but misses as the ball beats the outside edge.

Neil Wagner to Ravindra Jadeja, Good length ball, outside off, swinging away. Jadeja leaves it alone.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, Nice shot by Ajinkya Rahane. A full ball, on middle, Rahane removes his front leg and flicks it through mid-wicket. But the ball does not have the legs to reach the boundary. Three runs taken.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, Serves a full ball, on off, Rahane defends it watchfully.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, On a length, around leg, Rahane pulls it towards square leg for a couple. Good running.

We always marvel about New Zealand's fielding attributes. Since the start of 2019, for a minimum of 10 Tests played, New Zealand have recorded an efficiency of 91 percent in catching. That is an efficiency of taking 9 catches out of 10. They have always been good catchers, being nimble on their feet. It was started primarily by Brendon McCullum who just redefined fielding.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, Another short ball, on off, nips away, this one gets an extra bounce after hitting the deck. Good leave by Ravindra Jadeja.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, Back of a length delivery, around off, Jadeja sways away from the line of the delivery.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, Full, outside off, Jadeja pushes it through the cover region for a couple. Moves to 6.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, On a length, outside off, swinging away, Jadeja lets it go to the keeper.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Full and outside off, Rahane leans in and drives it through covers. The batters pick three before the fielder cuts it off.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Fires in a full ball, around middle, Rahane defends it solidly.

Neil Wagner to Ravindra Jadeja, Outside off, on a length, let through.

Neil Wagner to Ravindra Jadeja, EDGED, ! Full, outside off, swinging away, Ravindra Jadeja has a poke at it, with soft hands. The ball takes the outside edge but the soft hands prevent it from carrying to third slip. Tim Southee gets a very difficult chance to stop the ball as it lands right in front of him. Goes past his hands to the third man fence.

Neil Wagner to Ravindra Jadeja, Full, around middle, flicked straight to mid-wicket.

Neil Wagner to Ravindra Jadeja, Landed outside off, swinging away, left alone. 

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, This one swings in, Rahane flicks it towards backward square leg in the deep for a single.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, Full, around off, pushed towards cover by Ajinkya Rahane.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, Fuller, around off, solidly defended. Kyle Jamieson's figures read 19-12-21-3.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, Around off, on a length, pushed towards point.

Ravindra Jadeja walks in at number 7, replacing Rishabh Pant.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, ! CAUGHT AT SLIP! It is that man, Kyle Jamieson again. But this wicket is more to the fault of Rishabh Pant. Did he get carried away after that boundary? Too loose a shot. Perhaps he felt it is time to break the shackles. Full, wide outside off, Pant reaches out and looks to drive. The ball moves but the feet don't. An outside edge is taken and the ball literally flies to second slip where Tom Latham takes a very sharp catch. That was travelling. He pla

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, Around off, moving away, left alone.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, ! Rishabh Pant is off the mark on the 20th delivery he has faced. He has not quite middled it, but he will get a boundary. Full, outside off, Pant leans and looks to flick. Gets it off the lower part of the bat but the ball still races away through mid-wicket. Trent Boult gives it a chase from the 30-yard circle, puts in a late dive after the ball touches the ropes and comes second.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Around middle, nudged towards fine leg for a single.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, On a good length, outside off, coming in, Ajinkya Rahane shoulders arms. Ahhh wait. The third umpire has indicated to Michael Gough that Jamieson has overstepped. NO BALL is signalled but replays show that it was very, very tight. It cannot be said with total conviction that the foot landed on the line. Some part of the heel seemed to be behind the line.

Neil Wagner to Rishabh Pant, Full, around middle, Rishabh looks to flick but the ball swings away and goes off the leading edge towards cover. Back-to-back maiden overs.

Neil Wagner to Rishabh Pant, 40 balls. Number of deliveries bowled in succession without conceding a run off the bat. Tremendous discipline. Full, outside off, moving away, left alone.

Neil Wagner to Rishabh Pant, Fuller, outside off, swinging away, Pant sholders arms again. He is shoing great restraint and letting balls go. He has faced 17 balls and not scored a single run but it is just a matter of time before he gets going.

Neil Wagner to Rishabh Pant, Fuller, outside off, tempting to drive, Rishabh Pant holds himself back.

Neil Wagner to Rishabh Pant, On middle and off, flicked straight to mid-wicket.

Bouncer time! Here comes the first bowling change of the day. Neil Wagner it is. 10-3-28-1 so far.

Neil Wagner to Rishabh Pant, Full, outside off, swinging away, left alone.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller, around off, defended solidly by Ajinkya. Third successive maiden by Kyle Jamieson.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, That's another great delivery. Right in the channel, in the corridor of uncertainty, the avenue of apprehension, just outside off, Jinx is not sure whether to play at it or leave it. He initially looks to play but then decides the better of it. Is late and gets a bottom edge to first slip.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Closer than the previous one, but wide enough outside off to be left alone.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, On a good length, outside off, moving away, dabbed to gully again.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller, outside off, a touch wider, swinging away, Rahane looks to drive but is a bit loose and gets a thick outside edge. It lands short of gully.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Landed on a length, wide outside off, Ajinkya Rahane shoulders arms.

Trent Boult to Rishabh Pant, Outside off, moving away, pushed towards cover.

Trent Boult to Rishabh Pant, Ahh... that one keeps coming in with the arm and then straightens. This is because Trent Boult has kept his fingers on the seam and not allowing it to swing. RP looks to go hard at this one, aiming for a big booming cover drive but the ball lands outside off, straightens, takes the inside edge and hits the pads.

Trent Boult to Rishabh Pant, Similar ball, perhaps slightly wider, this is an easier leave for Rishabh.

Trent Boult to Rishabh Pant, Indecision. Outside off, on a length, Pant looks to push initially but then seems to be wanting to hold himself back. From the front angle, it looked like he missed the ball. But from the rear angle, the bat was withdrawn well before the ball could arrive. So, in a nutshell, nicely left alone.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, Review time! Jamieson reckons this is close. He feels this is hitting leg stump. Umpire Michael Gough shakes his head. Williamson goes with his bowler and takes the review. No bat involved. UMPIRE'S CALL! Saved by a hair's breadth! What a ball it was from Jamieson. He switched to over the wicket for this ball and got it to swing back in prodigiously. Rishabh Pant missed his flick and was hit on the pads. To the naked eye, it looked like it would swing down

Trent Boult to Rishabh Pant, Full, around off, swinging in, watchfully defended by Rishabh Pant.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, A length ball, around middle, Ajinkya Rahane looks to tuck but misses. The ball goes off his thigh pads towards fine leg. A leg bye taken. 150 UP FOR INDIA.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, Full, around middle, swinging down, Rishabh misses his flick and is hit on the pads.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, Gift from Kyle Jamieson. Brilliant from Rishabh Pant. Outstanding from Kane Williamson. Who says Test cricket is boring? Half volley, outside off, Pant leans and creams this through the covers. The ball races away off the turf but the Kiwi skipper dives to his right and makes a terrific stop.

Earlier this morning, Rishabh Pant was up for a chat. On being asked about how does he approach his batting, Pant says that he just tries to play his natural game all the time and keeps things very simple. Does not like to take too much pressure and keeps taking it over by over.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, Outside off, coming in, left alone.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, Outside off, Rishabh Pant reaches out and pushes it towards cover.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, On a good length, around off, coming in, watchfully defended.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Outside off, on a length, angling away, left alone. Successive maiden overs.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller, outside off, Ajinkya pushes this through the covers but Henry Nicholls dives to his right and makes an excellent stop.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Now comes the short-ball Test, around middle, Jinx ducks.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Another beauty. New Zealand's coach said that he wanted an extra 10 percent out of his bowlers this morning and he is getting it. Around off, fuller in length, Rahane plays for the inswinger but the ball pitches and then leaves him, going past the outside edge.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Nips back in a long way, Ajinkya Rahane walks across, looks to flick but misses and is hit high on the pads, almost around the groin.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Full, outside off, angling away, left alone.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, This one comes in a long way from around the wicket, fuller in length, Rishabh Pant looks to flick but misses and is hit on the pads. Going down leg.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, Almost a carbon copy of the previous ball. If any, this looked to be going down even more. Pant misses his flick again and wears it on his pads. Excellent over from Kyle Jamieson. His figures read 16-10-15-2.

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, ! LBW! Kyle Jamieson gets his man. Big, big blow early in the morning. That's 7 deliveries now that Jamieson has bowled in this innings, which would have hit the stumps and the 7th is one of the most important ones, because it has the skipper's name on it. Full, outside off, Virat Kohli looks to defend but the ball comes back in a long way and hits him on the pads. Jamieson appeals and up goes umpire Michael Gough's finger. Kohli walks down the pitch, ha

Rishabh Pant comes in at number 6, replacing his skipper, Virat Kohli.

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Around off, fuller than the previous one, watchfully defended.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, And next, he gets a beauty. The ball is not too dissimilar to the previous one and Ajinkya comes forward again. But this one moves away slightly and beats the outside edge. There is more. The keeper, BJ Watling, gets a wobbly seam ball and almost fumbles as the ball dips in late.

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Good leave, that is on line. On a good length, outside off, angling in, Kohli shoulders arms. The ball then moves away off the seam, generating oohs and aahs from the slip cordon. India have been leaving balls from Jamieson mostly on length, because of his height. 56 percent of the deliveries he has bowled in this innings, have landed on the good length area. Only 6 deliveries he has bowled so far, would have hit the stumps. Maybe, he needs to be a bit more fu

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, On a good length, around off, watchfully pushed towards cover by Virat Kohli.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Outside off, wider, easier leave for AR.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller, straighter, Jinx walks forward and drops the ball right at his feet, watchfully under his eyes. Perfection in showing how to play in England, with soft hands, as late as possible.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller, outside off, swinging away, Ajinkya Rahane shoulders arms.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Around middle, angling away, pushed towards point.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Good running. Around middle, Ajinkya Rahane nudges it through fine leg. The man is more at long leg, so there is an opportunity to come back for the second which India do not miss. The stand moves to 61.

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Ooohh...the big indipper from the big man. Comes in from well outside off, Kohli looks to work it to the leg side but misses and is hit high on the thigh. He does not know where the ball is and searches for it, looking for the single as well. The ball has actually gone back towards the stumps and Kyle Jamieson quickly rushes to effect the run out. But by then, the Indian skipper gets back in his crease and tries to stop the ball which has already stopped.

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Fuller, wider outside off, swinging away, let through.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, First run of the day. On a length, outside off, angling in, Jinx nudges it towards fine leg for a single. Moves to 30.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Game of temptation. Fuller and wide outside off, Rahane gets a big stride forward to reach to the pitch of the ball but lets it go.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Gentle loosener, wide outside off, Ajinkya Rahane is not tempted and shoulders arms.

Kyle Jamieson to bowl from the other end. 14-9-14-1 so far.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Around middle, on a length, nudged towards mid-wicket.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Full, outside off, a solid block from the Indian skipper.

Touchwood. No, literally go and touch wood. The umpires have said, play will start at 11 am local and it will definitely start at 11 am local. But there is no guarantee how long will the play go on. The light is very, very marginal and bad light could come into picture pretty soon. The New Zealanders march on quickly onto the field. They want to get as many overs as possible in these conditions. Out come Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane. Trent Boult to finish off his pending over. Kohli to face

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, On a length, outside off, angling away, Virat Kohli shuffles across slightly and pushes it towards Tom Latham at gully.

... GAME TIME ....

Shubman Gill is up for a chat. Gill says that India were in a precarious position last afternoon but the Kohli-Rahane partnership has calmed down some nerves. Wants the middle order to capitalize on this and get to 300. Is disappointed on missing out after a start but is happy that he could see off the first tough period. Maintains that his game is not dependent only on leaving balls but also on playing shots whenever the opportunity arises. On him using his feet to seamers, Gill says that he p

PITCH REPORT - The surface still looks a good one to bat upon and we can certainly see some footmarks. Shades of green here and there and that will interest the fast bowlers. The pitch as such looks a beauty, it is the heavens which could dictate terms, sometimes with the ball, but perhaps more with the mind.

UPDATE - 10.30 AM LOCAL (0930 GMT) - We have some good news coming our way. The umpires have given their nod for a 11 am local start, with the second and third sessions extended by 15 minutes each. Let's hope for plenty of cricketing action today.

UPDATE - 10 AM LOCAL (0900 GMT) - THE START OF PLAY HAS BEEN DELAYED. This has been confirmed owing to the persistent drizzle. There is an inspection scheduled at 10.20 am local (0920 GMT). Just had a look at the weather radar. We could positively have a start at around 11 am local and till 5 pm, there is no threat of rain. It is in the evening again that the band of rain returns, so we could get two sessions of cricket comfortably. The conditions are brightening up and there is just the sole ho

2014. The year which changed Virat Kohli as a player and as a person. Virat Kohli entered India's tour of England with a batting average of 39.5, with 6 centuries under his belt. Good enough? Absolutely. But then, came a nightmare, in the form of a certain James Anderson. Jimmy found out a technical flaw in Kohli's technique and similar to how Stuart Broad tormented David Warner during the 2019 Ashes, Jimmy tormented Kohli during that entire tour, where VK struggled to buy a run consistently. No

20th June, 2011. It was on this day that Virat Kohli made his Test debut, against West Indies, in Jamaica. Personally, it was not a good Test for him, with Fidel Edwards getting him out cheaply in both innings, but 10 years since, that man has become a legend. And it is not just his class or technique. It is his temperament as well, to bounce back from adversity and also - fitness. Kohli has gone on record to say that within a couple of years in international cricket, he understood that whateve

Discipline. Does the letter 'V' come anywhere in this word? No, it doesn't. But 'Super V' has mastered this word to the 'T'. What we witnessed on Saturday was a batting masterclass. 44 from 124 balls and factor this - Kohli scored his first boundary on the very 4th ball he faced. He did not score a single boundary in the next 120 balls. Amazing discipline. It was at that time that the Kiwis were finding their feet and Kohli decided to get his head down and grind. Other batsmen came in, got more

Helpful conditions for the bowlers? Well, this is what we felt on Saturday as well but the Kiwis wasted the new ball, by spraying it on both sides of the wicket and being a bit too short as well. This is Day 3 but as mentioned earlier, in terms of game time, it is Day 2 and normally in England, pitches tend to quicken up from the second day. There are still more than 15 overs left for the second new ball and India would certainly love to make use of those overs. All the same, the Kiwis might sea

Drip, drip, drip. It has begun. There is some time for the first ball to be bowled but the conditions are not that encouraging. It is not raining, but there is a slight drizzle, with a major portion of the ground covered. Cricket can certainly be played in these conditions, but as per the law, if you are not in the middle while it is drizzling, you cannot come out to play. So fingers crossed, we do have a start on time but the forecast suggests for another on-off day.

Hello and a warm welcome to Day 3 of the World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand. Technically, it is Day 3 but practically it is the second day as the first day was washed out, courtesy of the rain gods. But on Day 2, thankfully there were no leakages from the sky, as we were able to witness the most awaited match in the history of Test get underway. We can say that the first day was shared among the two teams as India are in a good position thanks to a strong start by Rohit

... Day 3, Session 1 ...

Right then. Keeping in mind that we had no action on Day 1, we should be quite pleased that we had some action on Day 2, even though bad light and rain kept poking their noses between us and the game. The forecast for the rest of the days is not too promising, but all we can do is hope. The action on Day 3 will begin at 1030 local (0930 GMT). We hope to have your company for the same. Until then, cheers and goodbye! 

New Zealand started poorly as they bowled some poor deliveries and they were punished. Tim Southee had a tough day with the ball as he just could not find the lines and lengths, which he did seem to find, towards the fag end of the day. Kyle Jamieson was the star as he bowled probing lines and lengths and did not give much away. Neil Wagner was also at his best while Trent Boult came back well after Lunch. New Zealand though improved after the Lunch session and they would not be too disappointed

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Short of a length delivery around off, Kohli hops and taps it to the off side. 

India managed to get off to a good start courtesy, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. They put the loose balls away and were looking good as they raised a 50-run stand, before Sharma departed. Gill fell soon after and Pujara soon after Lunch. Since then Kohli and Rahane have looked solid and have managed to stay unbeaten till Stumps on Day 2. Overall, they will be happy with their effort.

Well, it is Stumps on Day 2! This was coming with the Light not improving and the covers remaining firmly on. But whatever play we got, it was exciting to watch. One would feel that India have done well to see off the day with only 3 wickets lost. New Zealand did well too after a poor start and it was an engrossing day's play.

UPDATE 1805 local (1705 GMT) - The two umpires came out and had a look at the conditions out in the middle and then went onto have a chat with the New Zealand skipper, Kane Williamson. All signs point towards stumps but we still have to wait for the official confirmation. 

UPDATE 1735 local (1635 GMT) - Well, the covers are still on and the bad light does not seem to improve and the chances of any more play on Day 2 looks bleak. The umpires too are having a discussion out in the middle, might be making the final decision. Let's keep our fingers crossed though. Stay with us.

UPDATE 1710 local (1610 GMT) - Some more bad news coming our way. It has started to drizzle slightly as the covers are coming out into the middle. The chance of play resuming looks negative, but all we can do is hope that it stops soon and we can begin again. Stay tuned. 

UPDATE 1653 local (1553 GMT) - Well, well. This looks to be the trend in the past hour as the light meter comes out from the umpire, who has a look at the reading and decides that the light is poor to continue and the Indian batters head back, followed by the Kiwi players. To be fair to the umpires, the light has got slightly dim, over the past 5 minutes. Let's hope that the delay is a short one. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, A couple for the Indian skipper! Around off, length ball, worked behind point for two. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Angles a ball on the pads, AR works it through square leg for a single. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Slants a good length ball across the right-hander as Ajinkya does not want a piece of this. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Slips in a fuller ball down the leg side, Virat misses his tuck away. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, A carbon copy of the previous delivery. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Swinging away from outside off, left without any issues. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, On a fuller length and on middle, this is whipped through square leg, Kohli takes two with ease. Moves to 42. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Outside off, late swing noticed as Virat registers another leave. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Slower length ball outside off, no reason for Kohli to play at this. 

The umpire will check the ball once. Goes through the 8-ball gauge and the ball is deemed to be alright. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, A back of a length ball, on leg, Rahane looks to nudge this to the leg side but misses and gets hit on the pad. Another appeal for LBW but there is nothing from the umpire. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, On a good length on off, this is worked to mid-wicket. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off, Rahane prods ahead and pushes this to the mid off region. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Leg bye. On the pads, Kohli's attepmt to tuck does not pan out and the ball takes the pad and goes to fine leg. A leg bye is taken. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, An inswinger, around leg, Virat misses his tuck away and gets hit on the pad. A stifled appeal but the Kiwi players also know that this was going down leg. 

Change. Trent Boult comes back on. 11-1-29-1 so far. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Fuller around off, this is clipped to the man at short mid-wicket. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Another solid looking block to keep the ball out, to end the over. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off, Rahane shows the full face of the blade and smothers the ball out. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Angles in a full ball around off and middle, Rahane works it to the mid on region. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Outside off, away-angler, Jinks makes no attempt to play at that. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off and middle, Rahane looks to defend but the ball takes the inner half of the blade and runs away to the fine leg region for a couple. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Slightly behind the good length and around off, AR hops and works this to the on side. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Around off, VK nudges this to the man at square leg. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Short of a length ball, outside off, the awayswinger, Virat watches it go to the keeper. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, The batsman has just blocked that from his crease.

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Way outside off, no need to go fishing as Virat makes another leave. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Angling from outside off, closer to off, still away from the off pole as Kohli raises his blade and makes a leave. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, A good length ball on off, tapped to the backward point region. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Outside off, no shot offered. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off, worked to point. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, ! Southee drags his length back and bowls a short one around off, Ajinkya Rahane pulls this one through square leg for a boundary. 50-run stand also comes up between these two. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, On a good length around off, this is nudged to the man at mid on. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Length around off, pushed to the point region. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, An awayswinger around off, Rahane keeps a level head and keeps this out. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, On the pads, Kohli looks to tuck it away but misses and gets hit on the pad. An appeal but this was heading down leg, for sure. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, A length ball outside off, Kohli makes a leave. 

We are back! The light has become better and the players are coming back onto the field. We are all set to resume now. Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane come out now. Kyle Jamieson to complete his over now. 

UPDATE 1620 local (1520 GMT) - We hate to be the bearer of bad news as the square covers have also been brought on and that is not a positive sign. It does not look good folks but we can be hopeful. Stay tuned for further updates.

UPDATE 1558 local (1458 GMT) - There is a light meter check from the umpire and the umpire deems that the light is not enough for play to continue here. The players from both the teams walk back now. The covers have also come on as they might be expecting it to rain. Stay tuned for further updates. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, An action replay of the previous delivery. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Outside off, nipping away, VK has no interest in playing at that. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, A full toss outside off, pushed nicely to mid off. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Pushed to cover by the Indian skipper. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, ! A boundary to end the over. A good length delivery outside off, shapes away as Rahane plays this in the gap at gully nicely. Conway gives chase and he looks to pull it back, before the ropes, but looks like his foot was touching the boundary cushion. The TV umpire confirms the same. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Consistency from Southee! Around off on a length, the ball shapes away just a little bit this time, Ajinkya Rahane looks to defend inside the line, but the ball manages to whistle past his edge. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Another beauty from Tim! Around off, good length, late movement past the outside edge, as the ball misses Rahane's attempted defense. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Fuller on the pads, flicked to mid-wicket for one. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Around off on a length again, there is away seam movement as VK pushes at this again but misses. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Southee is asking questions, of the Indian batters. A length ball, around off, a typical Southee delivery as it shapes away, but Virat Kohli comes ahead, looking to push, but the ball evades his bat, to the keeper. 

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, ! That looked so good. Delightful shot. Even Kohli seemed pleased with it. A half-volley around off, Ajinkya Rahane just leans into this shot and creams it through covers. No point chasing after this. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Good running yet again. This is a back of a length delivery, around off, Virat Kohli goes back and punches this one through covers and by the time the man can clean up, the batters take three. 

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, In the air...safe! On a shortish length around off, Ajinkya Rahane looks to pull this one to the leg side but the ball takes the top edge and loops up towards fine leg, but falls well short of the man there. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Punched to the mid off region for a single. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, EDGED BUT SAFE! Drops short of the slip cordon. A length ball, around off, the ball moves away as Virat Kohli looks to defend this one out, with soft hands, but the ball takes the outside edge and drops ahead of Southee, at second slip. 

Neil Wagner to bowl from the other end.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, A good length ball around off, this is punched to the cover-point fielder. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off, defended. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, A back of a length ball, sliding down the leg side, Ajinkya Rahane looks to tuck this one away but he misses and the ball takes the top of the thigh pad and goes to the keeper, who appeals. The bowler joins in the appeal, but it is turned down. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, A length delivery, outside off, it nips away as Rahane watches it go to the keeper. 

Looks like the light has improved and the players are coming out into the middle. The Kiwi players are in a huddle, before they spread out on the field. Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane stride out too. Tim Southee to complete his over. 

UPDATE 1530 local (1430 GMT) - Looks like we have a bit of a delay here. It was rain, that played spoilsport and this time, bad light has come to the fore. It looks like we will have to wait some more for the third session to get underway. The umpires have a chat with Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson to inform them about the same too. Stay tuned with us for more updates. 

The Black Caps were on fire, coming out, after the first session, but the last hour has seen the Indian batters carve a name for themselves and come back slightly and score runs freely. Colin de Grandhomme has bowled well and has not let any batter dominate him, even though he is not a frontline bowler. All the other bowlers have made the ball talk and have asked questions to the Indian batters. Now, with the final session looming, both the teams will be looking to end the day on a good note. W

... Day 2, Session 3 ...

This session has been a tale of two sides - as the first hour belonged to the side bowling and the other side of the half belonged to the Indian contingent. Pujara and Kohli were going along at a very slow rate and were not finding runs quickly. Boult came in and struck to get rid of India's wall in recent years and Pujara had to take the long walk back to the hut. Kohli and Rahane also were scoring at a slower pace, but they were picking up the pace and even crossed the 100-run mark. It was the

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, Inswinging delivery on off, worked towards point.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, Touch fuller on middle, Rahane plays it towards mid on. A no ball as Wagner has overstepped.

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Good length delivery outside off, seaming away, Rahane watches the ball closely before making a leave.

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Bowls it fuller on middle and leg, flicked towards square leg.

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, An action replay of the previous delivery. Rahane continues his leaving spree.

The umpires converge and think that it is getting pretty dark out there. They have a look at the light and decide that they can take an early tea here. Bad light stops play and IT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 2. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Shorter delivery on middle, Kohli sways away from it.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, Shortish delivery on middle, Rahane hops and flicks it towards square leg for a single.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, Good length delivery on off, Rahane keeps it out.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, On a good length on middle, angling in, Rahane pushes it back to the bowler.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, Length delivery on middle, played towards mid-wicket.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Good length delivery on off, Kohli misses out on his attempted defense. The ball goes off the outside edge towards gully. He collects a couple of runs.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Play and a miss! Very full outside off, curves away from him, Kohli can't resist playing a drive. The ball goes past the edge, into the keeper's mitts.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Fires a yorker on middle, Kohli jags his bat down and flicks it to mid-wicket.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Good length delivery outside off, Kohli lets it sail through.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Touch fuller on off, Kohli guides it towards gully for a brace.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Fullish delivery on off, Kohli stays back in the crease, drives it through covers with his head still. He gets two.

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, Length ball on off, Rahane defends it towards covers off the front foot.

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, Length delivery on off, worked on the off side.

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, ! After a long time, there is a boundary for India. Short of a good length on off, Ajinkya Rahane cuts it wide off the point fielder for a boundary. That shall give him some confidence.

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, On off, blocked out.

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, Good length delivery on off, Rahane looks to defend but misses. The ball goes off the inside edge onto the pads. He is not looking in his rhythm here.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Touch fuller on off, Kohli confidently taps it through point for one.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, 1 run in the last 12 balls! Around off, good length delivery, Kohli uses his wrists and clips this through mid-wicket. Retains the strike for the next over with a single. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Good length ball around off, Kohli pushes this to covers. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Fuller length by Southee, nips away from the right-hander, as the batter leaves. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Angles in a length ball around off and middle, Kohli shows the full face of the bat and works it back to Tim. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Pitches it up and outside off, Virat is not tempted. He resists. Leaves it alone. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Outside off, short of a length, nothing doing says Kohli, as he shoulders arms. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, Outside off, no shot offered from Rahane. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, Length around off, pushed to the off side. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off, punched off the back foot to the cover fielder. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, On a good length around off, pushed to point now. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, Length around off, Rahane looks to defend, but the ball takes the outer half of the blade, and goes to the gully fielder, on the bounce. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off, Jinks pushes it back onto the deck. 

Colin de Grandhomme is back on.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Maiden to begin Tim's second spell! Around off, length ball, Kohli looks to push at this but the ball takes the inside edge and hits him on his pads. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Outside off, shaping away, VK has no qualms in leaving it alone. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Another outswinger around off, Kohli works this to the right of mid off, and looks for the single, but does not risk it. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Punched to short covers. 

Tim Southee is brought back into the attack. 9-2-27-0 are his figures.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, That's a jaffa! Absolute beauty. A length ball, around off, shapes away from the last moment, as Virat Kohli gets squared up, looking to defend this one out. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, On a good length, around off, shaping away, Virat drives this to the man at short covers. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Length way outside off, Ajinkya leaves it alone. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, A solid looking front foot block this time. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, On a good length around off, Ajinkya Rahane leans ahead and uses his hands nicely to punch this one through covers. Kane Williamson chases after the ball and catches up, but not before the batters take two. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Outside off on a good length, Rahane raises his blade and leaves it be. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Length on off, blocked out. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Slight fumble in the deep and the batters take advantage of the same, coming back for the third. Around off, back of a length, Virat Kohli goes back and guides this through backward point. The fielder in the deep fumble and the third run is acheived. 

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Short ball on middle, Rahane ducks underneath.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Length delivery outside off, seaming away, Rahane shoulders arms.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller again on middle, Rahane face no trouble blocking this one out.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Good length ball on off, Rahane knocks it towards covers.

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Touch fuller on off, Kohli pushes it towards covers for a quick single. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Fuller on off, Kohli guides it towards point.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, NOT ! A poor review by the looks of things. A thick inside edge and New Zealand lose a review. Good length delivery on middle and leg, Rohit Sharma looks to defend but misses. Looks like the bat misses his bat and he gets pinged on his pad. Loud shout for an LBW but the umpire is unmoved. Kane Williamson takes a review. Ultra Edge confirms that there was a spike as the ball passed the bat. Sharma survives. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Swinging down the leg side, Rahane misses his attempted flick. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, On a good length on off, Rahane punches it off the back foot through cover-point for a couple of runs.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Length delivery outside off, Rahane saw some width, and looks to drive it on the off side. But gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, The umpires take this upstairs but there was no edge on this and hence, Kohli does not lose his wicket. A length ball, down the leg side, Kohli looks to clip this one to the leg side but misses and BJ takes the catch. A very loud appeal for caught behind but the umpire says no. Kane Williamson is looking around, thinking if he should take the review but they do not take it. The umpires converge and take this upstairs to see if this is a clean catch. Replays sh

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Touch fuller on middle, Rahane blocks this one out off the back foot.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Fullish delivery on middle, Kohli flicks it past the diving short mid-wicket fielder and gets three runs.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Good length delivery on off, Kohli taps it towards covers.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Big inward movement there! Length ball on middle and off, Rahane works it on the leg side.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Outside off, Rahane leaves it for the keeper to collect.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller on off, angling away, Rahane defends it watchfully.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller on off, Rahane blocks it out.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Length delivery on the pads, Rahane doesn't dig his bat down and gets struck on the pads. It was going down leg though.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Bowls an outswinging yorker on middle, Rahane pushes it back to the bowler.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Length delivery on middle, Kohli's bottom hand comes into play, as he flicks it to deep square leg and grabs a brace. Excellent running between the wickets.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Back of a length on off, Kohli pushes it towards point.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Short ball on middle, Kohli hops and plays it onto the crease.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Good length on off, played towards covers.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Length delivery on off, Kohli gets an inside edge as he looks to defend. The ball rolls on the leg side.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Starts with a bouncer on middle, Kohli ducks under it.

DRINKS. New Zealand would have been the happier of the two sides, with how the first hour of the second session has gone by. They have not let the Indian batters score runs easily and have been bowling probing lines and lengths. Pujara has been sent back and Kohli and Rahane are out there, looking to make the most of this. Can they steady things for India? Or will the Kiwi bowlers continue their good work? Let us find out. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Outside off, pushed to covers. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off, pushed to the mid off region for a quick single. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Short of a length around off, kept out. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, An inswinger around off, Kohli pushes this through covers for one. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Fullish and swinging back in, VK defends. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, A back of a length ball on off, Kohli taps this to point. 

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Short of a length delivery on off, Rahane defends it watchfully.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Beaten! Good length delivery outside off, Rahane is tempted to have a poke at it. The ball zips past the outside edge, to the keeper's gloves.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, On length outside off, Rahane shoulders arms.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Length ball outside off, Rahane watches it pass by.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller and outside off, Rahane decides to leave.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Good length delivery, swinging in, Rahane leaves it untouched.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, No run.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, 1 run.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, No run.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Length ball outside off, Rahane makes a well calculated leave. 

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off, dabbed to the off side. 

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller around off, pushed to point. 

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Awayswinger outside off, Rahane watches it closely and leaves. 

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Outside off, left alone. 

Both the umpires converge and take it upstairs. They want to check if it is a clean catch by BJ Watling. The replays show it is. Now they check the Ultra Edge and there is no bat involved.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Around middle, huge inswing, tucked to the leg side. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, A bouncer on middle and leg, the Indian skipper sits under this. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Short of a length ball around off, Kohli hops and pushes it back to the bowler. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, A gift to Jinx and he gets off the mark! A fuller ball, on leg, this is whipped through square leg for a single. 

Trent Boult to Cheteshwar Pujara, ! LBW! Boult strikes and Pujara's patient knock has come to an end. This is a brilliant delivery and Trent has struck and broken this stand, which was going along slowly, but nicely. A classic left-armer's delivery. A length delivery, around off and middle, comes back in as well. Cheteshwar Pujara is stuck as he looks to flick to the leg side but he misses. Gets struck on his pad and Boult puts in an appeal to the umpire, who does not take long to rai

Ajinkya Rahane walks out to bat at No.5.

Changes from both ends. Trent Boult is brought back into the attack. His figures read 6-1-11-0.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, A back of a length delivery around off, Kohli goes back and guides this through point. Takes one. 

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, Around off, Pujara blocks to point. The stand moves to 24 off 93 balls. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Jamieson this time decides to pitch this one up and bowl it on leg, Virat Kohli clips this one through mid-wicket. The man at deep square leg runs to his left and cleans up, but the batters take three. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Another leave as this was bowled outside off. Kohli is at 13 from 54 balls, taking his time, is the Indian talisman. 

Kyle Jamieson comes back into the attack. 7-4-10-1 are his figures so far.

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Seams away after landing outside off, Kohli watches the ball pass past him, to the keeper. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, On a length outside off, Virat, again does not go chasing. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Length ball outside off, shaping away as VK leaves it be. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Good stop by the man at short covers. Around off, Kohli drives this one nicely through covers. The man there dives and half-stops the ball, but does not manage to stop the single. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Good running between the wickets by these two. Short of a length ball, around off, Virat Kohli guides this one through point and they run hard to come back for the second. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Short and around off, Virat gets low and sways away, letting the ball through. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, SLASH AND A MISS! Wagner has a smile on his face. On a shortish length and outside off, Kohli looks to play the upper cut but only flashes around the thin air around his blade. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Fuller but way outside off, Kohli resists the temptation to go after this and leaves it be. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Piches this one up and around off, Kohli closes the face of his bat and glances this to the mid on fielder. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, Good length, outside off, Pujara watches the ball pass by.

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, Fuller on off, Pujara defends it on the off side.

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, On off, Pujara blocks it out.

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, Length delivery on off, tapped towards third slip.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Fuller again and on off, Kohli exquisitely drives it through the covers. The fielder gives it a chase and keeps it to three.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Fuller length on middle, pushed back to the bowler.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Testing lines from Wagner! Shortish again on middle and off, Pujara lets it for the keeper to collect. 

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Outside off, Pujara leaves it without any trouble.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Fraction short on off, Pujara stays back in the crease, hops, and blocks it out.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Shorter again outside off stump, Pujara makes a leave.

Damn, another Indian batter who has been struck on the helmet. The back part of his helmet has broken off as well. The physio rushes out in the middle for the mandatory concussion test, but it looks like Pujara is okay to continue. 

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Nasty stuff! Bowls a bouncer on middle, Pujara goes for the pull but misses. The ball rushed onto the grill of the helmet. A piece of the equipment pops out as the ball hits the helmet.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Back of a length delivery on off, Pujara plays it towards point.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Length delivery outside off, Kohli shoulders arms to that. The Indian skipper has been very watchful so far. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Outside off again, Kohli is happy to leave that.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Outside off, left alone.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Good length delivery outside off, nipping away, Kohli looks to defend but is beaten on the outside edge.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Length delivery on leg, Kohli strides forward and nudges it on the leg side.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Touch fuller on middle, Kohli plays it towards point.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Down the leg side, Pujara leaves it alone.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Short ball on middle, Pujara does not play it. Good take by Watling behind the stumps.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Another bouncer on off, Pujara went for an upper-cut but pulls off at the last moment.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Pitches it full way outside off, Pujara lets it sail through.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Fuller on middle, angling in, Pujara blocks it out.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, ! Totally controlled shot! Pujara has waited a long time to open his account and now, he quickly gets two boundaries. Fuller length around off, Cheteshwar Pujara leans into the shot and drives it through the covers for a boundary.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Good length ball on off, played in front of point.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Length delivery on off, Kohli comfortably defends it towards point.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, On a good length on off, Kohli defends it watchfully.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Length delivery on off, Kohli taps it on the off side.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Fuller on off, Kohli defends it off the front foot towards covers.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Length ball on middle, Kohli blocks it out. 

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, ! Pujara finally gets off the mark. Takes 36 balls but gets underway in a stylish manner. Shortish ball outside off, Cheteshwar Pujara eyes light up as he packs a punch through point. 

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, On a good length around off, this is nudged to the leg side. 

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Around off, closer to Cheteshwar, as he taps this to the gully fielder. 

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Fuller way outside off, Pujara does not go chasing after this. 

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Shortish outside off, Pujara makes another leave. 

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Outside off, left alone. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, There was an appeal for caught behind but it is turned down. A length ball, around off, nipping away, Kohli looks to block but misses and the ball takes the back pad and goes to the right of BJ Watling, who dives that side and takes the catch. An appeal from bowler and keeper, but the umpire says no. The camera pans to Kane Williamson but it looks like he is not too confident about this and does not take the review. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Closer to the off pole, back of a length, VK hops and taps this to the off side. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Three leaves in a row as this is again, bowled outside the off pole. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Another leave as this was bowled outside off. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Outside off on a good length, VK watches it go by. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Around off, nipping away, length ball, Kohli keeps it out tentatively. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, First runs of the session! On the pads, helped to the fine leg region for one. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, On a shortish length outside the off pole, Kohli again is not interested in playing at this. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Still no run scored in the second session so far. Length delivery outside off, Virat shoulders arms this time.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Drags his length back and fires a short ball around off, Kohli sways away from the line of the ball. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Way outside off, Kohli leaves it untouched. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Good length delivery around off, Virat prods ahead and keeps it out. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, In the channel of uncertainty outside off, Pujara does not want to play at this. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, Length around off, pushed to covers. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, Around off, defended watchfully. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, Length, away moving from outside off, CP leaves this one be. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, Around off, defended out. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, An outswinger way outside off, Pujara, who is yet to open his account, is in no hurry as he leaves. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, A maiden to begin the second session! On a length around the off pole, this is clipped to the man at short mid-wicket. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Another pacy ball way outside off, Kohli makes another leave. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Fuller, but way outside off, no issues in Virat to see this one through to the keeper. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Another good looking shot but straight to the fielder. Around off, length ball, punched off the back foot to the cover fielder. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Fuller, around off, Kohli punches this one to the mid off fielder. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, A length ball outside off, Kohli leaves as the ball dies on the way to the keeper. 

We are back for the second session of play here. Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara are behind the boundary line, waiting to come out into the middle. Now, the Indian batters and Kiwi players come out. Neil Wagner to begin proceedings for the second session. 

... Day 2, Session 2 ...

Right then. A very good session for both the teams as they have made some strides into the game, but the Kiwis holds a slight advantage, having snared 2 wickets to their name. Who will take the next session? Will the duo of Kohli and Pujara make inroads or will the Kiwis make the ball talk and run through the middle order? An interesting session coming up. Join us shortly for the same. 

It was not all smooth sailing for New Zealand as their gun bowlers, Boult and Southee were struggling to find their rhythm and the Indian openers knew how to get on top of them. It was when Jamieson was brought on, that he started troubling the Indian batters. Kyle was the one who broke the opening stand, with assistance from Southee, who took a good catch and removed Rohit. Gill was sent back by a peach from Wagner and they ended the session nicely. 

The openers for India, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill were tentative to get going but did not let the Kiwi bowlers have any sniff. They kept motoring along and kept attacking the loose deliveries, and respected the good balls too. Within no time, they raised a 50-run stand and it looked like they could survive until the Lunch break, but the Kiwi bowlers did not let that happen. Sharma was sent back by Jamieson and Gill, the other opener, was Wagner's first success, in his first over. India went f

This has been a cracking start and a first session to the World Test Championship final. After having waited an entire day to watch proceedings get underway, we have been treated to a session of cricket, where both teams have had their say and it is a session, which has been shared by both sides. 

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Fuller on off, Pujara blocks it out. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 2.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Length delivery on middle, angling in, Kohli tucks it towards fine leg for a single.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Down the leg side, Kohli misses his flick. Watling collects it comfortably behind the stumps.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Fuller and outside off, left alone by Kohli.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Fuller outside off, Kohli watches the ball sail through.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Good length delivery outside off, seaming away, Kohli shoulders arms.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Bowls it full on middle, Pujara taps it back to the bowler.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Shortish delivery wide outside off, Pujara is happy to ignore that.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Fuller length on middle and leg, tucked away towards mid-wicket for a single.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Length delivery on middle, Kohli pushes it back to the bowler.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, On middle, Kohli blocks it watchfully.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, ! Classic Virat Kohli! Fuller length on off, Kohli leans into the shot and drives it through the covers for a boundary. He gets off the mark in some fashion.

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Bowls it fuller on off, driven towards covers.

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Shortish delivery on middle, Pujara hops and blocks it on the leg side.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, The man is deep at covers, due to Sharma attacking that area. Outside off, shortish, this is punched to sweeper cover for one. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Wow, what a start to the game. Runs straightaway for Rohit Sharma and India gets underway here. A fuller ball, on the pads, easy pickings for Rohit as he clips this through square leg. Neil Wagner gives it chase as the outfield is slow and does well to pull it back before the ropes. Three taken. 

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, On middle, Pujara blocks it out.

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Length ball on middle, Pujara taps it on the leg side. He wants a single but is sent back by Kohli.

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Good length ball on off, Pujara continues his leaving spree.

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Way outside off, good seam moment though, Pujara leaves it alone.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Good length delivery outside off, shaping away, Kohli leaves it alone. Successful start for Neil Wagner. A wicket-maiden!

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Fuller on off, Kohli pushes it back to the bowler off the front foot.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Length delivery outside off, Kohli shoulders arms to that one.

The skipper, Virat Kohli struts out into the middle. All eyes will be on him and he will want to impose himself early on. Surviving until Lunch will be the main aim, though. 

Neil Wagner to Shubman Gill, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Neil Wagner strikes in his first over itself and he is very, very happy with this. Good length delivery around off, nipping back in, forcing Shubman Gill to play. He went for an off side defense but misses. The ball gets the outside edge and it's a regulation catch for BJ Watling behind the stumps. Shubman Gill has to depart and both the openers have been sent back to the shed before Lunch. 

Neil Wagner to Shubman Gill, Back of a length delivery on middle, Gill hops onto the crease, pushes it back to the bowler off the back foot.

Change now. Neil Wagner is handed the ball now. 

Neil Wagner to Shubman Gill, Starts with a good length delivery on off, angling in, Gill defends it watchfully.

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Down the leg side, Pujara does not offer anything to that.

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Bowls a yorker-length delivery on middle, Pujara pushes it back to the bowler.

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Outside off, Pujara shoulders arms.

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Fuller outside off, swinging away, Pujara leaves it untouched.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Touch fuller on middle, Gill pushes it towards mid on for a quick single.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Length ball outside off, angling away, Gill watches it sail through.

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, Outside off, Pujara shoulders arms. Another maiden for Kyle Jamieson.

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, BEATEN! Peach of delivery on off, Pujara decides to defend it but misses. The ball whizzes past the outside edge, into the keeper's mitts.

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, On a good length on off, Pujara gets a thick inside edge into the inner thigh pad.

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, Short-pitched delivery on middle, Pujara ducks underneath.

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, Back of a length delivery on middle, Pujara is solid in his defense.

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, Fuller length on middle, Pujara defends it on the leg side.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Fuller on off, Gill drives it well but straight to the man at covers.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Good length delivery on middle, played towards mid on.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Typical outswinger from Southee on off, Gill leaves it untouched.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Down the leg side, Gill missed his flick. The ball gets carried through to the keeper.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Outside off, left alone.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Length ball outside off, Gill mistimes his shot, the ball goes towards point off the bottom half of the bat.

Tim Southee comes back on. 0/25 in his 5 overs. 

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, On the pads, CP misses his tuck away and the ball takes the thigh pad and goes to the right of the keeper, and lands safe. A top over from Jamieson, a wicket-maiden! 

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, Around off on a good length, nudged to the on side. 

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, Around off, dabbed to the point fielder. 

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, A fuller ball around off now, Pujara blocks it out. 

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, That's a good ball first up from Jamieson. Outside off, the ball seams back in as Pujara hops and makes a leave. 

Kyle Jamieson to Rohit Sharma, ! CAUGHT! That's the wicket they were looking for! Kyle Jamieson gets the important breakthrough. Bowls it fuller outside off, Sharma was leaving anything in that channel but not this time. He pokes at it and pays the price. The ball finds the outside edge and flies to Tim Southee at third slip. He does well to grab it with both hands diving to his right. Rohit Sharma walks back to the pavilion. Kyle Jamieson is pumped. He knows the importance of this

India's wall of the last few years, Cheteshwar Pujara makes his way out into the middle. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Shubman Gill, Straighter on middle and leg, Gill hops and works this through square leg and comes back for the second. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Outside off, no shot offered. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, ! Sharma is latching onto anything that is short and wide outside off. This time, he gets back and packs a punch through covers for a boundary. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Outside off, moving away, Rohit leaves it untouched. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Around off, kept out nicely. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Length and way outside off, moving away further, as Gill shoulders arms. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Slightly behind the good length and on off, Gill goes back again and blocks it out solidly. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Back of a length delivery around off, Gill hangs back and defends it out. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Around off on a good length, Gill taps this one to the cover region. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Outside off, length ball, the ball shoots up as Gill shoulders arms. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, A length ball, around off, this is punched through mid on for a couple of runs. 

First review of the game from Kane Williamson! It is for LBW and Ultra Edge confirms that there is an inside edge. Rohit Sharma does not go back and New Zealand lose a review as well. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Outside off, left alone.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Good length delivery in the corridor of uncertainty, Sharma lets it sail through.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Width on offer outside off, Sharma does not chase after it.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Back of a length delivery on middle and leg, worked on the off side.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, ! Absolutely lovely! Shortish delivery on off, Rohit Sharma punches it through the covers for a boundary. He brings up India's total to 50 as well. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Length delivery on the fifth stump line, Gill taps it towards covers.

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Steep bounce! Shorter delivery on middle, Gill steps out of the crease. He is taken aback by the bounce and gets hit on the grill of the helmet. 

Woahhh, Gill was hit hard on his helmet. The physio is seen running out into the middle now, to have a look at Gill. All good to continue. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Good length ball on off, shaping in, Gill shoulders arms to that one.

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, On a good length outside off, Gill leaves it alone.

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Good length delivery on middle, played towards square leg.

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Jamieson is getting some extra bounce here! Bowls it outside off, the ball hits the deck and shoots up. Gill watches it sail through.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Length delivery outside off, left alone.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, ! Width on offer outside off, Rohit Sharma takes full advantage of that. He stands tall and slashes it through point for a boundary.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Back of a length on off, Sharma steers it towards point.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Length ball on middle, worked towards mid-wicket.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Outside off, Rohit Sharma continues his leaving spree.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, BEATEN! Length delivery just around off, Sharma has a poke at it but misses. The ball whizzes past the outside edge into the keeper's mitts.

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Outside off, punched to the point fielder. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, What a comeback from Jamieson! The extra bounce saves Gill. A length ball, around off, jags back in sharply and bounces a little extra too, as Shubman Gill raises his blade and lets it through. Zips over the off pole into the keeper's gloves. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, ! Don't bowl anything short to this lad! On a shortish length, around off, Shubman Gill rides the bounce and pumps this one through mid-wicket. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Outside off, length delivery, Gill is untroubled by this delivery and makes a leave. 

DRINKS. India have started very well and both the openers will continue to take this partnership ahead. Rohit Sharma has been solid in his defense and cut shots, while Shubman Gill has been looking confident and is supporting Rohit well at the other end. The New Zealand bowlers continued to bowl outside off but Indian batters haven't given anything away. The Kiwi quicks will be looking to take a couple of wickets, whereas, this duo of Sharma and Gill will want to keep everything out of their w

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Fuller, but in the channel of the fifth stump, Shubman watches it go into the keeper's gloves. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, On middle, dropped to the leg side. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Third maiden in a row! On middle, Rohit's clip finds the square leg fielder. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Good length delivery on off, Sharma plays this one to the cover region. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Around off, RS nudges this to the square leg region. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Outside off, left alone. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Well fielded by the man there. Outside off, short of a length this time, Sharma goes back and punches this, but straight to the man at point, who stops well. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Starts off with a length delivery, on the fifth stump line, Sharma leaves it untouched. 

Colin de Grandhomme is brought into the attack.

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Back-to-back maidens for the Kiwis! Around off, Gill is on his front foot and he pushes this to covers. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Around off, slightly behind the good length, Gill looks to tap this one to the off side but the ball takes the inside edge and hits him on his pads. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Closer to the off pole and on a length, Gill draws forward and pushes this to the cover region. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Takes a few paces down the track, does Gill, but seeing that this ball was outside off and moving away, he watches it sail through into BJ Watling's mitts. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Similar line and length as the previous delivery, Gill, again wants no piece of this. Leaves. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, In the channel of uncertainty outside the off pole, Gill has no issues in letting this one be. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Around middle, dropped to the on side. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Changes it up and pitches this one full and way outside off, an easy leave for the Hitman. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Around off, length, RS does not want anything to do with this. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Slants across a length delivery across the right-hander, Sharma walks a few paces ahead, but does not offer a shot. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Boult with a beauty! A length delivery, fourth stump line, nips back in late but Rohit keeps his eyes on the ball and makes a good leave. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Slightly behind the good length, nipping in, around off, Rohit looks to defend but the ball takes the inside edge and hits Sharma on the pads. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, A carbon copy of the previous delivery. 4 off Kyle's first over! 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, An away swinger outside off, no reason to play at this and Gill leaves. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Around off, blocked out. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Outside off, shaping away, Gill makes a leave at the last moment. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, ! Solid looking stroke from Gill. An inswinger around off, Shubman Gill presents a straight bat and punches this through mid on and fetches a boundary for himself. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Starts beautifully! A length delivery, closer to off, nipping away, Shubman Gill is tempted to come ahead and block it out, but gets beaten on the outside edge. 

Change. Kyle Jamieson has been introduced into the attack. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Bowls it fuller on middle, Sharma is saved by the inside edge there! He looks to drive it on the off side but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Length delivery on middle and leg, swinging back in, Sharma clips it towards square leg off the back foot.

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Good length on leg, Sharma tucks it towards square leg.

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Length delivery on the pads, Sharma is late into his flick, the ball gets hit high on the pads. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Length delivery outside off, Sharma ignores it.

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, Touch fuller on middle, nipping back in, Gill tucks it towards fine leg for a single.

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Fuller on off, Sharma defends it watchfully towards covers.

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Outside off, left alone by Sharma

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, ! Full and outside off, Rohit Sharma cuts it through the point region. Two fielders give it chase but there is no stopping that. Excellent shot.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Overpitches it on middle, Gill digs his bat down and gently pushes it towards long off. Jamieson gives it a chase and dives to put the ball back in. He keeps it to three. Excellent effort by Jamieson as he saves one.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Length delivery outside off, Gill continues to leave anything that is in that channel.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Good length delivery on middle, Gill works it on the leg side.

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Fullish delivery on off, Sharma went for a drive but gets an inside edge. The ball goes to the man at mid on.

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, On a good length on middle, played towards mid-wicket.

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Length delivery on the pads, Sharma misses his flick. The ball hits the thigh pads and rolls on the leg side. He wants a single but Gill sends him back.

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Bit fuller on the fifth stump line, Sharma watches the ball closely and makes a leave.

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, Fuller length on off, Gill pushes it towards mid off off the front foot. He gets three before the fielder gives it a chase and throws the ball back.

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, Length delivery outside off, Gill does not offer any strokeplay.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, A good length ball, around middle and leg, Gill misses his tuck and gets struck on his pad. The ball goes to the on side and the batters take a leg bye, while Tim appeals, but this was sliding down leg. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Fuller length on pads, tucked towards deep square leg for a couple of runs. Good over for India. 10 coming off it.

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, BEATEN! That's the length Southee will be looking to bowl! Length delivery on off, Sharma looks to defend but misses. The ball zips past the outside edge, to the keeper.

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, EDGED AND ! A little bit of luck for Rohit Sharma! Fuller length delivery on middle and leg, Sharma digs his bat down a bit late. The ball swings away late and takes the outside edge and goes past the slip cordon for a boundary.

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Good length ball outside off, seaming away, Sharma leaves it untouched.

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Pitches this one full on leg, Sharma works it towards mid on.

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, ! Rohit Sharma gets into the act now! Slightly short and wide outside off, Sharma cuts it through the point region for a boundary.

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, Length delivery outside off, Gill leaves it alone.

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, Back of a length delivery on middle, Gill confidently pushes it back to the bowler.

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, ! Shubman Gill is so good on the pull! Boult drags his length back, bowls a short delivery on middle, Gill pulls it through mid-wicket for a glorious boundary. First boundary of the WTC final.

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, On a good length around off, Gill shoulders arms to that one.

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, Length ball outside off, Gill lets it sail through.

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, Fuller length on off, seaming in, Gill advances down the track and hits it towards point.

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, A length delivery around off, Sharma looks to block this out, but the ball takes the inside edge and hits him on the pads. Tim puts in an enquiry but the shake of the head from the umpire. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Angles in a length ball on middle and leg, Sharma looks to clip it away but closes the face of the bat early and the ball takes the outer half of the blade to the off side. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Similar line and length as the last ball, this time, Rohit is smart as he does not go fishing and leaves it be. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, That's a peach! A length delivery, around the fourth stump channel, the ball seams away beautifully as Rohit Sharma prods ahead and looks for the defensive block but gets beaten on the outside edge. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Around off, pushed to cover. 

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Worked nicely by Gill this time. Strays and delivers a length ball on the pads, Gill takes a few paces down the track and clips this one through square leg. The man at fine leg runs across and by the time the man can come across, the batters take three. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Length delivery around off, gently worked to the point fielder. 9/0 are India, at the end of the 4th over. 

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Big away movement noticed here. A length delivery, outside off, the ball nips away sharply as Gill makes a leave. 

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Another length delivery down the leg side, Gill look to tuck this one away but he misses. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Around off, defended watchfully by Rohit. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Angles a length ball across the right-hander, as Sharma makes a late leave. 

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, Gill is off in a streaky manner! A length ball, nipping back in around off, Gill looks to push but the ball takes the inside edge and goes through square leg, for one. 

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, Makes Gill play this time, does Trent. Around off on a length, worked to the off side. 

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, What a delightful ball and a good leave too. A length ball outside off, the jags back in at the last moment as Gill raises his blade to let this one through, and the ball whistles past the off pole, to the keeper. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, A length delivery around off, Rohit pushes this one gently through covers and collects a couple as two men chase the ball down and clean up in the deep. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Another good leave! Outside off on a length, seams away yet again as RS shoulders arms. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Fuller around off, Sharma plants his front foot ahead and pushes it to point. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Another length delivery, outside off, nips away from the right-hander as Rohit does not offer a stroke. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, A good length delivery on the fourth stump line, Rohit hops up and makes a well calculated leave. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, A couple to end the over! A full toss around off, Sharma taps this through mid off with the toe end of his bat and collects a brace. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Fuller on off, RS pushes it back towards Trent. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Length delivery outside off, Sharma leaves it be. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, OHHHH, that was close, but Gill makes it back in time, otherwise, he would have been run out. A length ball, around off, Rohit looks to block but the ball takes the inner half and goes to the square leg region. Sharma does not want the run, Gill is down the track, anticipating a single. Sharma sends him back and there is a throw to the non-striker's end as Gill dives back full stretch and comes back in. Well done by Gill to come back in time. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Gets it right this time, does Boult. A length delivery, around off, Rohit prods ahead and keeps the ball out nicely to the cover region. 

Trent Boult will bowl from the other end.

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Boult starts off with a back of a length delivery, down the leg side, swinging past Rohit and BJ Watling does well to dive to his left and collect the ball. 

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Just 3 off the first over then! A fuller ball, around off, Gill jams it back to the bowler, as Tim Southee collects the ball and mimes a throw back towards Gill, who rushes back into his crease. 

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, This was better from Southee. A good length delivery, outside off, the ball seams away again as Shubman does not want to go chasing after this. 

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Loses his radar here, Tim. Slips this one down the leg side as Gill misses his tuck away. 

Well then, all set for the action to get underway now! The excitement is palpable and the crowd seems to be voicing it out too. The Kiwi players are in a huddle, as Kane Williamson shares his last words of wisdom, before they spread out on the field. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill are the openers for India and they make their way out too. Tim Southee has the ball in hand, ready to steam in. Here we go...

We are ready for proceedings to begin. Both the teams make their way out into the middle and stand side-by-side. Time for the National Anthems now. First, it will be the Anthem of New Zealand, followed by India. 

Virat Kohli, the Indian skipper, says that they would have liked to bowl first as well but runs on the board have been their strength as well and they will look to put runs on the board. On tinkering the playing XI based on the conditions, Kohli opines that they have gone with the same eleven as announced and the balance in their side is good and the spinners could have a go if needed. Opines that they need to be professional here and feels that their level of cricket in the past 4-5 years has b

India (Playing XI) - Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (C), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah. 

New Zealand (Playing XI) - Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling (WK), Colin de Grandhomme, Kyle Jamieson, Neil Wagner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult. 

Kane Williamson, the New Zealand captain, says that with the conditions around them, they will make the most out of it. Goes on to say that they have gone with four frontline seamers. Adds that India is the best team in the world and they are very excited to play them in the final. Mentions that BJ Watling has been a great leader within the group. It is a great occasion for him to play the last game. Finally says that they have been trying to qualify for two years and are fortunate to be here.

TOSS - The captains are ready. Kohli and Williamson march out into the middle for the all-important toss, as both the captains will want to win the toss, looking at the conditions out there. Up goes the coin and lands in the favor of Kane Williamson! NEW ZEALAND HAVE ELECTED TO BOWL FIRST! 

... Day 1, Session 2 ...

Update 1330 local (1230 GMT) - We have some positive news for you. It has stopped raining but the covers remain firmly on and the groundsmen are hard at work. There is still a lot of work to be done though to make the ground fit to play but rain stopping is one positive. Stay with us for further updates.

Update 1400 local (1300 GMT) - Some more positive news as the umpires came out to have an inspection and they have decided that they will have another inspection at 1500 local (1400 GMT). Let's hope that we get some positive news then.

... Day 2, Session 1 ...

Time for take 2! We tried with all our might and collective prayers to ensure that we could have some play on Day 1 but the rain gods had written our fate preventing even the toss from taking place. So, here we are, on Day 2, with some fresh hopes and aspirations that we could see some action and the signs are good. The weather forecast is significantly better than it was on Day 1 and there are positive signs that we will have some action today. On that note, we hand you a warm welcome to our co

PITCH REPORT - Simon Doull is down for the pitch report. He is joined by Sunil Gavaskar. Sunny says that a new ball bowler would enjoy bowling here and there is a fair amount of grass on this deck. Doull says that the seamers will dominate more, also keeping in mind the overcast weather and opines that spinners might come into play if the sun comes out. Gavaskar feels that the batters must be very aware and careful, for the first 30-45 minutes and they should look for quick singles. 

The Indian coach, Ravi Shastri is in for a chat! He says that they were in the team room yesterday and were eager to start the match yesterday. Adds that they are all ready for today's play. Further states that the kind of attack they have doesn't depend on what pitch they play. Mentions that both the teams will fight for the WTC and it is above all the World Cups. He says that when it comes to competition, nothing beats Test cricket. Adds that nothing compares to play in a WTC final.

... Day 1 ...

The big day is here! Yes, you read that right! It is time for ICC WTC Final between India and New Zealand. After two years of hard work, we are down to the two best teams to fight it out for the coveted trophy. Both India and New Zealand have done really well in the ICC World Test Championship and it sure is going to be a clash of the ages. The weather is not ideal as there is rain predicted on all the 5 days and we hope that it stays away and we get a great match.

Weather update -  Not to be the bearer of bad news, but it is currently raining in Southampton and the pitch is under covers. The weather forecast is not great for the day but we are keeping our fingers crossed that we get to see some action. For now, it seems unlikely that we will get to see a prompt start. Stay with us.

Update 0951 local (0851 GMT) - We don't have good news for you as the first session has been washed out due to rain and the weather does not look good for the rest of the day. All we can hope for is that the rain clears and we get some play as soon as possible. Stay tuned for further updates.

Update 1102 local (1002 GMT) - There is nothing much to update as it is still raining in Southampton and it looks unlikely that we will get to play anytime soon. Stay tuned for further updates.

Update 1149 local (1049 GMT) - It does not look good folks. It is absolutely pouring down in Southampton and it looks gloomy for the rest of the day as well. All we can do is wait and hope that this clears as soon as possible and we get some play on Day 1.

Regarding team news, India have already announced their playing XI with Siraj, Saha, Vihari and Umesh missing out from the 15. They have a strong XI and they can certainly give a challenge to the Kiwis. New Zealand, on the other hand, will welcome back the players who missed out on the last Test against England but the question is who will they replace? We will find out.

Update 1446 local (1346 GMT) - PLAY HAS BEEN ABANDONED FOR THE DAY! Well, this was coming as the rain was very heavy throughout. It had stopped for a while and the umpires were due for an inspection but the rain returned and forced the umpires to call it off early. It was a disappointing day as a lot of people were waiting for this game to start as it is a big game but the rain Gods have had their final say on Day 1. We return on Day 2 to go again. Let's hope that the rain stays away and we get

Update 1230 local (1130 GMT) - It is still raining in Southampton and there is a high chance that we might not get to see any play in the second session as well. Yes, Lunch has been taken in Southampton. The ground has taken a real beating and it will take a lot of time to clean it up but for that, the rain has to stop. Let's hope that it does. Stay tuned.

Now it is time for the Kiwi reply, their bowlers have done the job and it is now time for their batters to do their bit. Not going to be easy as it is not the ideal conditions to bat on. The question is, can the Indian bowlers capitalize? We will find out in a bit.

India will be disappointed with how they performed today. The problem for them was, they kept losing wickets at regular intervals and none of their batters went onto make most of the starts they got. Not even a single half ton. Yes, the conditions are tough but one believes, they should have gotten over the 250-run mark. Right now, they are probably a little under par.

4 wickets in the first session and three wickets in no time, within half an hour in the second session for the Kiwis. Jamieson is undoubtedly the star for them with a fifer. Everybody bowled well, Bew Zealand through will be a little disappointed with Southee but the others made up for it and Williamson will be pretty pleased after he elected to bowl.

A huge round of applause for the Kiwis as they make their way off the field. It has been an outstanding effort from them today. It was India who started today in a good position but it is the Kiwis who have their noses ahead at the moment.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, ! TAKEN! Jadeja has been strangled down the leg side and INDIA HAVE BEEN BOWLED OUT FOR 217! Not the best of deliveries, it is down the leg side. Jadeja looks to flick, it goes off the inner half a little too fine and Watling dives to his right and takes it.

Kyle Jamieson to Jasprit Bumrah, ! LBW! Kyle Jamieson with a 5-fer in the most important fixture. His consistency pays off. An inswinger, on middle and leg, Bumrah looks to defend it but misses. As the ball goes through and hit the pads. Kyle Jamieson and the Kiwis make a loud appeal for LBW and the umpire raises his finger in a flash. A hat-trick ball now for Jamieson.

Kyle Jamieson to Ishant Sharma, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! With this Kyle Jamieson gets his fourth wicket. It is a treat to watch this lad bowl. Good length ball, outside off, Sharma moves across the stumps which make him play at it. He looks to push it through the off side, but the ball takes the outside edge and flies towards Ross Taylor at first slip, who takes the catch calmly. Eight down now the Indian team.

Kyle Jamieson to Mohammed Shami, ! What a great way to get off the mark, the pressure of the hat-trick ball does not trouble Shami at all. This is full and outside off, Shami leans and slashes it through the cover region for a boundary.

Shami is the last man in. He'll be facing the bat-trick ball.

Jasprit Bumrah walks out to bat!

Kyle Jamieson to Ishant Sharma, Good length ball, outside off, coming back in. Sharma leaves it watchfully.

Kyle Jamieson to Ishant Sharma, A loud appeal for LBW turned down. Full and on off, Sharma looks to defend it but misses and gets rapped on the back pad. Missing the off stump.

Kyle Jamieson to Ishant Sharma, BEATEN! Kyle Jamieson has been brilliant with the ball today. A full ball, outside off, nipping away. Sharma looks to defend it but misses.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, Another one outside off, shaping away. Left alone. Ishant will be on strike again.

Trent Boult to Ishant Sharma, Another single! Outside off, Sharma plays it late and through point for one.

Trent Boult to Ishant Sharma, On off, Ishant walks right across and blocks it.

Trent Boult to Ishant Sharma, Outside off, left alone. 

Trent Boult to Ishant Sharma, Beaten! That swung a long way. It lands around middle and then shapes away. Sharma looks to defend but is beaten. It keeps moving as it gets to the keeper who dives and collects it.

Trent Boult to Ishant Sharma, Edged but short! Really nicely played in the end! Shorter and on off, Ishant hops, rides on top of the bounce and plays it on the bounce to third slip.

Who will bowl from the other end? It is Trent Boult who comes into the attack. His figures 20-4-46-1 so far.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, A dot to end then! On middle, this is pushed back to the bowler.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, Really good fielding again! This is fuller and on off, Jadeja drives it square on the off side. Colin dives to his right and stops it. No single taken too.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, Length yet again and outside off. Left alone nicely.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, From around the wicket now goes full and outside off, left alone.

The New Zealand fielders stride out in the middle. Followed by Ravindra Jadeja and ​​​​Ishant Sharma with their swords. Kyle Jamieson to start with the ball. Surprisingly enough, the sun is out post Lunch. Hope it stays around for a while.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, Brilliant fielding! This is fuller and on middle, it is driven nicely but the fielder at mid on dives to his right and saves at least two.

Kyle Jamieson to Ishant Sharma, Straightaway a run for India. It is off the inner half but a single. Fuller and this one tails back in from outside off. Sharma looks to drive but it goes off the inner half towards fine leg for one.

...Day 3, Session 2...

Right. All about New Zealand in this session as they have ensured that the middle order of India does not trouble them much. Although, can Jadeja, help them get around the 250-run mark. Will he manage to hang around? Or will the Kiwi bowlers continue their good work? Join us at 6:10 pm IST (1240 GMT) for the second session to find out. 

Jadeja has the tail with him now and India will hope he can somehow take them to a score around 230 or 240. New Zealand on the other hand, would want to finish things off quickly. Can they do so?

Jamieson got Kohli and Pant quite early in the session. Rahane also did not last long and at that time, it seemed they would be bowled out before Lunch. Ashwin and Jadeja though hung in there and took India over 200 but Ashwin too fell after that just before Lunch.

A really good session for the Kiwis. 4 wickets is what they have got and one can say they are probably on top, not by a lot but certainly on top.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, A loud shout from behind the stumps for a caught behind but the umpire is unmoved.. A touch short, on the body line. Ravindra Jadeja looks to flick it but misses. But there was some sound, but not off the glove. ITS TIME FOR LUNCH ON DAY 3. INDIA END THE SESSION AT 211 for 7.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, This is full and on middle, Jadeja defends it back to the bowler.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, Beauty by Trent Boult. Good length ball, outside off, swinging away. A good leave by Ravindra Jadeja.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, Full ball, around middle and leg, Jadeja defends it to the leg side.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, Full, outside off, Jadeja drives it through covers for a couple.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, Back of a length ball, on off, Jadeja is surprised by the bounce and tries to sway away from the line of the delivery, but was unable to do that. The ball clips of his chest and goes to the keeper.

Tim Southee to Ishant Sharma, Down the leg side. Left alone.

Tim Southee to Ishant Sharma, Almost drags it on! This is just outside off, Ishant is unsure whether to play at it or not. In the end, he looks to leave but it goes off the inside edge, just past the off pole.

Tim Southee to Ishant Sharma, Two! Fuller and around off, Sharma strokes it through covers for two.

Tim Southee to Ishant Sharma, Short and down the leg side, Sharma lets it be.

Tim Southee to Ishant Sharma, This is fuller and around off, it shapes away. Ishant looks to play it with a straight bat. It goes off the outside edge towards gully.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, On middle, this is worked around the corner for one. A single then off the first ball. Ishant has 5 balls to face now.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, ! A rare mistake in the slip cordon for New Zealand. A length ball, outside off, Jadeja looks to drive but the ball takes the outside edge and flies to Tim Southee at the slips, who is unable to hold the ball. The batters sneak a single.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, Fuller and on middle, Jadeja blocks it to cover.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, Full and on off, Jadeja defends it solidly.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, A touch short on off, Jadeja wanted to play it initially but decides to leave it in the end.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, Fullish and on off, Jadeja keeps it out solidly.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, BEATEN! On a length, outside off, nipping away, Jadeja looks to defend but misses.

Tim Southee to Ishant Sharma, Good length ball, way down the leg side, into the keeper's glove.

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, ! CAUGHT! A nice comeback by Tim Southee as he gets the better of Ashwin this time. Maybe Ashwin got carried away after that boundary. This is full and outside off, Ashwin extends his arms and decides to chase this one. But only managed to get the outside edge and Tom Latham takes yet another sharp catch at second slip. An important and helpful cameo of Ravichandran Ashwin comes to an end.

Ishant Sharma walks out to bat now!

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, ! Ashwin looks in some fine touch now. A touch short, on off, Ashwin camps back and punches it through cover for a boundary. Moves to 22.

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, On off, defended solidly.

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, On a length, on off, Ashwin drives it through mid off for a coupl. 200 up for India. The crowd is delighted.

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, Good length ball, down the leg side. Ashwin looks to flick it but misses.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, Full and on off, Jadeja defends it watchfully.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, A length ball, down the leg side, Jadeja looks to flick but misses.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, On a length, on middle, Ashwin tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, Quicker, good length ball, outside off, Ashwin lets it go to the keeper.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, On a length,  on off, Ashwin blocks it to cover.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, Short of a length on middle, Ashwin pushes it back to the bowler.

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, Fuller and on off, Ashwin drives it down the ground, past mid off. Neil Wagner gives it a chase and was able to cut it off in time. The batters come back for three.

A bit of an issue with the ball. Kane Williamson showed it to the umpires after it got wet post that drive from Ashwin but the umpires are happy with it. No change.

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, EDGY ! Up and over the slip cordon. A length ball, nipping away, Ashwin looks to go hard at it, the ball takes the outside edge and over the slip region for a boundary at third man.

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, Fullish and on off, Ashwin drives it to cover but cannot find the gap.

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, BEATEN! What a beauty! A length ball, on off, swinging away, Ashwin looks to drive but misses as the ball zips past the outside edge.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, Full again, on middle, Jadeja clips it through mid-wicket and gets a single. Moves to 11.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, Fires in a full ball, on off, Jadeja blocks it out watchfully.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, ! A nice way to end the over. Ashwin uses his wrists this time. A length ball, on the pads. Ashwin flicks it past mid-wicket and finds the boundary.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, Fullish, on off, Ashwin works it to short mid-wicket.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, A length ball, on off, Ashwin drives it through cover for a couple more.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, An inswinger, attacking the stumps, Ashwin flicks it through mid-wicket for first runs. He collects two.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, Back of a length ball, on off,  Ashwin goes back and defends it, but the ball takes the outside edge and lands just a few spaces in front of point.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, Good length ball, outside off, Ashwin lets it go to the keeper.

Trent Boult to bowl as well. 16-4-34-1 so far.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, Full toss, around off, Jadeja pushes it to mid on.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, A full ball, outside off, Jadeja extends his arms and taps it down to slip cordon.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, Again a carbon copy of the previous delivery, Jadeja works it towards mid-wicket.

THE SECOND NEW BALL HAS BEEN TAKEN. New Zealand have around 30 minutes to try and get it into effect.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, An inswinger, full on off, Jadeja blocks it out watchfully.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, Good length delivery, way outside off, Jadeja shoulders arms to it.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, Southee coming around the wicket. Serves a length ball, outside off, Jadeja has no stroke to offer.

Neil Wagner to Ravichandran Ashwin, A touch short, on off, Ashwin tucks it to the leg side.

Neil Wagner to Ravichandran Ashwin, Back of a length ball, around middle and off, Ashwin blocks it back to the bowler.

Neil Wagner to Ravichandran Ashwin, Good length ball, around the hips, Ashwin tucks it to square leg.

Neil Wagner to Ravichandran Ashwin, A touch short, on off, Ashwin stays back and defends it onto the pitch.

Neil Wagner to Ravichandran Ashwin, Full, on off, Ashwin drives it to cover.

Neil Wagner to Ravichandran Ashwin, Back of a length ball, around off, Ashwin leans back and lets it go to the keeper.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, On a length, outside off, this one comes back in sharply, Jadeja shoulders arms to it.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, A length ball, outside off, Jadeja lets it go to the keeper.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, Good length, outside off, swinging away, left alone by Jadeja.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, Full and down the leg side, Jadeja looks to flick but the ball stays away. BJ Watling this time dives to his right to stop the ball.

BOWLED! But not out. Why? Because Ravindra Jadeja backed away at the last possible moment. Southee was just about to deliver. He delivers the ball and it hits the leg stump. Dead ball signalled. Replays show that Jadeja was looking at the ground till that moment and suddenly when he looked up, Timothy was right up, charging in.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, Another, length ball, on off, nips in, Jadeja keeps it out.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, On a length, coming back in, Jadeja blocks it out solidly.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, ! CAUGHT! A change in the fielding position pays off. Wagner strikes this time. The short ball, does the trick for New Zealand. Back of a length delivery, outside off, Rahane is tempted again, and this time he connect it well, but hits it straight to the man at mid-wicket. Where Tom Latham takes a sharp catch. 

Tim Southee finally gets a bowl. 17-4-47-0 so far.

Neil Wagner to Ravichandran Ashwin, A loud appeal for Caught behind but the umpire is not interested. A full ball, down the leg side. Ashwin swings his blade but misses, as the ball goes through to the keeper, where BJ Watling dives to his left to make a top stop. The Kiwis thought there was a thin edge but nothing from the umpire.

Neil Wagner to Ravichandran Ashwin, A length ball, on middle, Ashwin looks to flick it but the ball takes the leading edge and rolls to the off side.

Ravichandran Ashwin walks in at number 8, replacing Ajinkya Rahane.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, In the air.. Safe! Back of a length ball, outside off, Rahane looks to pull it, but does not time it well. The ball takes the top edge and flies towards mid-wicket but it lands in a vacant region. Two taken.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, Full and outside off, Rahane drives it to mid off.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, A low full toss, on middle, Rahane nudges it to mid-wicket. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Ravindra Jadeja, ! Well played. Full ball, on off, Jadeja leans and drives it past mid off as the ball races towards the boundary rope at long off. The camera pans to the Indian dressing room where Virat Kohli stands up and applauds that shot. Clearly, India believe the time has come to start scoring some runs.

Colin de Grandhomme to Ravindra Jadeja, Another length ball, outside off, Jadeja lets it go to the keeper.

Colin de Grandhomme to Ravindra Jadeja, On a length, way outside off, Jadeja leaves it alone.

Colin de Grandhomme to Ravindra Jadeja, Full and outside off. An easy leave for Ravindra Jadeja.

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, On a length, outside off, Rahane works it to sweeper cover for a single.

DRINKS BREAK. End of a fine battling hour. 12.2 overs, 25 runs, 2 wickets. A game of attrition it has been. New Zealand have been right on the money while India are playing a game of patience. Just feel that this is the perfect stage for Ajinkya Rahane. He is at his best in the most trying conditions and he becomes crucial for India to get to 300. He has not played too many loose shots and looks in good rhythm. Kohli and Pant were kept quiet and worked over. The good thing for India is - it has

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, ! Clipped away! There we go. Jamieson is off and the scoreboard ticks on. A nice way for India to start the post-Drinks break. A touch fuller, on the pads, Rahane clips it towards fine leg for a boundary.

Neil Wagner to Ravindra Jadeja, A touch fuller on off, Jadeja blocks it solidly.

Neil Wagner to Ravindra Jadeja, BEATEN! Nicely bowled by Neil Wagner. A length ball, outside off, nips away. Jadeja looks to defend it but misses as the ball beats the outside edge.

Neil Wagner to Ravindra Jadeja, Good length ball, outside off, swinging away. Jadeja leaves it alone.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, Nice shot by Ajinkya Rahane. A full ball, on middle, Rahane removes his front leg and flicks it through mid-wicket. But the ball does not have the legs to reach the boundary. Three runs taken.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, Serves a full ball, on off, Rahane defends it watchfully.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, On a length, around leg, Rahane pulls it towards square leg for a couple. Good running.

We always marvel about New Zealand's fielding attributes. Since the start of 2019, for a minimum of 10 Tests played, New Zealand have recorded an efficiency of 91 percent in catching. That is an efficiency of taking 9 catches out of 10. They have always been good catchers, being nimble on their feet. It was started primarily by Brendon McCullum who just redefined fielding.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, Another short ball, on off, nips away, this one gets an extra bounce after hitting the deck. Good leave by Ravindra Jadeja.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, Back of a length delivery, around off, Jadeja sways away from the line of the delivery.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, Full, outside off, Jadeja pushes it through the cover region for a couple. Moves to 6.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, On a length, outside off, swinging away, Jadeja lets it go to the keeper.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Full and outside off, Rahane leans in and drives it through covers. The batters pick three before the fielder cuts it off.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Fires in a full ball, around middle, Rahane defends it solidly.

Neil Wagner to Ravindra Jadeja, Outside off, on a length, let through.

Neil Wagner to Ravindra Jadeja, EDGED, ! Full, outside off, swinging away, Ravindra Jadeja has a poke at it, with soft hands. The ball takes the outside edge but the soft hands prevent it from carrying to third slip. Tim Southee gets a very difficult chance to stop the ball as it lands right in front of him. Goes past his hands to the third man fence.

Neil Wagner to Ravindra Jadeja, Full, around middle, flicked straight to mid-wicket.

Neil Wagner to Ravindra Jadeja, Landed outside off, swinging away, left alone. 

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, This one swings in, Rahane flicks it towards backward square leg in the deep for a single.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, Full, around off, pushed towards cover by Ajinkya Rahane.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, Fuller, around off, solidly defended. Kyle Jamieson's figures read 19-12-21-3.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, Around off, on a length, pushed towards point.

Ravindra Jadeja walks in at number 7, replacing Rishabh Pant.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, ! CAUGHT AT SLIP! It is that man, Kyle Jamieson again. But this wicket is more to the fault of Rishabh Pant. Did he get carried away after that boundary? Too loose a shot. Perhaps he felt it is time to break the shackles. Full, wide outside off, Pant reaches out and looks to drive. The ball moves but the feet don't. An outside edge is taken and the ball literally flies to second slip where Tom Latham takes a very sharp catch. That was travelling. He pla

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, Around off, moving away, left alone.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, ! Rishabh Pant is off the mark on the 20th delivery he has faced. He has not quite middled it, but he will get a boundary. Full, outside off, Pant leans and looks to flick. Gets it off the lower part of the bat but the ball still races away through mid-wicket. Trent Boult gives it a chase from the 30-yard circle, puts in a late dive after the ball touches the ropes and comes second.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Around middle, nudged towards fine leg for a single.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, On a good length, outside off, coming in, Ajinkya Rahane shoulders arms. Ahhh wait. The third umpire has indicated to Michael Gough that Jamieson has overstepped. NO BALL is signalled but replays show that it was very, very tight. It cannot be said with total conviction that the foot landed on the line. Some part of the heel seemed to be behind the line.

Neil Wagner to Rishabh Pant, Full, around middle, Rishabh looks to flick but the ball swings away and goes off the leading edge towards cover. Back-to-back maiden overs.

Neil Wagner to Rishabh Pant, 40 balls. Number of deliveries bowled in succession without conceding a run off the bat. Tremendous discipline. Full, outside off, moving away, left alone.

Neil Wagner to Rishabh Pant, Fuller, outside off, swinging away, Pant sholders arms again. He is shoing great restraint and letting balls go. He has faced 17 balls and not scored a single run but it is just a matter of time before he gets going.

Neil Wagner to Rishabh Pant, Fuller, outside off, tempting to drive, Rishabh Pant holds himself back.

Neil Wagner to Rishabh Pant, On middle and off, flicked straight to mid-wicket.

Bouncer time! Here comes the first bowling change of the day. Neil Wagner it is. 10-3-28-1 so far.

Neil Wagner to Rishabh Pant, Full, outside off, swinging away, left alone.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller, around off, defended solidly by Ajinkya. Third successive maiden by Kyle Jamieson.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, That's another great delivery. Right in the channel, in the corridor of uncertainty, the avenue of apprehension, just outside off, Jinx is not sure whether to play at it or leave it. He initially looks to play but then decides the better of it. Is late and gets a bottom edge to first slip.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Closer than the previous one, but wide enough outside off to be left alone.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, On a good length, outside off, moving away, dabbed to gully again.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller, outside off, a touch wider, swinging away, Rahane looks to drive but is a bit loose and gets a thick outside edge. It lands short of gully.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Landed on a length, wide outside off, Ajinkya Rahane shoulders arms.

Trent Boult to Rishabh Pant, Outside off, moving away, pushed towards cover.

Trent Boult to Rishabh Pant, Ahh... that one keeps coming in with the arm and then straightens. This is because Trent Boult has kept his fingers on the seam and not allowing it to swing. RP looks to go hard at this one, aiming for a big booming cover drive but the ball lands outside off, straightens, takes the inside edge and hits the pads.

Trent Boult to Rishabh Pant, Similar ball, perhaps slightly wider, this is an easier leave for Rishabh.

Trent Boult to Rishabh Pant, Indecision. Outside off, on a length, Pant looks to push initially but then seems to be wanting to hold himself back. From the front angle, it looked like he missed the ball. But from the rear angle, the bat was withdrawn well before the ball could arrive. So, in a nutshell, nicely left alone.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, Review time! Jamieson reckons this is close. He feels this is hitting leg stump. Umpire Michael Gough shakes his head. Williamson goes with his bowler and takes the review. No bat involved. UMPIRE'S CALL! Saved by a hair's breadth! What a ball it was from Jamieson. He switched to over the wicket for this ball and got it to swing back in prodigiously. Rishabh Pant missed his flick and was hit on the pads. To the naked eye, it looked like it would swing down

Trent Boult to Rishabh Pant, Full, around off, swinging in, watchfully defended by Rishabh Pant.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, A length ball, around middle, Ajinkya Rahane looks to tuck but misses. The ball goes off his thigh pads towards fine leg. A leg bye taken. 150 UP FOR INDIA.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, Full, around middle, swinging down, Rishabh misses his flick and is hit on the pads.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, Gift from Kyle Jamieson. Brilliant from Rishabh Pant. Outstanding from Kane Williamson. Who says Test cricket is boring? Half volley, outside off, Pant leans and creams this through the covers. The ball races away off the turf but the Kiwi skipper dives to his right and makes a terrific stop.

Earlier this morning, Rishabh Pant was up for a chat. On being asked about how does he approach his batting, Pant says that he just tries to play his natural game all the time and keeps things very simple. Does not like to take too much pressure and keeps taking it over by over.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, Outside off, coming in, left alone.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, Outside off, Rishabh Pant reaches out and pushes it towards cover.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, On a good length, around off, coming in, watchfully defended.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Outside off, on a length, angling away, left alone. Successive maiden overs.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller, outside off, Ajinkya pushes this through the covers but Henry Nicholls dives to his right and makes an excellent stop.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Now comes the short-ball Test, around middle, Jinx ducks.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Another beauty. New Zealand's coach said that he wanted an extra 10 percent out of his bowlers this morning and he is getting it. Around off, fuller in length, Rahane plays for the inswinger but the ball pitches and then leaves him, going past the outside edge.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Nips back in a long way, Ajinkya Rahane walks across, looks to flick but misses and is hit high on the pads, almost around the groin.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Full, outside off, angling away, left alone.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, This one comes in a long way from around the wicket, fuller in length, Rishabh Pant looks to flick but misses and is hit on the pads. Going down leg.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, Almost a carbon copy of the previous ball. If any, this looked to be going down even more. Pant misses his flick again and wears it on his pads. Excellent over from Kyle Jamieson. His figures read 16-10-15-2.

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, ! LBW! Kyle Jamieson gets his man. Big, big blow early in the morning. That's 7 deliveries now that Jamieson has bowled in this innings, which would have hit the stumps and the 7th is one of the most important ones, because it has the skipper's name on it. Full, outside off, Virat Kohli looks to defend but the ball comes back in a long way and hits him on the pads. Jamieson appeals and up goes umpire Michael Gough's finger. Kohli walks down the pitch, ha

Rishabh Pant comes in at number 6, replacing his skipper, Virat Kohli.

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Around off, fuller than the previous one, watchfully defended.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, And next, he gets a beauty. The ball is not too dissimilar to the previous one and Ajinkya comes forward again. But this one moves away slightly and beats the outside edge. There is more. The keeper, BJ Watling, gets a wobbly seam ball and almost fumbles as the ball dips in late.

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Good leave, that is on line. On a good length, outside off, angling in, Kohli shoulders arms. The ball then moves away off the seam, generating oohs and aahs from the slip cordon. India have been leaving balls from Jamieson mostly on length, because of his height. 56 percent of the deliveries he has bowled in this innings, have landed on the good length area. Only 6 deliveries he has bowled so far, would have hit the stumps. Maybe, he needs to be a bit more fu

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, On a good length, around off, watchfully pushed towards cover by Virat Kohli.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Outside off, wider, easier leave for AR.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller, straighter, Jinx walks forward and drops the ball right at his feet, watchfully under his eyes. Perfection in showing how to play in England, with soft hands, as late as possible.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller, outside off, swinging away, Ajinkya Rahane shoulders arms.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Around middle, angling away, pushed towards point.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Good running. Around middle, Ajinkya Rahane nudges it through fine leg. The man is more at long leg, so there is an opportunity to come back for the second which India do not miss. The stand moves to 61.

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Ooohh...the big indipper from the big man. Comes in from well outside off, Kohli looks to work it to the leg side but misses and is hit high on the thigh. He does not know where the ball is and searches for it, looking for the single as well. The ball has actually gone back towards the stumps and Kyle Jamieson quickly rushes to effect the run out. But by then, the Indian skipper gets back in his crease and tries to stop the ball which has already stopped.

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Fuller, wider outside off, swinging away, let through.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, First run of the day. On a length, outside off, angling in, Jinx nudges it towards fine leg for a single. Moves to 30.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Game of temptation. Fuller and wide outside off, Rahane gets a big stride forward to reach to the pitch of the ball but lets it go.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Gentle loosener, wide outside off, Ajinkya Rahane is not tempted and shoulders arms.

Kyle Jamieson to bowl from the other end. 14-9-14-1 so far.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Around middle, on a length, nudged towards mid-wicket.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Full, outside off, a solid block from the Indian skipper.

Touchwood. No, literally go and touch wood. The umpires have said, play will start at 11 am local and it will definitely start at 11 am local. But there is no guarantee how long will the play go on. The light is very, very marginal and bad light could come into picture pretty soon. The New Zealanders march on quickly onto the field. They want to get as many overs as possible in these conditions. Out come Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane. Trent Boult to finish off his pending over. Kohli to face

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, On a length, outside off, angling away, Virat Kohli shuffles across slightly and pushes it towards Tom Latham at gully.

... GAME TIME ....

Shubman Gill is up for a chat. Gill says that India were in a precarious position last afternoon but the Kohli-Rahane partnership has calmed down some nerves. Wants the middle order to capitalize on this and get to 300. Is disappointed on missing out after a start but is happy that he could see off the first tough period. Maintains that his game is not dependent only on leaving balls but also on playing shots whenever the opportunity arises. On him using his feet to seamers, Gill says that he p

PITCH REPORT - The surface still looks a good one to bat upon and we can certainly see some footmarks. Shades of green here and there and that will interest the fast bowlers. The pitch as such looks a beauty, it is the heavens which could dictate terms, sometimes with the ball, but perhaps more with the mind.

UPDATE - 10.30 AM LOCAL (0930 GMT) - We have some good news coming our way. The umpires have given their nod for a 11 am local start, with the second and third sessions extended by 15 minutes each. Let's hope for plenty of cricketing action today.

UPDATE - 10 AM LOCAL (0900 GMT) - THE START OF PLAY HAS BEEN DELAYED. This has been confirmed owing to the persistent drizzle. There is an inspection scheduled at 10.20 am local (0920 GMT). Just had a look at the weather radar. We could positively have a start at around 11 am local and till 5 pm, there is no threat of rain. It is in the evening again that the band of rain returns, so we could get two sessions of cricket comfortably. The conditions are brightening up and there is just the sole ho

2014. The year which changed Virat Kohli as a player and as a person. Virat Kohli entered India's tour of England with a batting average of 39.5, with 6 centuries under his belt. Good enough? Absolutely. But then, came a nightmare, in the form of a certain James Anderson. Jimmy found out a technical flaw in Kohli's technique and similar to how Stuart Broad tormented David Warner during the 2019 Ashes, Jimmy tormented Kohli during that entire tour, where VK struggled to buy a run consistently. No

20th June, 2011. It was on this day that Virat Kohli made his Test debut, against West Indies, in Jamaica. Personally, it was not a good Test for him, with Fidel Edwards getting him out cheaply in both innings, but 10 years since, that man has become a legend. And it is not just his class or technique. It is his temperament as well, to bounce back from adversity and also - fitness. Kohli has gone on record to say that within a couple of years in international cricket, he understood that whateve

Discipline. Does the letter 'V' come anywhere in this word? No, it doesn't. But 'Super V' has mastered this word to the 'T'. What we witnessed on Saturday was a batting masterclass. 44 from 124 balls and factor this - Kohli scored his first boundary on the very 4th ball he faced. He did not score a single boundary in the next 120 balls. Amazing discipline. It was at that time that the Kiwis were finding their feet and Kohli decided to get his head down and grind. Other batsmen came in, got more

Helpful conditions for the bowlers? Well, this is what we felt on Saturday as well but the Kiwis wasted the new ball, by spraying it on both sides of the wicket and being a bit too short as well. This is Day 3 but as mentioned earlier, in terms of game time, it is Day 2 and normally in England, pitches tend to quicken up from the second day. There are still more than 15 overs left for the second new ball and India would certainly love to make use of those overs. All the same, the Kiwis might sea

Drip, drip, drip. It has begun. There is some time for the first ball to be bowled but the conditions are not that encouraging. It is not raining, but there is a slight drizzle, with a major portion of the ground covered. Cricket can certainly be played in these conditions, but as per the law, if you are not in the middle while it is drizzling, you cannot come out to play. So fingers crossed, we do have a start on time but the forecast suggests for another on-off day.

Hello and a warm welcome to Day 3 of the World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand. Technically, it is Day 3 but practically it is the second day as the first day was washed out, courtesy of the rain gods. But on Day 2, thankfully there were no leakages from the sky, as we were able to witness the most awaited match in the history of Test get underway. We can say that the first day was shared among the two teams as India are in a good position thanks to a strong start by Rohit

... Day 3, Session 1 ...

Right then. Keeping in mind that we had no action on Day 1, we should be quite pleased that we had some action on Day 2, even though bad light and rain kept poking their noses between us and the game. The forecast for the rest of the days is not too promising, but all we can do is hope. The action on Day 3 will begin at 1030 local (0930 GMT). We hope to have your company for the same. Until then, cheers and goodbye! 

New Zealand started poorly as they bowled some poor deliveries and they were punished. Tim Southee had a tough day with the ball as he just could not find the lines and lengths, which he did seem to find, towards the fag end of the day. Kyle Jamieson was the star as he bowled probing lines and lengths and did not give much away. Neil Wagner was also at his best while Trent Boult came back well after Lunch. New Zealand though improved after the Lunch session and they would not be too disappointed

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Short of a length delivery around off, Kohli hops and taps it to the off side. 

India managed to get off to a good start courtesy, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. They put the loose balls away and were looking good as they raised a 50-run stand, before Sharma departed. Gill fell soon after and Pujara soon after Lunch. Since then Kohli and Rahane have looked solid and have managed to stay unbeaten till Stumps on Day 2. Overall, they will be happy with their effort.

Well, it is Stumps on Day 2! This was coming with the Light not improving and the covers remaining firmly on. But whatever play we got, it was exciting to watch. One would feel that India have done well to see off the day with only 3 wickets lost. New Zealand did well too after a poor start and it was an engrossing day's play.

UPDATE 1805 local (1705 GMT) - The two umpires came out and had a look at the conditions out in the middle and then went onto have a chat with the New Zealand skipper, Kane Williamson. All signs point towards stumps but we still have to wait for the official confirmation. 

UPDATE 1735 local (1635 GMT) - Well, the covers are still on and the bad light does not seem to improve and the chances of any more play on Day 2 looks bleak. The umpires too are having a discussion out in the middle, might be making the final decision. Let's keep our fingers crossed though. Stay with us.

UPDATE 1710 local (1610 GMT) - Some more bad news coming our way. It has started to drizzle slightly as the covers are coming out into the middle. The chance of play resuming looks negative, but all we can do is hope that it stops soon and we can begin again. Stay tuned. 

UPDATE 1653 local (1553 GMT) - Well, well. This looks to be the trend in the past hour as the light meter comes out from the umpire, who has a look at the reading and decides that the light is poor to continue and the Indian batters head back, followed by the Kiwi players. To be fair to the umpires, the light has got slightly dim, over the past 5 minutes. Let's hope that the delay is a short one. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, A couple for the Indian skipper! Around off, length ball, worked behind point for two. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Angles a ball on the pads, AR works it through square leg for a single. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Slants a good length ball across the right-hander as Ajinkya does not want a piece of this. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Slips in a fuller ball down the leg side, Virat misses his tuck away. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, A carbon copy of the previous delivery. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Swinging away from outside off, left without any issues. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, On a fuller length and on middle, this is whipped through square leg, Kohli takes two with ease. Moves to 42. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Outside off, late swing noticed as Virat registers another leave. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Slower length ball outside off, no reason for Kohli to play at this. 

The umpire will check the ball once. Goes through the 8-ball gauge and the ball is deemed to be alright. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, A back of a length ball, on leg, Rahane looks to nudge this to the leg side but misses and gets hit on the pad. Another appeal for LBW but there is nothing from the umpire. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, On a good length on off, this is worked to mid-wicket. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off, Rahane prods ahead and pushes this to the mid off region. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Leg bye. On the pads, Kohli's attepmt to tuck does not pan out and the ball takes the pad and goes to fine leg. A leg bye is taken. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, An inswinger, around leg, Virat misses his tuck away and gets hit on the pad. A stifled appeal but the Kiwi players also know that this was going down leg. 

Change. Trent Boult comes back on. 11-1-29-1 so far. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Fuller around off, this is clipped to the man at short mid-wicket. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Another solid looking block to keep the ball out, to end the over. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off, Rahane shows the full face of the blade and smothers the ball out. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Angles in a full ball around off and middle, Rahane works it to the mid on region. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Outside off, away-angler, Jinks makes no attempt to play at that. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off and middle, Rahane looks to defend but the ball takes the inner half of the blade and runs away to the fine leg region for a couple. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Slightly behind the good length and around off, AR hops and works this to the on side. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Around off, VK nudges this to the man at square leg. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Short of a length ball, outside off, the awayswinger, Virat watches it go to the keeper. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, The batsman has just blocked that from his crease.

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Way outside off, no need to go fishing as Virat makes another leave. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Angling from outside off, closer to off, still away from the off pole as Kohli raises his blade and makes a leave. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, A good length ball on off, tapped to the backward point region. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Outside off, no shot offered. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off, worked to point. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, ! Southee drags his length back and bowls a short one around off, Ajinkya Rahane pulls this one through square leg for a boundary. 50-run stand also comes up between these two. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, On a good length around off, this is nudged to the man at mid on. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Length around off, pushed to the point region. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, An awayswinger around off, Rahane keeps a level head and keeps this out. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, On the pads, Kohli looks to tuck it away but misses and gets hit on the pad. An appeal but this was heading down leg, for sure. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, A length ball outside off, Kohli makes a leave. 

We are back! The light has become better and the players are coming back onto the field. We are all set to resume now. Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane come out now. Kyle Jamieson to complete his over now. 

UPDATE 1620 local (1520 GMT) - We hate to be the bearer of bad news as the square covers have also been brought on and that is not a positive sign. It does not look good folks but we can be hopeful. Stay tuned for further updates.

UPDATE 1558 local (1458 GMT) - There is a light meter check from the umpire and the umpire deems that the light is not enough for play to continue here. The players from both the teams walk back now. The covers have also come on as they might be expecting it to rain. Stay tuned for further updates. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, An action replay of the previous delivery. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Outside off, nipping away, VK has no interest in playing at that. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, A full toss outside off, pushed nicely to mid off. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Pushed to cover by the Indian skipper. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, ! A boundary to end the over. A good length delivery outside off, shapes away as Rahane plays this in the gap at gully nicely. Conway gives chase and he looks to pull it back, before the ropes, but looks like his foot was touching the boundary cushion. The TV umpire confirms the same. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Consistency from Southee! Around off on a length, the ball shapes away just a little bit this time, Ajinkya Rahane looks to defend inside the line, but the ball manages to whistle past his edge. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Another beauty from Tim! Around off, good length, late movement past the outside edge, as the ball misses Rahane's attempted defense. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Fuller on the pads, flicked to mid-wicket for one. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Around off on a length again, there is away seam movement as VK pushes at this again but misses. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Southee is asking questions, of the Indian batters. A length ball, around off, a typical Southee delivery as it shapes away, but Virat Kohli comes ahead, looking to push, but the ball evades his bat, to the keeper. 

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, ! That looked so good. Delightful shot. Even Kohli seemed pleased with it. A half-volley around off, Ajinkya Rahane just leans into this shot and creams it through covers. No point chasing after this. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Good running yet again. This is a back of a length delivery, around off, Virat Kohli goes back and punches this one through covers and by the time the man can clean up, the batters take three. 

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, In the air...safe! On a shortish length around off, Ajinkya Rahane looks to pull this one to the leg side but the ball takes the top edge and loops up towards fine leg, but falls well short of the man there. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Punched to the mid off region for a single. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, EDGED BUT SAFE! Drops short of the slip cordon. A length ball, around off, the ball moves away as Virat Kohli looks to defend this one out, with soft hands, but the ball takes the outside edge and drops ahead of Southee, at second slip. 

Neil Wagner to bowl from the other end.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, A good length ball around off, this is punched to the cover-point fielder. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off, defended. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, A back of a length ball, sliding down the leg side, Ajinkya Rahane looks to tuck this one away but he misses and the ball takes the top of the thigh pad and goes to the keeper, who appeals. The bowler joins in the appeal, but it is turned down. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, A length delivery, outside off, it nips away as Rahane watches it go to the keeper. 

Looks like the light has improved and the players are coming out into the middle. The Kiwi players are in a huddle, before they spread out on the field. Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane stride out too. Tim Southee to complete his over. 

UPDATE 1530 local (1430 GMT) - Looks like we have a bit of a delay here. It was rain, that played spoilsport and this time, bad light has come to the fore. It looks like we will have to wait some more for the third session to get underway. The umpires have a chat with Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson to inform them about the same too. Stay tuned with us for more updates. 

The Black Caps were on fire, coming out, after the first session, but the last hour has seen the Indian batters carve a name for themselves and come back slightly and score runs freely. Colin de Grandhomme has bowled well and has not let any batter dominate him, even though he is not a frontline bowler. All the other bowlers have made the ball talk and have asked questions to the Indian batters. Now, with the final session looming, both the teams will be looking to end the day on a good note. W

... Day 2, Session 3 ...

This session has been a tale of two sides - as the first hour belonged to the side bowling and the other side of the half belonged to the Indian contingent. Pujara and Kohli were going along at a very slow rate and were not finding runs quickly. Boult came in and struck to get rid of India's wall in recent years and Pujara had to take the long walk back to the hut. Kohli and Rahane also were scoring at a slower pace, but they were picking up the pace and even crossed the 100-run mark. It was the

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, Inswinging delivery on off, worked towards point.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, Touch fuller on middle, Rahane plays it towards mid on. A no ball as Wagner has overstepped.

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Good length delivery outside off, seaming away, Rahane watches the ball closely before making a leave.

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Bowls it fuller on middle and leg, flicked towards square leg.

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, An action replay of the previous delivery. Rahane continues his leaving spree.

The umpires converge and think that it is getting pretty dark out there. They have a look at the light and decide that they can take an early tea here. Bad light stops play and IT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 2. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Shorter delivery on middle, Kohli sways away from it.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, Shortish delivery on middle, Rahane hops and flicks it towards square leg for a single.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, Good length delivery on off, Rahane keeps it out.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, On a good length on middle, angling in, Rahane pushes it back to the bowler.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, Length delivery on middle, played towards mid-wicket.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Good length delivery on off, Kohli misses out on his attempted defense. The ball goes off the outside edge towards gully. He collects a couple of runs.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Play and a miss! Very full outside off, curves away from him, Kohli can't resist playing a drive. The ball goes past the edge, into the keeper's mitts.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Fires a yorker on middle, Kohli jags his bat down and flicks it to mid-wicket.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Good length delivery outside off, Kohli lets it sail through.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Touch fuller on off, Kohli guides it towards gully for a brace.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Fullish delivery on off, Kohli stays back in the crease, drives it through covers with his head still. He gets two.

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, Length ball on off, Rahane defends it towards covers off the front foot.

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, Length delivery on off, worked on the off side.

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, ! After a long time, there is a boundary for India. Short of a good length on off, Ajinkya Rahane cuts it wide off the point fielder for a boundary. That shall give him some confidence.

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, On off, blocked out.

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, Good length delivery on off, Rahane looks to defend but misses. The ball goes off the inside edge onto the pads. He is not looking in his rhythm here.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Touch fuller on off, Kohli confidently taps it through point for one.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, 1 run in the last 12 balls! Around off, good length delivery, Kohli uses his wrists and clips this through mid-wicket. Retains the strike for the next over with a single. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Good length ball around off, Kohli pushes this to covers. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Fuller length by Southee, nips away from the right-hander, as the batter leaves. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Angles in a length ball around off and middle, Kohli shows the full face of the bat and works it back to Tim. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Pitches it up and outside off, Virat is not tempted. He resists. Leaves it alone. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Outside off, short of a length, nothing doing says Kohli, as he shoulders arms. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, Outside off, no shot offered from Rahane. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, Length around off, pushed to the off side. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off, punched off the back foot to the cover fielder. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, On a good length around off, pushed to point now. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, Length around off, Rahane looks to defend, but the ball takes the outer half of the blade, and goes to the gully fielder, on the bounce. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off, Jinks pushes it back onto the deck. 

Colin de Grandhomme is back on.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Maiden to begin Tim's second spell! Around off, length ball, Kohli looks to push at this but the ball takes the inside edge and hits him on his pads. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Outside off, shaping away, VK has no qualms in leaving it alone. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Another outswinger around off, Kohli works this to the right of mid off, and looks for the single, but does not risk it. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Punched to short covers. 

Tim Southee is brought back into the attack. 9-2-27-0 are his figures.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, That's a jaffa! Absolute beauty. A length ball, around off, shapes away from the last moment, as Virat Kohli gets squared up, looking to defend this one out. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, On a good length, around off, shaping away, Virat drives this to the man at short covers. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Length way outside off, Ajinkya leaves it alone. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, A solid looking front foot block this time. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, On a good length around off, Ajinkya Rahane leans ahead and uses his hands nicely to punch this one through covers. Kane Williamson chases after the ball and catches up, but not before the batters take two. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Outside off on a good length, Rahane raises his blade and leaves it be. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Length on off, blocked out. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Slight fumble in the deep and the batters take advantage of the same, coming back for the third. Around off, back of a length, Virat Kohli goes back and guides this through backward point. The fielder in the deep fumble and the third run is acheived. 

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Short ball on middle, Rahane ducks underneath.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Length delivery outside off, seaming away, Rahane shoulders arms.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller again on middle, Rahane face no trouble blocking this one out.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Good length ball on off, Rahane knocks it towards covers.

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Touch fuller on off, Kohli pushes it towards covers for a quick single. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Fuller on off, Kohli guides it towards point.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, NOT ! A poor review by the looks of things. A thick inside edge and New Zealand lose a review. Good length delivery on middle and leg, Rohit Sharma looks to defend but misses. Looks like the bat misses his bat and he gets pinged on his pad. Loud shout for an LBW but the umpire is unmoved. Kane Williamson takes a review. Ultra Edge confirms that there was a spike as the ball passed the bat. Sharma survives. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Swinging down the leg side, Rahane misses his attempted flick. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, On a good length on off, Rahane punches it off the back foot through cover-point for a couple of runs.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Length delivery outside off, Rahane saw some width, and looks to drive it on the off side. But gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, The umpires take this upstairs but there was no edge on this and hence, Kohli does not lose his wicket. A length ball, down the leg side, Kohli looks to clip this one to the leg side but misses and BJ takes the catch. A very loud appeal for caught behind but the umpire says no. Kane Williamson is looking around, thinking if he should take the review but they do not take it. The umpires converge and take this upstairs to see if this is a clean catch. Replays sh

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Touch fuller on middle, Rahane blocks this one out off the back foot.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Fullish delivery on middle, Kohli flicks it past the diving short mid-wicket fielder and gets three runs.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Good length delivery on off, Kohli taps it towards covers.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Big inward movement there! Length ball on middle and off, Rahane works it on the leg side.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Outside off, Rahane leaves it for the keeper to collect.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller on off, angling away, Rahane defends it watchfully.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller on off, Rahane blocks it out.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Length delivery on the pads, Rahane doesn't dig his bat down and gets struck on the pads. It was going down leg though.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Bowls an outswinging yorker on middle, Rahane pushes it back to the bowler.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Length delivery on middle, Kohli's bottom hand comes into play, as he flicks it to deep square leg and grabs a brace. Excellent running between the wickets.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Back of a length on off, Kohli pushes it towards point.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Short ball on middle, Kohli hops and plays it onto the crease.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Good length on off, played towards covers.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Length delivery on off, Kohli gets an inside edge as he looks to defend. The ball rolls on the leg side.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Starts with a bouncer on middle, Kohli ducks under it.

DRINKS. New Zealand would have been the happier of the two sides, with how the first hour of the second session has gone by. They have not let the Indian batters score runs easily and have been bowling probing lines and lengths. Pujara has been sent back and Kohli and Rahane are out there, looking to make the most of this. Can they steady things for India? Or will the Kiwi bowlers continue their good work? Let us find out. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Outside off, pushed to covers. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off, pushed to the mid off region for a quick single. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Short of a length around off, kept out. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, An inswinger around off, Kohli pushes this through covers for one. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Fullish and swinging back in, VK defends. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, A back of a length ball on off, Kohli taps this to point. 

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Short of a length delivery on off, Rahane defends it watchfully.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Beaten! Good length delivery outside off, Rahane is tempted to have a poke at it. The ball zips past the outside edge, to the keeper's gloves.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, On length outside off, Rahane shoulders arms.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Length ball outside off, Rahane watches it pass by.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller and outside off, Rahane decides to leave.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Good length delivery, swinging in, Rahane leaves it untouched.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, No run.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, 1 run.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, No run.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Length ball outside off, Rahane makes a well calculated leave. 

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off, dabbed to the off side. 

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller around off, pushed to point. 

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Awayswinger outside off, Rahane watches it closely and leaves. 

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Outside off, left alone. 

Both the umpires converge and take it upstairs. They want to check if it is a clean catch by BJ Watling. The replays show it is. Now they check the Ultra Edge and there is no bat involved.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Around middle, huge inswing, tucked to the leg side. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, A bouncer on middle and leg, the Indian skipper sits under this. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Short of a length ball around off, Kohli hops and pushes it back to the bowler. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, A gift to Jinx and he gets off the mark! A fuller ball, on leg, this is whipped through square leg for a single. 

Trent Boult to Cheteshwar Pujara, ! LBW! Boult strikes and Pujara's patient knock has come to an end. This is a brilliant delivery and Trent has struck and broken this stand, which was going along slowly, but nicely. A classic left-armer's delivery. A length delivery, around off and middle, comes back in as well. Cheteshwar Pujara is stuck as he looks to flick to the leg side but he misses. Gets struck on his pad and Boult puts in an appeal to the umpire, who does not take long to rai

Ajinkya Rahane walks out to bat at No.5.

Changes from both ends. Trent Boult is brought back into the attack. His figures read 6-1-11-0.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, A back of a length delivery around off, Kohli goes back and guides this through point. Takes one. 

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, Around off, Pujara blocks to point. The stand moves to 24 off 93 balls. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Jamieson this time decides to pitch this one up and bowl it on leg, Virat Kohli clips this one through mid-wicket. The man at deep square leg runs to his left and cleans up, but the batters take three. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Another leave as this was bowled outside off. Kohli is at 13 from 54 balls, taking his time, is the Indian talisman. 

Kyle Jamieson comes back into the attack. 7-4-10-1 are his figures so far.

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Seams away after landing outside off, Kohli watches the ball pass past him, to the keeper. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, On a length outside off, Virat, again does not go chasing. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Length ball outside off, shaping away as VK leaves it be. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Good stop by the man at short covers. Around off, Kohli drives this one nicely through covers. The man there dives and half-stops the ball, but does not manage to stop the single. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Good running between the wickets by these two. Short of a length ball, around off, Virat Kohli guides this one through point and they run hard to come back for the second. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Short and around off, Virat gets low and sways away, letting the ball through. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, SLASH AND A MISS! Wagner has a smile on his face. On a shortish length and outside off, Kohli looks to play the upper cut but only flashes around the thin air around his blade. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Fuller but way outside off, Kohli resists the temptation to go after this and leaves it be. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Piches this one up and around off, Kohli closes the face of his bat and glances this to the mid on fielder. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, Good length, outside off, Pujara watches the ball pass by.

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, Fuller on off, Pujara defends it on the off side.

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, On off, Pujara blocks it out.

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, Length delivery on off, tapped towards third slip.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Fuller again and on off, Kohli exquisitely drives it through the covers. The fielder gives it a chase and keeps it to three.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Fuller length on middle, pushed back to the bowler.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Testing lines from Wagner! Shortish again on middle and off, Pujara lets it for the keeper to collect. 

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Outside off, Pujara leaves it without any trouble.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Fraction short on off, Pujara stays back in the crease, hops, and blocks it out.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Shorter again outside off stump, Pujara makes a leave.

Damn, another Indian batter who has been struck on the helmet. The back part of his helmet has broken off as well. The physio rushes out in the middle for the mandatory concussion test, but it looks like Pujara is okay to continue. 

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Nasty stuff! Bowls a bouncer on middle, Pujara goes for the pull but misses. The ball rushed onto the grill of the helmet. A piece of the equipment pops out as the ball hits the helmet.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Back of a length delivery on off, Pujara plays it towards point.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Length delivery outside off, Kohli shoulders arms to that. The Indian skipper has been very watchful so far. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Outside off again, Kohli is happy to leave that.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Outside off, left alone.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Good length delivery outside off, nipping away, Kohli looks to defend but is beaten on the outside edge.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Length delivery on leg, Kohli strides forward and nudges it on the leg side.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Touch fuller on middle, Kohli plays it towards point.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Down the leg side, Pujara leaves it alone.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Short ball on middle, Pujara does not play it. Good take by Watling behind the stumps.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Another bouncer on off, Pujara went for an upper-cut but pulls off at the last moment.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Pitches it full way outside off, Pujara lets it sail through.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Fuller on middle, angling in, Pujara blocks it out.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, ! Totally controlled shot! Pujara has waited a long time to open his account and now, he quickly gets two boundaries. Fuller length around off, Cheteshwar Pujara leans into the shot and drives it through the covers for a boundary.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Good length ball on off, played in front of point.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Length delivery on off, Kohli comfortably defends it towards point.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, On a good length on off, Kohli defends it watchfully.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Length delivery on off, Kohli taps it on the off side.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Fuller on off, Kohli defends it off the front foot towards covers.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Length ball on middle, Kohli blocks it out. 

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, ! Pujara finally gets off the mark. Takes 36 balls but gets underway in a stylish manner. Shortish ball outside off, Cheteshwar Pujara eyes light up as he packs a punch through point. 

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, On a good length around off, this is nudged to the leg side. 

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Around off, closer to Cheteshwar, as he taps this to the gully fielder. 

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Fuller way outside off, Pujara does not go chasing after this. 

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Shortish outside off, Pujara makes another leave. 

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Outside off, left alone. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, There was an appeal for caught behind but it is turned down. A length ball, around off, nipping away, Kohli looks to block but misses and the ball takes the back pad and goes to the right of BJ Watling, who dives that side and takes the catch. An appeal from bowler and keeper, but the umpire says no. The camera pans to Kane Williamson but it looks like he is not too confident about this and does not take the review. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Closer to the off pole, back of a length, VK hops and taps this to the off side. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Three leaves in a row as this is again, bowled outside the off pole. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Another leave as this was bowled outside off. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Outside off on a good length, VK watches it go by. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Around off, nipping away, length ball, Kohli keeps it out tentatively. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, First runs of the session! On the pads, helped to the fine leg region for one. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, On a shortish length outside the off pole, Kohli again is not interested in playing at this. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Still no run scored in the second session so far. Length delivery outside off, Virat shoulders arms this time.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Drags his length back and fires a short ball around off, Kohli sways away from the line of the ball. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Way outside off, Kohli leaves it untouched. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Good length delivery around off, Virat prods ahead and keeps it out. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, In the channel of uncertainty outside off, Pujara does not want to play at this. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, Length around off, pushed to covers. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, Around off, defended watchfully. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, Length, away moving from outside off, CP leaves this one be. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, Around off, defended out. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, An outswinger way outside off, Pujara, who is yet to open his account, is in no hurry as he leaves. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, A maiden to begin the second session! On a length around the off pole, this is clipped to the man at short mid-wicket. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Another pacy ball way outside off, Kohli makes another leave. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Fuller, but way outside off, no issues in Virat to see this one through to the keeper. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Another good looking shot but straight to the fielder. Around off, length ball, punched off the back foot to the cover fielder. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Fuller, around off, Kohli punches this one to the mid off fielder. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, A length ball outside off, Kohli leaves as the ball dies on the way to the keeper. 

We are back for the second session of play here. Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara are behind the boundary line, waiting to come out into the middle. Now, the Indian batters and Kiwi players come out. Neil Wagner to begin proceedings for the second session. 

... Day 2, Session 2 ...

Right then. A very good session for both the teams as they have made some strides into the game, but the Kiwis holds a slight advantage, having snared 2 wickets to their name. Who will take the next session? Will the duo of Kohli and Pujara make inroads or will the Kiwis make the ball talk and run through the middle order? An interesting session coming up. Join us shortly for the same. 

It was not all smooth sailing for New Zealand as their gun bowlers, Boult and Southee were struggling to find their rhythm and the Indian openers knew how to get on top of them. It was when Jamieson was brought on, that he started troubling the Indian batters. Kyle was the one who broke the opening stand, with assistance from Southee, who took a good catch and removed Rohit. Gill was sent back by a peach from Wagner and they ended the session nicely. 

The openers for India, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill were tentative to get going but did not let the Kiwi bowlers have any sniff. They kept motoring along and kept attacking the loose deliveries, and respected the good balls too. Within no time, they raised a 50-run stand and it looked like they could survive until the Lunch break, but the Kiwi bowlers did not let that happen. Sharma was sent back by Jamieson and Gill, the other opener, was Wagner's first success, in his first over. India went f

This has been a cracking start and a first session to the World Test Championship final. After having waited an entire day to watch proceedings get underway, we have been treated to a session of cricket, where both teams have had their say and it is a session, which has been shared by both sides. 

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Fuller on off, Pujara blocks it out. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 2.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Length delivery on middle, angling in, Kohli tucks it towards fine leg for a single.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Down the leg side, Kohli misses his flick. Watling collects it comfortably behind the stumps.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Fuller and outside off, left alone by Kohli.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Fuller outside off, Kohli watches the ball sail through.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Good length delivery outside off, seaming away, Kohli shoulders arms.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Bowls it full on middle, Pujara taps it back to the bowler.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Shortish delivery wide outside off, Pujara is happy to ignore that.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Fuller length on middle and leg, tucked away towards mid-wicket for a single.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Length delivery on middle, Kohli pushes it back to the bowler.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, On middle, Kohli blocks it watchfully.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, ! Classic Virat Kohli! Fuller length on off, Kohli leans into the shot and drives it through the covers for a boundary. He gets off the mark in some fashion.

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Bowls it fuller on off, driven towards covers.

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Shortish delivery on middle, Pujara hops and blocks it on the leg side.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, The man is deep at covers, due to Sharma attacking that area. Outside off, shortish, this is punched to sweeper cover for one. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Wow, what a start to the game. Runs straightaway for Rohit Sharma and India gets underway here. A fuller ball, on the pads, easy pickings for Rohit as he clips this through square leg. Neil Wagner gives it chase as the outfield is slow and does well to pull it back before the ropes. Three taken. 

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, On middle, Pujara blocks it out.

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Length ball on middle, Pujara taps it on the leg side. He wants a single but is sent back by Kohli.

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Good length ball on off, Pujara continues his leaving spree.

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Way outside off, good seam moment though, Pujara leaves it alone.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Good length delivery outside off, shaping away, Kohli leaves it alone. Successful start for Neil Wagner. A wicket-maiden!

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Fuller on off, Kohli pushes it back to the bowler off the front foot.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Length delivery outside off, Kohli shoulders arms to that one.

The skipper, Virat Kohli struts out into the middle. All eyes will be on him and he will want to impose himself early on. Surviving until Lunch will be the main aim, though. 

Neil Wagner to Shubman Gill, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Neil Wagner strikes in his first over itself and he is very, very happy with this. Good length delivery around off, nipping back in, forcing Shubman Gill to play. He went for an off side defense but misses. The ball gets the outside edge and it's a regulation catch for BJ Watling behind the stumps. Shubman Gill has to depart and both the openers have been sent back to the shed before Lunch. 

Neil Wagner to Shubman Gill, Back of a length delivery on middle, Gill hops onto the crease, pushes it back to the bowler off the back foot.

Change now. Neil Wagner is handed the ball now. 

Neil Wagner to Shubman Gill, Starts with a good length delivery on off, angling in, Gill defends it watchfully.

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Down the leg side, Pujara does not offer anything to that.

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Bowls a yorker-length delivery on middle, Pujara pushes it back to the bowler.

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Outside off, Pujara shoulders arms.

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Fuller outside off, swinging away, Pujara leaves it untouched.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Touch fuller on middle, Gill pushes it towards mid on for a quick single.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Length ball outside off, angling away, Gill watches it sail through.

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, Outside off, Pujara shoulders arms. Another maiden for Kyle Jamieson.

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, BEATEN! Peach of delivery on off, Pujara decides to defend it but misses. The ball whizzes past the outside edge, into the keeper's mitts.

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, On a good length on off, Pujara gets a thick inside edge into the inner thigh pad.

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, Short-pitched delivery on middle, Pujara ducks underneath.

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, Back of a length delivery on middle, Pujara is solid in his defense.

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, Fuller length on middle, Pujara defends it on the leg side.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Fuller on off, Gill drives it well but straight to the man at covers.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Good length delivery on middle, played towards mid on.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Typical outswinger from Southee on off, Gill leaves it untouched.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Down the leg side, Gill missed his flick. The ball gets carried through to the keeper.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Outside off, left alone.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Length ball outside off, Gill mistimes his shot, the ball goes towards point off the bottom half of the bat.

Tim Southee comes back on. 0/25 in his 5 overs. 

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, On the pads, CP misses his tuck away and the ball takes the thigh pad and goes to the right of the keeper, and lands safe. A top over from Jamieson, a wicket-maiden! 

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, Around off on a good length, nudged to the on side. 

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, Around off, dabbed to the point fielder. 

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, A fuller ball around off now, Pujara blocks it out. 

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, That's a good ball first up from Jamieson. Outside off, the ball seams back in as Pujara hops and makes a leave. 

Kyle Jamieson to Rohit Sharma, ! CAUGHT! That's the wicket they were looking for! Kyle Jamieson gets the important breakthrough. Bowls it fuller outside off, Sharma was leaving anything in that channel but not this time. He pokes at it and pays the price. The ball finds the outside edge and flies to Tim Southee at third slip. He does well to grab it with both hands diving to his right. Rohit Sharma walks back to the pavilion. Kyle Jamieson is pumped. He knows the importance of this

India's wall of the last few years, Cheteshwar Pujara makes his way out into the middle. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Shubman Gill, Straighter on middle and leg, Gill hops and works this through square leg and comes back for the second. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Outside off, no shot offered. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, ! Sharma is latching onto anything that is short and wide outside off. This time, he gets back and packs a punch through covers for a boundary. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Outside off, moving away, Rohit leaves it untouched. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Around off, kept out nicely. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Length and way outside off, moving away further, as Gill shoulders arms. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Slightly behind the good length and on off, Gill goes back again and blocks it out solidly. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Back of a length delivery around off, Gill hangs back and defends it out. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Around off on a good length, Gill taps this one to the cover region. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Outside off, length ball, the ball shoots up as Gill shoulders arms. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, A length ball, around off, this is punched through mid on for a couple of runs. 

First review of the game from Kane Williamson! It is for LBW and Ultra Edge confirms that there is an inside edge. Rohit Sharma does not go back and New Zealand lose a review as well. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Outside off, left alone.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Good length delivery in the corridor of uncertainty, Sharma lets it sail through.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Width on offer outside off, Sharma does not chase after it.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Back of a length delivery on middle and leg, worked on the off side.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, ! Absolutely lovely! Shortish delivery on off, Rohit Sharma punches it through the covers for a boundary. He brings up India's total to 50 as well. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Length delivery on the fifth stump line, Gill taps it towards covers.

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Steep bounce! Shorter delivery on middle, Gill steps out of the crease. He is taken aback by the bounce and gets hit on the grill of the helmet. 

Woahhh, Gill was hit hard on his helmet. The physio is seen running out into the middle now, to have a look at Gill. All good to continue. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Good length ball on off, shaping in, Gill shoulders arms to that one.

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, On a good length outside off, Gill leaves it alone.

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Good length delivery on middle, played towards square leg.

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Jamieson is getting some extra bounce here! Bowls it outside off, the ball hits the deck and shoots up. Gill watches it sail through.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Length delivery outside off, left alone.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, ! Width on offer outside off, Rohit Sharma takes full advantage of that. He stands tall and slashes it through point for a boundary.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Back of a length on off, Sharma steers it towards point.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Length ball on middle, worked towards mid-wicket.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Outside off, Rohit Sharma continues his leaving spree.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, BEATEN! Length delivery just around off, Sharma has a poke at it but misses. The ball whizzes past the outside edge into the keeper's mitts.

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Outside off, punched to the point fielder. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, What a comeback from Jamieson! The extra bounce saves Gill. A length ball, around off, jags back in sharply and bounces a little extra too, as Shubman Gill raises his blade and lets it through. Zips over the off pole into the keeper's gloves. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, ! Don't bowl anything short to this lad! On a shortish length, around off, Shubman Gill rides the bounce and pumps this one through mid-wicket. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Outside off, length delivery, Gill is untroubled by this delivery and makes a leave. 

DRINKS. India have started very well and both the openers will continue to take this partnership ahead. Rohit Sharma has been solid in his defense and cut shots, while Shubman Gill has been looking confident and is supporting Rohit well at the other end. The New Zealand bowlers continued to bowl outside off but Indian batters haven't given anything away. The Kiwi quicks will be looking to take a couple of wickets, whereas, this duo of Sharma and Gill will want to keep everything out of their w

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Fuller, but in the channel of the fifth stump, Shubman watches it go into the keeper's gloves. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, On middle, dropped to the leg side. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Third maiden in a row! On middle, Rohit's clip finds the square leg fielder. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Good length delivery on off, Sharma plays this one to the cover region. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Around off, RS nudges this to the square leg region. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Outside off, left alone. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Well fielded by the man there. Outside off, short of a length this time, Sharma goes back and punches this, but straight to the man at point, who stops well. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Starts off with a length delivery, on the fifth stump line, Sharma leaves it untouched. 

Colin de Grandhomme is brought into the attack.

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Back-to-back maidens for the Kiwis! Around off, Gill is on his front foot and he pushes this to covers. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Around off, slightly behind the good length, Gill looks to tap this one to the off side but the ball takes the inside edge and hits him on his pads. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Closer to the off pole and on a length, Gill draws forward and pushes this to the cover region. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Takes a few paces down the track, does Gill, but seeing that this ball was outside off and moving away, he watches it sail through into BJ Watling's mitts. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Similar line and length as the previous delivery, Gill, again wants no piece of this. Leaves. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, In the channel of uncertainty outside the off pole, Gill has no issues in letting this one be. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Around middle, dropped to the on side. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Changes it up and pitches this one full and way outside off, an easy leave for the Hitman. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Around off, length, RS does not want anything to do with this. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Slants across a length delivery across the right-hander, Sharma walks a few paces ahead, but does not offer a shot. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Boult with a beauty! A length delivery, fourth stump line, nips back in late but Rohit keeps his eyes on the ball and makes a good leave. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Slightly behind the good length, nipping in, around off, Rohit looks to defend but the ball takes the inside edge and hits Sharma on the pads. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, A carbon copy of the previous delivery. 4 off Kyle's first over! 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, An away swinger outside off, no reason to play at this and Gill leaves. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Around off, blocked out. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Outside off, shaping away, Gill makes a leave at the last moment. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, ! Solid looking stroke from Gill. An inswinger around off, Shubman Gill presents a straight bat and punches this through mid on and fetches a boundary for himself. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Starts beautifully! A length delivery, closer to off, nipping away, Shubman Gill is tempted to come ahead and block it out, but gets beaten on the outside edge. 

Change. Kyle Jamieson has been introduced into the attack. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Bowls it fuller on middle, Sharma is saved by the inside edge there! He looks to drive it on the off side but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Length delivery on middle and leg, swinging back in, Sharma clips it towards square leg off the back foot.

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Good length on leg, Sharma tucks it towards square leg.

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Length delivery on the pads, Sharma is late into his flick, the ball gets hit high on the pads. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Length delivery outside off, Sharma ignores it.

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, Touch fuller on middle, nipping back in, Gill tucks it towards fine leg for a single.

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Fuller on off, Sharma defends it watchfully towards covers.

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Outside off, left alone by Sharma

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, ! Full and outside off, Rohit Sharma cuts it through the point region. Two fielders give it chase but there is no stopping that. Excellent shot.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Overpitches it on middle, Gill digs his bat down and gently pushes it towards long off. Jamieson gives it a chase and dives to put the ball back in. He keeps it to three. Excellent effort by Jamieson as he saves one.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Length delivery outside off, Gill continues to leave anything that is in that channel.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Good length delivery on middle, Gill works it on the leg side.

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Fullish delivery on off, Sharma went for a drive but gets an inside edge. The ball goes to the man at mid on.

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, On a good length on middle, played towards mid-wicket.

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Length delivery on the pads, Sharma misses his flick. The ball hits the thigh pads and rolls on the leg side. He wants a single but Gill sends him back.

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Bit fuller on the fifth stump line, Sharma watches the ball closely and makes a leave.

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, Fuller length on off, Gill pushes it towards mid off off the front foot. He gets three before the fielder gives it a chase and throws the ball back.

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, Length delivery outside off, Gill does not offer any strokeplay.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, A good length ball, around middle and leg, Gill misses his tuck and gets struck on his pad. The ball goes to the on side and the batters take a leg bye, while Tim appeals, but this was sliding down leg. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Fuller length on pads, tucked towards deep square leg for a couple of runs. Good over for India. 10 coming off it.

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, BEATEN! That's the length Southee will be looking to bowl! Length delivery on off, Sharma looks to defend but misses. The ball zips past the outside edge, to the keeper.

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, EDGED AND ! A little bit of luck for Rohit Sharma! Fuller length delivery on middle and leg, Sharma digs his bat down a bit late. The ball swings away late and takes the outside edge and goes past the slip cordon for a boundary.

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Good length ball outside off, seaming away, Sharma leaves it untouched.

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Pitches this one full on leg, Sharma works it towards mid on.

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, ! Rohit Sharma gets into the act now! Slightly short and wide outside off, Sharma cuts it through the point region for a boundary.

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, Length delivery outside off, Gill leaves it alone.

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, Back of a length delivery on middle, Gill confidently pushes it back to the bowler.

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, ! Shubman Gill is so good on the pull! Boult drags his length back, bowls a short delivery on middle, Gill pulls it through mid-wicket for a glorious boundary. First boundary of the WTC final.

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, On a good length around off, Gill shoulders arms to that one.

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, Length ball outside off, Gill lets it sail through.

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, Fuller length on off, seaming in, Gill advances down the track and hits it towards point.

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, A length delivery around off, Sharma looks to block this out, but the ball takes the inside edge and hits him on the pads. Tim puts in an enquiry but the shake of the head from the umpire. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Angles in a length ball on middle and leg, Sharma looks to clip it away but closes the face of the bat early and the ball takes the outer half of the blade to the off side. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Similar line and length as the last ball, this time, Rohit is smart as he does not go fishing and leaves it be. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, That's a peach! A length delivery, around the fourth stump channel, the ball seams away beautifully as Rohit Sharma prods ahead and looks for the defensive block but gets beaten on the outside edge. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Around off, pushed to cover. 

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Worked nicely by Gill this time. Strays and delivers a length ball on the pads, Gill takes a few paces down the track and clips this one through square leg. The man at fine leg runs across and by the time the man can come across, the batters take three. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Length delivery around off, gently worked to the point fielder. 9/0 are India, at the end of the 4th over. 

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Big away movement noticed here. A length delivery, outside off, the ball nips away sharply as Gill makes a leave. 

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Another length delivery down the leg side, Gill look to tuck this one away but he misses. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Around off, defended watchfully by Rohit. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Angles a length ball across the right-hander, as Sharma makes a late leave. 

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, Gill is off in a streaky manner! A length ball, nipping back in around off, Gill looks to push but the ball takes the inside edge and goes through square leg, for one. 

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, Makes Gill play this time, does Trent. Around off on a length, worked to the off side. 

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, What a delightful ball and a good leave too. A length ball outside off, the jags back in at the last moment as Gill raises his blade to let this one through, and the ball whistles past the off pole, to the keeper. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, A length delivery around off, Rohit pushes this one gently through covers and collects a couple as two men chase the ball down and clean up in the deep. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Another good leave! Outside off on a length, seams away yet again as RS shoulders arms. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Fuller around off, Sharma plants his front foot ahead and pushes it to point. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Another length delivery, outside off, nips away from the right-hander as Rohit does not offer a stroke. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, A good length delivery on the fourth stump line, Rohit hops up and makes a well calculated leave. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, A couple to end the over! A full toss around off, Sharma taps this through mid off with the toe end of his bat and collects a brace. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Fuller on off, RS pushes it back towards Trent. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Length delivery outside off, Sharma leaves it be. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, OHHHH, that was close, but Gill makes it back in time, otherwise, he would have been run out. A length ball, around off, Rohit looks to block but the ball takes the inner half and goes to the square leg region. Sharma does not want the run, Gill is down the track, anticipating a single. Sharma sends him back and there is a throw to the non-striker's end as Gill dives back full stretch and comes back in. Well done by Gill to come back in time. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Gets it right this time, does Boult. A length delivery, around off, Rohit prods ahead and keeps the ball out nicely to the cover region. 

Trent Boult will bowl from the other end.

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Boult starts off with a back of a length delivery, down the leg side, swinging past Rohit and BJ Watling does well to dive to his left and collect the ball. 

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Just 3 off the first over then! A fuller ball, around off, Gill jams it back to the bowler, as Tim Southee collects the ball and mimes a throw back towards Gill, who rushes back into his crease. 

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, This was better from Southee. A good length delivery, outside off, the ball seams away again as Shubman does not want to go chasing after this. 

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Loses his radar here, Tim. Slips this one down the leg side as Gill misses his tuck away. 

Well then, all set for the action to get underway now! The excitement is palpable and the crowd seems to be voicing it out too. The Kiwi players are in a huddle, as Kane Williamson shares his last words of wisdom, before they spread out on the field. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill are the openers for India and they make their way out too. Tim Southee has the ball in hand, ready to steam in. Here we go...

We are ready for proceedings to begin. Both the teams make their way out into the middle and stand side-by-side. Time for the National Anthems now. First, it will be the Anthem of New Zealand, followed by India. 

Virat Kohli, the Indian skipper, says that they would have liked to bowl first as well but runs on the board have been their strength as well and they will look to put runs on the board. On tinkering the playing XI based on the conditions, Kohli opines that they have gone with the same eleven as announced and the balance in their side is good and the spinners could have a go if needed. Opines that they need to be professional here and feels that their level of cricket in the past 4-5 years has b

India (Playing XI) - Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (C), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah. 

New Zealand (Playing XI) - Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling (WK), Colin de Grandhomme, Kyle Jamieson, Neil Wagner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult. 

Kane Williamson, the New Zealand captain, says that with the conditions around them, they will make the most out of it. Goes on to say that they have gone with four frontline seamers. Adds that India is the best team in the world and they are very excited to play them in the final. Mentions that BJ Watling has been a great leader within the group. It is a great occasion for him to play the last game. Finally says that they have been trying to qualify for two years and are fortunate to be here.

TOSS - The captains are ready. Kohli and Williamson march out into the middle for the all-important toss, as both the captains will want to win the toss, looking at the conditions out there. Up goes the coin and lands in the favor of Kane Williamson! NEW ZEALAND HAVE ELECTED TO BOWL FIRST! 

... Day 1, Session 2 ...

Update 1330 local (1230 GMT) - We have some positive news for you. It has stopped raining but the covers remain firmly on and the groundsmen are hard at work. There is still a lot of work to be done though to make the ground fit to play but rain stopping is one positive. Stay with us for further updates.

Update 1400 local (1300 GMT) - Some more positive news as the umpires came out to have an inspection and they have decided that they will have another inspection at 1500 local (1400 GMT). Let's hope that we get some positive news then.

... Day 2, Session 1 ...

Time for take 2! We tried with all our might and collective prayers to ensure that we could have some play on Day 1 but the rain gods had written our fate preventing even the toss from taking place. So, here we are, on Day 2, with some fresh hopes and aspirations that we could see some action and the signs are good. The weather forecast is significantly better than it was on Day 1 and there are positive signs that we will have some action today. On that note, we hand you a warm welcome to our co

PITCH REPORT - Simon Doull is down for the pitch report. He is joined by Sunil Gavaskar. Sunny says that a new ball bowler would enjoy bowling here and there is a fair amount of grass on this deck. Doull says that the seamers will dominate more, also keeping in mind the overcast weather and opines that spinners might come into play if the sun comes out. Gavaskar feels that the batters must be very aware and careful, for the first 30-45 minutes and they should look for quick singles. 

The Indian coach, Ravi Shastri is in for a chat! He says that they were in the team room yesterday and were eager to start the match yesterday. Adds that they are all ready for today's play. Further states that the kind of attack they have doesn't depend on what pitch they play. Mentions that both the teams will fight for the WTC and it is above all the World Cups. He says that when it comes to competition, nothing beats Test cricket. Adds that nothing compares to play in a WTC final.

... Day 1 ...

The big day is here! Yes, you read that right! It is time for ICC WTC Final between India and New Zealand. After two years of hard work, we are down to the two best teams to fight it out for the coveted trophy. Both India and New Zealand have done really well in the ICC World Test Championship and it sure is going to be a clash of the ages. The weather is not ideal as there is rain predicted on all the 5 days and we hope that it stays away and we get a great match.

Weather update -  Not to be the bearer of bad news, but it is currently raining in Southampton and the pitch is under covers. The weather forecast is not great for the day but we are keeping our fingers crossed that we get to see some action. For now, it seems unlikely that we will get to see a prompt start. Stay with us.

Update 0951 local (0851 GMT) - We don't have good news for you as the first session has been washed out due to rain and the weather does not look good for the rest of the day. All we can hope for is that the rain clears and we get some play as soon as possible. Stay tuned for further updates.

Update 1102 local (1002 GMT) - There is nothing much to update as it is still raining in Southampton and it looks unlikely that we will get to play anytime soon. Stay tuned for further updates.

Update 1149 local (1049 GMT) - It does not look good folks. It is absolutely pouring down in Southampton and it looks gloomy for the rest of the day as well. All we can do is wait and hope that this clears as soon as possible and we get some play on Day 1.

Regarding team news, India have already announced their playing XI with Siraj, Saha, Vihari and Umesh missing out from the 15. They have a strong XI and they can certainly give a challenge to the Kiwis. New Zealand, on the other hand, will welcome back the players who missed out on the last Test against England but the question is who will they replace? We will find out.

Update 1446 local (1346 GMT) - PLAY HAS BEEN ABANDONED FOR THE DAY! Well, this was coming as the rain was very heavy throughout. It had stopped for a while and the umpires were due for an inspection but the rain returned and forced the umpires to call it off early. It was a disappointing day as a lot of people were waiting for this game to start as it is a big game but the rain Gods have had their final say on Day 1. We return on Day 2 to go again. Let's hope that the rain stays away and we get

Update 1230 local (1130 GMT) - It is still raining in Southampton and there is a high chance that we might not get to see any play in the second session as well. Yes, Lunch has been taken in Southampton. The ground has taken a real beating and it will take a lot of time to clean it up but for that, the rain has to stop. Let's hope that it does. Stay tuned.

Now it is time for the Kiwi reply, their bowlers have done the job and it is now time for their batters to do their bit. Not going to be easy as it is not the ideal conditions to bat on. The question is, can the Indian bowlers capitalize? We will find out in a bit.

India will be disappointed with how they performed today. The problem for them was, they kept losing wickets at regular intervals and none of their batters went onto make most of the starts they got. Not even a single half ton. Yes, the conditions are tough but one believes, they should have gotten over the 250-run mark. Right now, they are probably a little under par.

4 wickets in the first session and three wickets in no time, within half an hour in the second session for the Kiwis. Jamieson is undoubtedly the star for them with a fifer. Everybody bowled well, Bew Zealand through will be a little disappointed with Southee but the others made up for it and Williamson will be pretty pleased after he elected to bowl.

A huge round of applause for the Kiwis as they make their way off the field. It has been an outstanding effort from them today. It was India who started today in a good position but it is the Kiwis who have their noses ahead at the moment.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, ! TAKEN! Jadeja has been strangled down the leg side and INDIA HAVE BEEN BOWLED OUT FOR 217! Not the best of deliveries, it is down the leg side. Jadeja looks to flick, it goes off the inner half a little too fine and Watling dives to his right and takes it.

Kyle Jamieson to Jasprit Bumrah, ! LBW! Kyle Jamieson with a 5-fer in the most important fixture. His consistency pays off. An inswinger, on middle and leg, Bumrah looks to defend it but misses. As the ball goes through and hit the pads. Kyle Jamieson and the Kiwis make a loud appeal for LBW and the umpire raises his finger in a flash. A hat-trick ball now for Jamieson.

Kyle Jamieson to Ishant Sharma, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! With this Kyle Jamieson gets his fourth wicket. It is a treat to watch this lad bowl. Good length ball, outside off, Sharma moves across the stumps which make him play at it. He looks to push it through the off side, but the ball takes the outside edge and flies towards Ross Taylor at first slip, who takes the catch calmly. Eight down now the Indian team.

Kyle Jamieson to Mohammed Shami, ! What a great way to get off the mark, the pressure of the hat-trick ball does not trouble Shami at all. This is full and outside off, Shami leans and slashes it through the cover region for a boundary.

Shami is the last man in. He'll be facing the bat-trick ball.

Jasprit Bumrah walks out to bat!

Kyle Jamieson to Ishant Sharma, Good length ball, outside off, coming back in. Sharma leaves it watchfully.

Kyle Jamieson to Ishant Sharma, A loud appeal for LBW turned down. Full and on off, Sharma looks to defend it but misses and gets rapped on the back pad. Missing the off stump.

Kyle Jamieson to Ishant Sharma, BEATEN! Kyle Jamieson has been brilliant with the ball today. A full ball, outside off, nipping away. Sharma looks to defend it but misses.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, Another one outside off, shaping away. Left alone. Ishant will be on strike again.

Trent Boult to Ishant Sharma, Another single! Outside off, Sharma plays it late and through point for one.

Trent Boult to Ishant Sharma, On off, Ishant walks right across and blocks it.

Trent Boult to Ishant Sharma, Outside off, left alone. 

Trent Boult to Ishant Sharma, Beaten! That swung a long way. It lands around middle and then shapes away. Sharma looks to defend but is beaten. It keeps moving as it gets to the keeper who dives and collects it.

Trent Boult to Ishant Sharma, Edged but short! Really nicely played in the end! Shorter and on off, Ishant hops, rides on top of the bounce and plays it on the bounce to third slip.

Who will bowl from the other end? It is Trent Boult who comes into the attack. His figures 20-4-46-1 so far.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, A dot to end then! On middle, this is pushed back to the bowler.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, Really good fielding again! This is fuller and on off, Jadeja drives it square on the off side. Colin dives to his right and stops it. No single taken too.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, Length yet again and outside off. Left alone nicely.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, From around the wicket now goes full and outside off, left alone.

The New Zealand fielders stride out in the middle. Followed by Ravindra Jadeja and ​​​​Ishant Sharma with their swords. Kyle Jamieson to start with the ball. Surprisingly enough, the sun is out post Lunch. Hope it stays around for a while.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, Brilliant fielding! This is fuller and on middle, it is driven nicely but the fielder at mid on dives to his right and saves at least two.

Kyle Jamieson to Ishant Sharma, Straightaway a run for India. It is off the inner half but a single. Fuller and this one tails back in from outside off. Sharma looks to drive but it goes off the inner half towards fine leg for one.

...Day 3, Session 2...

Right. All about New Zealand in this session as they have ensured that the middle order of India does not trouble them much. Although, can Jadeja, help them get around the 250-run mark. Will he manage to hang around? Or will the Kiwi bowlers continue their good work? Join us at 6:10 pm IST (1240 GMT) for the second session to find out. 

Jadeja has the tail with him now and India will hope he can somehow take them to a score around 230 or 240. New Zealand on the other hand, would want to finish things off quickly. Can they do so?

Jamieson got Kohli and Pant quite early in the session. Rahane also did not last long and at that time, it seemed they would be bowled out before Lunch. Ashwin and Jadeja though hung in there and took India over 200 but Ashwin too fell after that just before Lunch.

A really good session for the Kiwis. 4 wickets is what they have got and one can say they are probably on top, not by a lot but certainly on top.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, A loud shout from behind the stumps for a caught behind but the umpire is unmoved.. A touch short, on the body line. Ravindra Jadeja looks to flick it but misses. But there was some sound, but not off the glove. ITS TIME FOR LUNCH ON DAY 3. INDIA END THE SESSION AT 211 for 7.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, This is full and on middle, Jadeja defends it back to the bowler.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, Beauty by Trent Boult. Good length ball, outside off, swinging away. A good leave by Ravindra Jadeja.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, Full ball, around middle and leg, Jadeja defends it to the leg side.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, Full, outside off, Jadeja drives it through covers for a couple.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, Back of a length ball, on off, Jadeja is surprised by the bounce and tries to sway away from the line of the delivery, but was unable to do that. The ball clips of his chest and goes to the keeper.

Tim Southee to Ishant Sharma, Down the leg side. Left alone.

Tim Southee to Ishant Sharma, Almost drags it on! This is just outside off, Ishant is unsure whether to play at it or not. In the end, he looks to leave but it goes off the inside edge, just past the off pole.

Tim Southee to Ishant Sharma, Two! Fuller and around off, Sharma strokes it through covers for two.

Tim Southee to Ishant Sharma, Short and down the leg side, Sharma lets it be.

Tim Southee to Ishant Sharma, This is fuller and around off, it shapes away. Ishant looks to play it with a straight bat. It goes off the outside edge towards gully.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, On middle, this is worked around the corner for one. A single then off the first ball. Ishant has 5 balls to face now.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, ! A rare mistake in the slip cordon for New Zealand. A length ball, outside off, Jadeja looks to drive but the ball takes the outside edge and flies to Tim Southee at the slips, who is unable to hold the ball. The batters sneak a single.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, Fuller and on middle, Jadeja blocks it to cover.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, Full and on off, Jadeja defends it solidly.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, A touch short on off, Jadeja wanted to play it initially but decides to leave it in the end.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, Fullish and on off, Jadeja keeps it out solidly.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, BEATEN! On a length, outside off, nipping away, Jadeja looks to defend but misses.

Tim Southee to Ishant Sharma, Good length ball, way down the leg side, into the keeper's glove.

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, ! CAUGHT! A nice comeback by Tim Southee as he gets the better of Ashwin this time. Maybe Ashwin got carried away after that boundary. This is full and outside off, Ashwin extends his arms and decides to chase this one. But only managed to get the outside edge and Tom Latham takes yet another sharp catch at second slip. An important and helpful cameo of Ravichandran Ashwin comes to an end.

Ishant Sharma walks out to bat now!

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, ! Ashwin looks in some fine touch now. A touch short, on off, Ashwin camps back and punches it through cover for a boundary. Moves to 22.

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, On off, defended solidly.

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, On a length, on off, Ashwin drives it through mid off for a coupl. 200 up for India. The crowd is delighted.

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, Good length ball, down the leg side. Ashwin looks to flick it but misses.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, Full and on off, Jadeja defends it watchfully.

Trent Boult to Ravindra Jadeja, A length ball, down the leg side, Jadeja looks to flick but misses.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, On a length, on middle, Ashwin tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, Quicker, good length ball, outside off, Ashwin lets it go to the keeper.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, On a length,  on off, Ashwin blocks it to cover.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, Short of a length on middle, Ashwin pushes it back to the bowler.

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, Fuller and on off, Ashwin drives it down the ground, past mid off. Neil Wagner gives it a chase and was able to cut it off in time. The batters come back for three.

A bit of an issue with the ball. Kane Williamson showed it to the umpires after it got wet post that drive from Ashwin but the umpires are happy with it. No change.

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, EDGY ! Up and over the slip cordon. A length ball, nipping away, Ashwin looks to go hard at it, the ball takes the outside edge and over the slip region for a boundary at third man.

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, Fullish and on off, Ashwin drives it to cover but cannot find the gap.

Tim Southee to Ravichandran Ashwin, BEATEN! What a beauty! A length ball, on off, swinging away, Ashwin looks to drive but misses as the ball zips past the outside edge.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, Full again, on middle, Jadeja clips it through mid-wicket and gets a single. Moves to 11.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, Fires in a full ball, on off, Jadeja blocks it out watchfully.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, ! A nice way to end the over. Ashwin uses his wrists this time. A length ball, on the pads. Ashwin flicks it past mid-wicket and finds the boundary.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, Fullish, on off, Ashwin works it to short mid-wicket.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, A length ball, on off, Ashwin drives it through cover for a couple more.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, An inswinger, attacking the stumps, Ashwin flicks it through mid-wicket for first runs. He collects two.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, Back of a length ball, on off,  Ashwin goes back and defends it, but the ball takes the outside edge and lands just a few spaces in front of point.

Trent Boult to Ravichandran Ashwin, Good length ball, outside off, Ashwin lets it go to the keeper.

Trent Boult to bowl as well. 16-4-34-1 so far.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, Full toss, around off, Jadeja pushes it to mid on.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, A full ball, outside off, Jadeja extends his arms and taps it down to slip cordon.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, Again a carbon copy of the previous delivery, Jadeja works it towards mid-wicket.

THE SECOND NEW BALL HAS BEEN TAKEN. New Zealand have around 30 minutes to try and get it into effect.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, An inswinger, full on off, Jadeja blocks it out watchfully.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, Good length delivery, way outside off, Jadeja shoulders arms to it.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, Southee coming around the wicket. Serves a length ball, outside off, Jadeja has no stroke to offer.

Neil Wagner to Ravichandran Ashwin, A touch short, on off, Ashwin tucks it to the leg side.

Neil Wagner to Ravichandran Ashwin, Back of a length ball, around middle and off, Ashwin blocks it back to the bowler.

Neil Wagner to Ravichandran Ashwin, Good length ball, around the hips, Ashwin tucks it to square leg.

Neil Wagner to Ravichandran Ashwin, A touch short, on off, Ashwin stays back and defends it onto the pitch.

Neil Wagner to Ravichandran Ashwin, Full, on off, Ashwin drives it to cover.

Neil Wagner to Ravichandran Ashwin, Back of a length ball, around off, Ashwin leans back and lets it go to the keeper.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, On a length, outside off, this one comes back in sharply, Jadeja shoulders arms to it.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, A length ball, outside off, Jadeja lets it go to the keeper.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, Good length, outside off, swinging away, left alone by Jadeja.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, Full and down the leg side, Jadeja looks to flick but the ball stays away. BJ Watling this time dives to his right to stop the ball.

BOWLED! But not out. Why? Because Ravindra Jadeja backed away at the last possible moment. Southee was just about to deliver. He delivers the ball and it hits the leg stump. Dead ball signalled. Replays show that Jadeja was looking at the ground till that moment and suddenly when he looked up, Timothy was right up, charging in.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, Another, length ball, on off, nips in, Jadeja keeps it out.

Tim Southee to Ravindra Jadeja, On a length, coming back in, Jadeja blocks it out solidly.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, ! CAUGHT! A change in the fielding position pays off. Wagner strikes this time. The short ball, does the trick for New Zealand. Back of a length delivery, outside off, Rahane is tempted again, and this time he connect it well, but hits it straight to the man at mid-wicket. Where Tom Latham takes a sharp catch. 

Tim Southee finally gets a bowl. 17-4-47-0 so far.

Neil Wagner to Ravichandran Ashwin, A loud appeal for Caught behind but the umpire is not interested. A full ball, down the leg side. Ashwin swings his blade but misses, as the ball goes through to the keeper, where BJ Watling dives to his left to make a top stop. The Kiwis thought there was a thin edge but nothing from the umpire.

Neil Wagner to Ravichandran Ashwin, A length ball, on middle, Ashwin looks to flick it but the ball takes the leading edge and rolls to the off side.

Ravichandran Ashwin walks in at number 8, replacing Ajinkya Rahane.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, In the air.. Safe! Back of a length ball, outside off, Rahane looks to pull it, but does not time it well. The ball takes the top edge and flies towards mid-wicket but it lands in a vacant region. Two taken.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, Full and outside off, Rahane drives it to mid off.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, A low full toss, on middle, Rahane nudges it to mid-wicket. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Ravindra Jadeja, ! Well played. Full ball, on off, Jadeja leans and drives it past mid off as the ball races towards the boundary rope at long off. The camera pans to the Indian dressing room where Virat Kohli stands up and applauds that shot. Clearly, India believe the time has come to start scoring some runs.

Colin de Grandhomme to Ravindra Jadeja, Another length ball, outside off, Jadeja lets it go to the keeper.

Colin de Grandhomme to Ravindra Jadeja, On a length, way outside off, Jadeja leaves it alone.

Colin de Grandhomme to Ravindra Jadeja, Full and outside off. An easy leave for Ravindra Jadeja.

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, On a length, outside off, Rahane works it to sweeper cover for a single.

DRINKS BREAK. End of a fine battling hour. 12.2 overs, 25 runs, 2 wickets. A game of attrition it has been. New Zealand have been right on the money while India are playing a game of patience. Just feel that this is the perfect stage for Ajinkya Rahane. He is at his best in the most trying conditions and he becomes crucial for India to get to 300. He has not played too many loose shots and looks in good rhythm. Kohli and Pant were kept quiet and worked over. The good thing for India is - it has

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, ! Clipped away! There we go. Jamieson is off and the scoreboard ticks on. A nice way for India to start the post-Drinks break. A touch fuller, on the pads, Rahane clips it towards fine leg for a boundary.

Neil Wagner to Ravindra Jadeja, A touch fuller on off, Jadeja blocks it solidly.

Neil Wagner to Ravindra Jadeja, BEATEN! Nicely bowled by Neil Wagner. A length ball, outside off, nips away. Jadeja looks to defend it but misses as the ball beats the outside edge.

Neil Wagner to Ravindra Jadeja, Good length ball, outside off, swinging away. Jadeja leaves it alone.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, Nice shot by Ajinkya Rahane. A full ball, on middle, Rahane removes his front leg and flicks it through mid-wicket. But the ball does not have the legs to reach the boundary. Three runs taken.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, Serves a full ball, on off, Rahane defends it watchfully.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, On a length, around leg, Rahane pulls it towards square leg for a couple. Good running.

We always marvel about New Zealand's fielding attributes. Since the start of 2019, for a minimum of 10 Tests played, New Zealand have recorded an efficiency of 91 percent in catching. That is an efficiency of taking 9 catches out of 10. They have always been good catchers, being nimble on their feet. It was started primarily by Brendon McCullum who just redefined fielding.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, Another short ball, on off, nips away, this one gets an extra bounce after hitting the deck. Good leave by Ravindra Jadeja.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, Back of a length delivery, around off, Jadeja sways away from the line of the delivery.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, Full, outside off, Jadeja pushes it through the cover region for a couple. Moves to 6.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, On a length, outside off, swinging away, Jadeja lets it go to the keeper.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Full and outside off, Rahane leans in and drives it through covers. The batters pick three before the fielder cuts it off.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Fires in a full ball, around middle, Rahane defends it solidly.

Neil Wagner to Ravindra Jadeja, Outside off, on a length, let through.

Neil Wagner to Ravindra Jadeja, EDGED, ! Full, outside off, swinging away, Ravindra Jadeja has a poke at it, with soft hands. The ball takes the outside edge but the soft hands prevent it from carrying to third slip. Tim Southee gets a very difficult chance to stop the ball as it lands right in front of him. Goes past his hands to the third man fence.

Neil Wagner to Ravindra Jadeja, Full, around middle, flicked straight to mid-wicket.

Neil Wagner to Ravindra Jadeja, Landed outside off, swinging away, left alone. 

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, This one swings in, Rahane flicks it towards backward square leg in the deep for a single.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, Full, around off, pushed towards cover by Ajinkya Rahane.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, Fuller, around off, solidly defended. Kyle Jamieson's figures read 19-12-21-3.

Kyle Jamieson to Ravindra Jadeja, Around off, on a length, pushed towards point.

Ravindra Jadeja walks in at number 7, replacing Rishabh Pant.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, ! CAUGHT AT SLIP! It is that man, Kyle Jamieson again. But this wicket is more to the fault of Rishabh Pant. Did he get carried away after that boundary? Too loose a shot. Perhaps he felt it is time to break the shackles. Full, wide outside off, Pant reaches out and looks to drive. The ball moves but the feet don't. An outside edge is taken and the ball literally flies to second slip where Tom Latham takes a very sharp catch. That was travelling. He pla

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, Around off, moving away, left alone.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, ! Rishabh Pant is off the mark on the 20th delivery he has faced. He has not quite middled it, but he will get a boundary. Full, outside off, Pant leans and looks to flick. Gets it off the lower part of the bat but the ball still races away through mid-wicket. Trent Boult gives it a chase from the 30-yard circle, puts in a late dive after the ball touches the ropes and comes second.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Around middle, nudged towards fine leg for a single.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, On a good length, outside off, coming in, Ajinkya Rahane shoulders arms. Ahhh wait. The third umpire has indicated to Michael Gough that Jamieson has overstepped. NO BALL is signalled but replays show that it was very, very tight. It cannot be said with total conviction that the foot landed on the line. Some part of the heel seemed to be behind the line.

Neil Wagner to Rishabh Pant, Full, around middle, Rishabh looks to flick but the ball swings away and goes off the leading edge towards cover. Back-to-back maiden overs.

Neil Wagner to Rishabh Pant, 40 balls. Number of deliveries bowled in succession without conceding a run off the bat. Tremendous discipline. Full, outside off, moving away, left alone.

Neil Wagner to Rishabh Pant, Fuller, outside off, swinging away, Pant sholders arms again. He is shoing great restraint and letting balls go. He has faced 17 balls and not scored a single run but it is just a matter of time before he gets going.

Neil Wagner to Rishabh Pant, Fuller, outside off, tempting to drive, Rishabh Pant holds himself back.

Neil Wagner to Rishabh Pant, On middle and off, flicked straight to mid-wicket.

Bouncer time! Here comes the first bowling change of the day. Neil Wagner it is. 10-3-28-1 so far.

Neil Wagner to Rishabh Pant, Full, outside off, swinging away, left alone.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller, around off, defended solidly by Ajinkya. Third successive maiden by Kyle Jamieson.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, That's another great delivery. Right in the channel, in the corridor of uncertainty, the avenue of apprehension, just outside off, Jinx is not sure whether to play at it or leave it. He initially looks to play but then decides the better of it. Is late and gets a bottom edge to first slip.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Closer than the previous one, but wide enough outside off to be left alone.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, On a good length, outside off, moving away, dabbed to gully again.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller, outside off, a touch wider, swinging away, Rahane looks to drive but is a bit loose and gets a thick outside edge. It lands short of gully.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Landed on a length, wide outside off, Ajinkya Rahane shoulders arms.

Trent Boult to Rishabh Pant, Outside off, moving away, pushed towards cover.

Trent Boult to Rishabh Pant, Ahh... that one keeps coming in with the arm and then straightens. This is because Trent Boult has kept his fingers on the seam and not allowing it to swing. RP looks to go hard at this one, aiming for a big booming cover drive but the ball lands outside off, straightens, takes the inside edge and hits the pads.

Trent Boult to Rishabh Pant, Similar ball, perhaps slightly wider, this is an easier leave for Rishabh.

Trent Boult to Rishabh Pant, Indecision. Outside off, on a length, Pant looks to push initially but then seems to be wanting to hold himself back. From the front angle, it looked like he missed the ball. But from the rear angle, the bat was withdrawn well before the ball could arrive. So, in a nutshell, nicely left alone.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, Review time! Jamieson reckons this is close. He feels this is hitting leg stump. Umpire Michael Gough shakes his head. Williamson goes with his bowler and takes the review. No bat involved. UMPIRE'S CALL! Saved by a hair's breadth! What a ball it was from Jamieson. He switched to over the wicket for this ball and got it to swing back in prodigiously. Rishabh Pant missed his flick and was hit on the pads. To the naked eye, it looked like it would swing down

Trent Boult to Rishabh Pant, Full, around off, swinging in, watchfully defended by Rishabh Pant.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, A length ball, around middle, Ajinkya Rahane looks to tuck but misses. The ball goes off his thigh pads towards fine leg. A leg bye taken. 150 UP FOR INDIA.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, Full, around middle, swinging down, Rishabh misses his flick and is hit on the pads.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, Gift from Kyle Jamieson. Brilliant from Rishabh Pant. Outstanding from Kane Williamson. Who says Test cricket is boring? Half volley, outside off, Pant leans and creams this through the covers. The ball races away off the turf but the Kiwi skipper dives to his right and makes a terrific stop.

Earlier this morning, Rishabh Pant was up for a chat. On being asked about how does he approach his batting, Pant says that he just tries to play his natural game all the time and keeps things very simple. Does not like to take too much pressure and keeps taking it over by over.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, Outside off, coming in, left alone.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, Outside off, Rishabh Pant reaches out and pushes it towards cover.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, On a good length, around off, coming in, watchfully defended.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Outside off, on a length, angling away, left alone. Successive maiden overs.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller, outside off, Ajinkya pushes this through the covers but Henry Nicholls dives to his right and makes an excellent stop.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Now comes the short-ball Test, around middle, Jinx ducks.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Another beauty. New Zealand's coach said that he wanted an extra 10 percent out of his bowlers this morning and he is getting it. Around off, fuller in length, Rahane plays for the inswinger but the ball pitches and then leaves him, going past the outside edge.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Nips back in a long way, Ajinkya Rahane walks across, looks to flick but misses and is hit high on the pads, almost around the groin.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Full, outside off, angling away, left alone.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, This one comes in a long way from around the wicket, fuller in length, Rishabh Pant looks to flick but misses and is hit on the pads. Going down leg.

Kyle Jamieson to Rishabh Pant, Almost a carbon copy of the previous ball. If any, this looked to be going down even more. Pant misses his flick again and wears it on his pads. Excellent over from Kyle Jamieson. His figures read 16-10-15-2.

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, ! LBW! Kyle Jamieson gets his man. Big, big blow early in the morning. That's 7 deliveries now that Jamieson has bowled in this innings, which would have hit the stumps and the 7th is one of the most important ones, because it has the skipper's name on it. Full, outside off, Virat Kohli looks to defend but the ball comes back in a long way and hits him on the pads. Jamieson appeals and up goes umpire Michael Gough's finger. Kohli walks down the pitch, ha

Rishabh Pant comes in at number 6, replacing his skipper, Virat Kohli.

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Around off, fuller than the previous one, watchfully defended.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, And next, he gets a beauty. The ball is not too dissimilar to the previous one and Ajinkya comes forward again. But this one moves away slightly and beats the outside edge. There is more. The keeper, BJ Watling, gets a wobbly seam ball and almost fumbles as the ball dips in late.

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Good leave, that is on line. On a good length, outside off, angling in, Kohli shoulders arms. The ball then moves away off the seam, generating oohs and aahs from the slip cordon. India have been leaving balls from Jamieson mostly on length, because of his height. 56 percent of the deliveries he has bowled in this innings, have landed on the good length area. Only 6 deliveries he has bowled so far, would have hit the stumps. Maybe, he needs to be a bit more fu

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, On a good length, around off, watchfully pushed towards cover by Virat Kohli.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Outside off, wider, easier leave for AR.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller, straighter, Jinx walks forward and drops the ball right at his feet, watchfully under his eyes. Perfection in showing how to play in England, with soft hands, as late as possible.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller, outside off, swinging away, Ajinkya Rahane shoulders arms.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Around middle, angling away, pushed towards point.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Good running. Around middle, Ajinkya Rahane nudges it through fine leg. The man is more at long leg, so there is an opportunity to come back for the second which India do not miss. The stand moves to 61.

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Ooohh...the big indipper from the big man. Comes in from well outside off, Kohli looks to work it to the leg side but misses and is hit high on the thigh. He does not know where the ball is and searches for it, looking for the single as well. The ball has actually gone back towards the stumps and Kyle Jamieson quickly rushes to effect the run out. But by then, the Indian skipper gets back in his crease and tries to stop the ball which has already stopped.

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Fuller, wider outside off, swinging away, let through.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, First run of the day. On a length, outside off, angling in, Jinx nudges it towards fine leg for a single. Moves to 30.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Game of temptation. Fuller and wide outside off, Rahane gets a big stride forward to reach to the pitch of the ball but lets it go.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Gentle loosener, wide outside off, Ajinkya Rahane is not tempted and shoulders arms.

Kyle Jamieson to bowl from the other end. 14-9-14-1 so far.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Around middle, on a length, nudged towards mid-wicket.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Full, outside off, a solid block from the Indian skipper.

Touchwood. No, literally go and touch wood. The umpires have said, play will start at 11 am local and it will definitely start at 11 am local. But there is no guarantee how long will the play go on. The light is very, very marginal and bad light could come into picture pretty soon. The New Zealanders march on quickly onto the field. They want to get as many overs as possible in these conditions. Out come Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane. Trent Boult to finish off his pending over. Kohli to face

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, On a length, outside off, angling away, Virat Kohli shuffles across slightly and pushes it towards Tom Latham at gully.

... GAME TIME ....

Shubman Gill is up for a chat. Gill says that India were in a precarious position last afternoon but the Kohli-Rahane partnership has calmed down some nerves. Wants the middle order to capitalize on this and get to 300. Is disappointed on missing out after a start but is happy that he could see off the first tough period. Maintains that his game is not dependent only on leaving balls but also on playing shots whenever the opportunity arises. On him using his feet to seamers, Gill says that he p

PITCH REPORT - The surface still looks a good one to bat upon and we can certainly see some footmarks. Shades of green here and there and that will interest the fast bowlers. The pitch as such looks a beauty, it is the heavens which could dictate terms, sometimes with the ball, but perhaps more with the mind.

UPDATE - 10.30 AM LOCAL (0930 GMT) - We have some good news coming our way. The umpires have given their nod for a 11 am local start, with the second and third sessions extended by 15 minutes each. Let's hope for plenty of cricketing action today.

UPDATE - 10 AM LOCAL (0900 GMT) - THE START OF PLAY HAS BEEN DELAYED. This has been confirmed owing to the persistent drizzle. There is an inspection scheduled at 10.20 am local (0920 GMT). Just had a look at the weather radar. We could positively have a start at around 11 am local and till 5 pm, there is no threat of rain. It is in the evening again that the band of rain returns, so we could get two sessions of cricket comfortably. The conditions are brightening up and there is just the sole ho

2014. The year which changed Virat Kohli as a player and as a person. Virat Kohli entered India's tour of England with a batting average of 39.5, with 6 centuries under his belt. Good enough? Absolutely. But then, came a nightmare, in the form of a certain James Anderson. Jimmy found out a technical flaw in Kohli's technique and similar to how Stuart Broad tormented David Warner during the 2019 Ashes, Jimmy tormented Kohli during that entire tour, where VK struggled to buy a run consistently. No

20th June, 2011. It was on this day that Virat Kohli made his Test debut, against West Indies, in Jamaica. Personally, it was not a good Test for him, with Fidel Edwards getting him out cheaply in both innings, but 10 years since, that man has become a legend. And it is not just his class or technique. It is his temperament as well, to bounce back from adversity and also - fitness. Kohli has gone on record to say that within a couple of years in international cricket, he understood that whateve

Discipline. Does the letter 'V' come anywhere in this word? No, it doesn't. But 'Super V' has mastered this word to the 'T'. What we witnessed on Saturday was a batting masterclass. 44 from 124 balls and factor this - Kohli scored his first boundary on the very 4th ball he faced. He did not score a single boundary in the next 120 balls. Amazing discipline. It was at that time that the Kiwis were finding their feet and Kohli decided to get his head down and grind. Other batsmen came in, got more

Helpful conditions for the bowlers? Well, this is what we felt on Saturday as well but the Kiwis wasted the new ball, by spraying it on both sides of the wicket and being a bit too short as well. This is Day 3 but as mentioned earlier, in terms of game time, it is Day 2 and normally in England, pitches tend to quicken up from the second day. There are still more than 15 overs left for the second new ball and India would certainly love to make use of those overs. All the same, the Kiwis might sea

Drip, drip, drip. It has begun. There is some time for the first ball to be bowled but the conditions are not that encouraging. It is not raining, but there is a slight drizzle, with a major portion of the ground covered. Cricket can certainly be played in these conditions, but as per the law, if you are not in the middle while it is drizzling, you cannot come out to play. So fingers crossed, we do have a start on time but the forecast suggests for another on-off day.

Hello and a warm welcome to Day 3 of the World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand. Technically, it is Day 3 but practically it is the second day as the first day was washed out, courtesy of the rain gods. But on Day 2, thankfully there were no leakages from the sky, as we were able to witness the most awaited match in the history of Test get underway. We can say that the first day was shared among the two teams as India are in a good position thanks to a strong start by Rohit

... Day 3, Session 1 ...

Right then. Keeping in mind that we had no action on Day 1, we should be quite pleased that we had some action on Day 2, even though bad light and rain kept poking their noses between us and the game. The forecast for the rest of the days is not too promising, but all we can do is hope. The action on Day 3 will begin at 1030 local (0930 GMT). We hope to have your company for the same. Until then, cheers and goodbye! 

New Zealand started poorly as they bowled some poor deliveries and they were punished. Tim Southee had a tough day with the ball as he just could not find the lines and lengths, which he did seem to find, towards the fag end of the day. Kyle Jamieson was the star as he bowled probing lines and lengths and did not give much away. Neil Wagner was also at his best while Trent Boult came back well after Lunch. New Zealand though improved after the Lunch session and they would not be too disappointed

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Short of a length delivery around off, Kohli hops and taps it to the off side. 

India managed to get off to a good start courtesy, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. They put the loose balls away and were looking good as they raised a 50-run stand, before Sharma departed. Gill fell soon after and Pujara soon after Lunch. Since then Kohli and Rahane have looked solid and have managed to stay unbeaten till Stumps on Day 2. Overall, they will be happy with their effort.

Well, it is Stumps on Day 2! This was coming with the Light not improving and the covers remaining firmly on. But whatever play we got, it was exciting to watch. One would feel that India have done well to see off the day with only 3 wickets lost. New Zealand did well too after a poor start and it was an engrossing day's play.

UPDATE 1805 local (1705 GMT) - The two umpires came out and had a look at the conditions out in the middle and then went onto have a chat with the New Zealand skipper, Kane Williamson. All signs point towards stumps but we still have to wait for the official confirmation. 

UPDATE 1735 local (1635 GMT) - Well, the covers are still on and the bad light does not seem to improve and the chances of any more play on Day 2 looks bleak. The umpires too are having a discussion out in the middle, might be making the final decision. Let's keep our fingers crossed though. Stay with us.

UPDATE 1710 local (1610 GMT) - Some more bad news coming our way. It has started to drizzle slightly as the covers are coming out into the middle. The chance of play resuming looks negative, but all we can do is hope that it stops soon and we can begin again. Stay tuned. 

UPDATE 1653 local (1553 GMT) - Well, well. This looks to be the trend in the past hour as the light meter comes out from the umpire, who has a look at the reading and decides that the light is poor to continue and the Indian batters head back, followed by the Kiwi players. To be fair to the umpires, the light has got slightly dim, over the past 5 minutes. Let's hope that the delay is a short one. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, A couple for the Indian skipper! Around off, length ball, worked behind point for two. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Angles a ball on the pads, AR works it through square leg for a single. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Slants a good length ball across the right-hander as Ajinkya does not want a piece of this. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Slips in a fuller ball down the leg side, Virat misses his tuck away. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, A carbon copy of the previous delivery. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Swinging away from outside off, left without any issues. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, On a fuller length and on middle, this is whipped through square leg, Kohli takes two with ease. Moves to 42. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Outside off, late swing noticed as Virat registers another leave. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Slower length ball outside off, no reason for Kohli to play at this. 

The umpire will check the ball once. Goes through the 8-ball gauge and the ball is deemed to be alright. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, A back of a length ball, on leg, Rahane looks to nudge this to the leg side but misses and gets hit on the pad. Another appeal for LBW but there is nothing from the umpire. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, On a good length on off, this is worked to mid-wicket. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off, Rahane prods ahead and pushes this to the mid off region. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Leg bye. On the pads, Kohli's attepmt to tuck does not pan out and the ball takes the pad and goes to fine leg. A leg bye is taken. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, An inswinger, around leg, Virat misses his tuck away and gets hit on the pad. A stifled appeal but the Kiwi players also know that this was going down leg. 

Change. Trent Boult comes back on. 11-1-29-1 so far. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Fuller around off, this is clipped to the man at short mid-wicket. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Another solid looking block to keep the ball out, to end the over. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off, Rahane shows the full face of the blade and smothers the ball out. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Angles in a full ball around off and middle, Rahane works it to the mid on region. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Outside off, away-angler, Jinks makes no attempt to play at that. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off and middle, Rahane looks to defend but the ball takes the inner half of the blade and runs away to the fine leg region for a couple. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Slightly behind the good length and around off, AR hops and works this to the on side. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Around off, VK nudges this to the man at square leg. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Short of a length ball, outside off, the awayswinger, Virat watches it go to the keeper. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, The batsman has just blocked that from his crease.

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Way outside off, no need to go fishing as Virat makes another leave. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Angling from outside off, closer to off, still away from the off pole as Kohli raises his blade and makes a leave. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, A good length ball on off, tapped to the backward point region. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Outside off, no shot offered. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off, worked to point. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, ! Southee drags his length back and bowls a short one around off, Ajinkya Rahane pulls this one through square leg for a boundary. 50-run stand also comes up between these two. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, On a good length around off, this is nudged to the man at mid on. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Length around off, pushed to the point region. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, An awayswinger around off, Rahane keeps a level head and keeps this out. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, On the pads, Kohli looks to tuck it away but misses and gets hit on the pad. An appeal but this was heading down leg, for sure. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, A length ball outside off, Kohli makes a leave. 

We are back! The light has become better and the players are coming back onto the field. We are all set to resume now. Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane come out now. Kyle Jamieson to complete his over now. 

UPDATE 1620 local (1520 GMT) - We hate to be the bearer of bad news as the square covers have also been brought on and that is not a positive sign. It does not look good folks but we can be hopeful. Stay tuned for further updates.

UPDATE 1558 local (1458 GMT) - There is a light meter check from the umpire and the umpire deems that the light is not enough for play to continue here. The players from both the teams walk back now. The covers have also come on as they might be expecting it to rain. Stay tuned for further updates. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, An action replay of the previous delivery. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Outside off, nipping away, VK has no interest in playing at that. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, A full toss outside off, pushed nicely to mid off. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Pushed to cover by the Indian skipper. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, ! A boundary to end the over. A good length delivery outside off, shapes away as Rahane plays this in the gap at gully nicely. Conway gives chase and he looks to pull it back, before the ropes, but looks like his foot was touching the boundary cushion. The TV umpire confirms the same. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Consistency from Southee! Around off on a length, the ball shapes away just a little bit this time, Ajinkya Rahane looks to defend inside the line, but the ball manages to whistle past his edge. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Another beauty from Tim! Around off, good length, late movement past the outside edge, as the ball misses Rahane's attempted defense. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Fuller on the pads, flicked to mid-wicket for one. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Around off on a length again, there is away seam movement as VK pushes at this again but misses. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Southee is asking questions, of the Indian batters. A length ball, around off, a typical Southee delivery as it shapes away, but Virat Kohli comes ahead, looking to push, but the ball evades his bat, to the keeper. 

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, ! That looked so good. Delightful shot. Even Kohli seemed pleased with it. A half-volley around off, Ajinkya Rahane just leans into this shot and creams it through covers. No point chasing after this. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Good running yet again. This is a back of a length delivery, around off, Virat Kohli goes back and punches this one through covers and by the time the man can clean up, the batters take three. 

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, In the air...safe! On a shortish length around off, Ajinkya Rahane looks to pull this one to the leg side but the ball takes the top edge and loops up towards fine leg, but falls well short of the man there. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Punched to the mid off region for a single. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, EDGED BUT SAFE! Drops short of the slip cordon. A length ball, around off, the ball moves away as Virat Kohli looks to defend this one out, with soft hands, but the ball takes the outside edge and drops ahead of Southee, at second slip. 

Neil Wagner to bowl from the other end.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, A good length ball around off, this is punched to the cover-point fielder. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off, defended. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, A back of a length ball, sliding down the leg side, Ajinkya Rahane looks to tuck this one away but he misses and the ball takes the top of the thigh pad and goes to the keeper, who appeals. The bowler joins in the appeal, but it is turned down. 

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, A length delivery, outside off, it nips away as Rahane watches it go to the keeper. 

Looks like the light has improved and the players are coming out into the middle. The Kiwi players are in a huddle, before they spread out on the field. Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane stride out too. Tim Southee to complete his over. 

UPDATE 1530 local (1430 GMT) - Looks like we have a bit of a delay here. It was rain, that played spoilsport and this time, bad light has come to the fore. It looks like we will have to wait some more for the third session to get underway. The umpires have a chat with Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson to inform them about the same too. Stay tuned with us for more updates. 

The Black Caps were on fire, coming out, after the first session, but the last hour has seen the Indian batters carve a name for themselves and come back slightly and score runs freely. Colin de Grandhomme has bowled well and has not let any batter dominate him, even though he is not a frontline bowler. All the other bowlers have made the ball talk and have asked questions to the Indian batters. Now, with the final session looming, both the teams will be looking to end the day on a good note. W

... Day 2, Session 3 ...

This session has been a tale of two sides - as the first hour belonged to the side bowling and the other side of the half belonged to the Indian contingent. Pujara and Kohli were going along at a very slow rate and were not finding runs quickly. Boult came in and struck to get rid of India's wall in recent years and Pujara had to take the long walk back to the hut. Kohli and Rahane also were scoring at a slower pace, but they were picking up the pace and even crossed the 100-run mark. It was the

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, Inswinging delivery on off, worked towards point.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, Touch fuller on middle, Rahane plays it towards mid on. A no ball as Wagner has overstepped.

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Good length delivery outside off, seaming away, Rahane watches the ball closely before making a leave.

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, Bowls it fuller on middle and leg, flicked towards square leg.

Tim Southee to Ajinkya Rahane, An action replay of the previous delivery. Rahane continues his leaving spree.

The umpires converge and think that it is getting pretty dark out there. They have a look at the light and decide that they can take an early tea here. Bad light stops play and IT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 2. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Shorter delivery on middle, Kohli sways away from it.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, Shortish delivery on middle, Rahane hops and flicks it towards square leg for a single.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, Good length delivery on off, Rahane keeps it out.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, On a good length on middle, angling in, Rahane pushes it back to the bowler.

Neil Wagner to Ajinkya Rahane, Length delivery on middle, played towards mid-wicket.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Good length delivery on off, Kohli misses out on his attempted defense. The ball goes off the outside edge towards gully. He collects a couple of runs.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Play and a miss! Very full outside off, curves away from him, Kohli can't resist playing a drive. The ball goes past the edge, into the keeper's mitts.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Fires a yorker on middle, Kohli jags his bat down and flicks it to mid-wicket.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Good length delivery outside off, Kohli lets it sail through.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Touch fuller on off, Kohli guides it towards gully for a brace.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Fullish delivery on off, Kohli stays back in the crease, drives it through covers with his head still. He gets two.

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, Length ball on off, Rahane defends it towards covers off the front foot.

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, Length delivery on off, worked on the off side.

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, ! After a long time, there is a boundary for India. Short of a good length on off, Ajinkya Rahane cuts it wide off the point fielder for a boundary. That shall give him some confidence.

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, On off, blocked out.

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, Good length delivery on off, Rahane looks to defend but misses. The ball goes off the inside edge onto the pads. He is not looking in his rhythm here.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Touch fuller on off, Kohli confidently taps it through point for one.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, 1 run in the last 12 balls! Around off, good length delivery, Kohli uses his wrists and clips this through mid-wicket. Retains the strike for the next over with a single. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Good length ball around off, Kohli pushes this to covers. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Fuller length by Southee, nips away from the right-hander, as the batter leaves. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Angles in a length ball around off and middle, Kohli shows the full face of the bat and works it back to Tim. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Pitches it up and outside off, Virat is not tempted. He resists. Leaves it alone. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Outside off, short of a length, nothing doing says Kohli, as he shoulders arms. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, Outside off, no shot offered from Rahane. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, Length around off, pushed to the off side. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off, punched off the back foot to the cover fielder. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, On a good length around off, pushed to point now. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, Length around off, Rahane looks to defend, but the ball takes the outer half of the blade, and goes to the gully fielder, on the bounce. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off, Jinks pushes it back onto the deck. 

Colin de Grandhomme is back on.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Maiden to begin Tim's second spell! Around off, length ball, Kohli looks to push at this but the ball takes the inside edge and hits him on his pads. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Outside off, shaping away, VK has no qualms in leaving it alone. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Another outswinger around off, Kohli works this to the right of mid off, and looks for the single, but does not risk it. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Punched to short covers. 

Tim Southee is brought back into the attack. 9-2-27-0 are his figures.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, That's a jaffa! Absolute beauty. A length ball, around off, shapes away from the last moment, as Virat Kohli gets squared up, looking to defend this one out. 

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, On a good length, around off, shaping away, Virat drives this to the man at short covers. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Length way outside off, Ajinkya leaves it alone. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, A solid looking front foot block this time. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, On a good length around off, Ajinkya Rahane leans ahead and uses his hands nicely to punch this one through covers. Kane Williamson chases after the ball and catches up, but not before the batters take two. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Outside off on a good length, Rahane raises his blade and leaves it be. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Length on off, blocked out. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Slight fumble in the deep and the batters take advantage of the same, coming back for the third. Around off, back of a length, Virat Kohli goes back and guides this through backward point. The fielder in the deep fumble and the third run is acheived. 

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Short ball on middle, Rahane ducks underneath.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Length delivery outside off, seaming away, Rahane shoulders arms.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller again on middle, Rahane face no trouble blocking this one out.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Good length ball on off, Rahane knocks it towards covers.

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Touch fuller on off, Kohli pushes it towards covers for a quick single. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Fuller on off, Kohli guides it towards point.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, NOT ! A poor review by the looks of things. A thick inside edge and New Zealand lose a review. Good length delivery on middle and leg, Rohit Sharma looks to defend but misses. Looks like the bat misses his bat and he gets pinged on his pad. Loud shout for an LBW but the umpire is unmoved. Kane Williamson takes a review. Ultra Edge confirms that there was a spike as the ball passed the bat. Sharma survives. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Swinging down the leg side, Rahane misses his attempted flick. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, On a good length on off, Rahane punches it off the back foot through cover-point for a couple of runs.

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Length delivery outside off, Rahane saw some width, and looks to drive it on the off side. But gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, The umpires take this upstairs but there was no edge on this and hence, Kohli does not lose his wicket. A length ball, down the leg side, Kohli looks to clip this one to the leg side but misses and BJ takes the catch. A very loud appeal for caught behind but the umpire says no. Kane Williamson is looking around, thinking if he should take the review but they do not take it. The umpires converge and take this upstairs to see if this is a clean catch. Replays sh

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Touch fuller on middle, Rahane blocks this one out off the back foot.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Fullish delivery on middle, Kohli flicks it past the diving short mid-wicket fielder and gets three runs.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Good length delivery on off, Kohli taps it towards covers.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Big inward movement there! Length ball on middle and off, Rahane works it on the leg side.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Outside off, Rahane leaves it for the keeper to collect.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller on off, angling away, Rahane defends it watchfully.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller on off, Rahane blocks it out.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Length delivery on the pads, Rahane doesn't dig his bat down and gets struck on the pads. It was going down leg though.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Bowls an outswinging yorker on middle, Rahane pushes it back to the bowler.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Length delivery on middle, Kohli's bottom hand comes into play, as he flicks it to deep square leg and grabs a brace. Excellent running between the wickets.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Back of a length on off, Kohli pushes it towards point.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Short ball on middle, Kohli hops and plays it onto the crease.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Good length on off, played towards covers.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Length delivery on off, Kohli gets an inside edge as he looks to defend. The ball rolls on the leg side.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Starts with a bouncer on middle, Kohli ducks under it.

DRINKS. New Zealand would have been the happier of the two sides, with how the first hour of the second session has gone by. They have not let the Indian batters score runs easily and have been bowling probing lines and lengths. Pujara has been sent back and Kohli and Rahane are out there, looking to make the most of this. Can they steady things for India? Or will the Kiwi bowlers continue their good work? Let us find out. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Outside off, pushed to covers. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off, pushed to the mid off region for a quick single. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, Short of a length around off, kept out. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, An inswinger around off, Kohli pushes this through covers for one. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Fullish and swinging back in, VK defends. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, A back of a length ball on off, Kohli taps this to point. 

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Short of a length delivery on off, Rahane defends it watchfully.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Beaten! Good length delivery outside off, Rahane is tempted to have a poke at it. The ball zips past the outside edge, to the keeper's gloves.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, On length outside off, Rahane shoulders arms.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Length ball outside off, Rahane watches it pass by.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller and outside off, Rahane decides to leave.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Good length delivery, swinging in, Rahane leaves it untouched.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, No run.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, 1 run.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, No run.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Length ball outside off, Rahane makes a well calculated leave. 

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Around off, dabbed to the off side. 

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller around off, pushed to point. 

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Awayswinger outside off, Rahane watches it closely and leaves. 

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Outside off, left alone. 

Both the umpires converge and take it upstairs. They want to check if it is a clean catch by BJ Watling. The replays show it is. Now they check the Ultra Edge and there is no bat involved.

Kyle Jamieson to Ajinkya Rahane, Around middle, huge inswing, tucked to the leg side. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, A bouncer on middle and leg, the Indian skipper sits under this. 

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, Short of a length ball around off, Kohli hops and pushes it back to the bowler. 

Trent Boult to Ajinkya Rahane, A gift to Jinx and he gets off the mark! A fuller ball, on leg, this is whipped through square leg for a single. 

Trent Boult to Cheteshwar Pujara, ! LBW! Boult strikes and Pujara's patient knock has come to an end. This is a brilliant delivery and Trent has struck and broken this stand, which was going along slowly, but nicely. A classic left-armer's delivery. A length delivery, around off and middle, comes back in as well. Cheteshwar Pujara is stuck as he looks to flick to the leg side but he misses. Gets struck on his pad and Boult puts in an appeal to the umpire, who does not take long to rai

Ajinkya Rahane walks out to bat at No.5.

Changes from both ends. Trent Boult is brought back into the attack. His figures read 6-1-11-0.

Trent Boult to Virat Kohli, A back of a length delivery around off, Kohli goes back and guides this through point. Takes one. 

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, Around off, Pujara blocks to point. The stand moves to 24 off 93 balls. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Jamieson this time decides to pitch this one up and bowl it on leg, Virat Kohli clips this one through mid-wicket. The man at deep square leg runs to his left and cleans up, but the batters take three. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Another leave as this was bowled outside off. Kohli is at 13 from 54 balls, taking his time, is the Indian talisman. 

Kyle Jamieson comes back into the attack. 7-4-10-1 are his figures so far.

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Seams away after landing outside off, Kohli watches the ball pass past him, to the keeper. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, On a length outside off, Virat, again does not go chasing. 

Kyle Jamieson to Virat Kohli, Length ball outside off, shaping away as VK leaves it be. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Good stop by the man at short covers. Around off, Kohli drives this one nicely through covers. The man there dives and half-stops the ball, but does not manage to stop the single. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Good running between the wickets by these two. Short of a length ball, around off, Virat Kohli guides this one through point and they run hard to come back for the second. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Short and around off, Virat gets low and sways away, letting the ball through. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, SLASH AND A MISS! Wagner has a smile on his face. On a shortish length and outside off, Kohli looks to play the upper cut but only flashes around the thin air around his blade. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Fuller but way outside off, Kohli resists the temptation to go after this and leaves it be. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Piches this one up and around off, Kohli closes the face of his bat and glances this to the mid on fielder. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, Good length, outside off, Pujara watches the ball pass by.

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, Fuller on off, Pujara defends it on the off side.

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, On off, Pujara blocks it out.

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, Length delivery on off, tapped towards third slip.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Fuller again and on off, Kohli exquisitely drives it through the covers. The fielder gives it a chase and keeps it to three.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Fuller length on middle, pushed back to the bowler.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Testing lines from Wagner! Shortish again on middle and off, Pujara lets it for the keeper to collect. 

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Outside off, Pujara leaves it without any trouble.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Fraction short on off, Pujara stays back in the crease, hops, and blocks it out.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Shorter again outside off stump, Pujara makes a leave.

Damn, another Indian batter who has been struck on the helmet. The back part of his helmet has broken off as well. The physio rushes out in the middle for the mandatory concussion test, but it looks like Pujara is okay to continue. 

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Nasty stuff! Bowls a bouncer on middle, Pujara goes for the pull but misses. The ball rushed onto the grill of the helmet. A piece of the equipment pops out as the ball hits the helmet.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Back of a length delivery on off, Pujara plays it towards point.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Length delivery outside off, Kohli shoulders arms to that. The Indian skipper has been very watchful so far. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Outside off again, Kohli is happy to leave that.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Outside off, left alone.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Good length delivery outside off, nipping away, Kohli looks to defend but is beaten on the outside edge.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Length delivery on leg, Kohli strides forward and nudges it on the leg side.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Touch fuller on middle, Kohli plays it towards point.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Down the leg side, Pujara leaves it alone.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Short ball on middle, Pujara does not play it. Good take by Watling behind the stumps.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Another bouncer on off, Pujara went for an upper-cut but pulls off at the last moment.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Pitches it full way outside off, Pujara lets it sail through.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Fuller on middle, angling in, Pujara blocks it out.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, ! Totally controlled shot! Pujara has waited a long time to open his account and now, he quickly gets two boundaries. Fuller length around off, Cheteshwar Pujara leans into the shot and drives it through the covers for a boundary.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Good length ball on off, played in front of point.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Length delivery on off, Kohli comfortably defends it towards point.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, On a good length on off, Kohli defends it watchfully.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Length delivery on off, Kohli taps it on the off side.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Fuller on off, Kohli defends it off the front foot towards covers.

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Length ball on middle, Kohli blocks it out. 

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, ! Pujara finally gets off the mark. Takes 36 balls but gets underway in a stylish manner. Shortish ball outside off, Cheteshwar Pujara eyes light up as he packs a punch through point. 

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, On a good length around off, this is nudged to the leg side. 

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Around off, closer to Cheteshwar, as he taps this to the gully fielder. 

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Fuller way outside off, Pujara does not go chasing after this. 

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Shortish outside off, Pujara makes another leave. 

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Outside off, left alone. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, There was an appeal for caught behind but it is turned down. A length ball, around off, nipping away, Kohli looks to block but misses and the ball takes the back pad and goes to the right of BJ Watling, who dives that side and takes the catch. An appeal from bowler and keeper, but the umpire says no. The camera pans to Kane Williamson but it looks like he is not too confident about this and does not take the review. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Closer to the off pole, back of a length, VK hops and taps this to the off side. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Three leaves in a row as this is again, bowled outside the off pole. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Another leave as this was bowled outside off. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Outside off on a good length, VK watches it go by. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Virat Kohli, Around off, nipping away, length ball, Kohli keeps it out tentatively. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, First runs of the session! On the pads, helped to the fine leg region for one. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, On a shortish length outside the off pole, Kohli again is not interested in playing at this. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Still no run scored in the second session so far. Length delivery outside off, Virat shoulders arms this time.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Drags his length back and fires a short ball around off, Kohli sways away from the line of the ball. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Way outside off, Kohli leaves it untouched. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Good length delivery around off, Virat prods ahead and keeps it out. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, In the channel of uncertainty outside off, Pujara does not want to play at this. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, Length around off, pushed to covers. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, Around off, defended watchfully. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, Length, away moving from outside off, CP leaves this one be. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, Around off, defended out. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Cheteshwar Pujara, An outswinger way outside off, Pujara, who is yet to open his account, is in no hurry as he leaves. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, A maiden to begin the second session! On a length around the off pole, this is clipped to the man at short mid-wicket. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Another pacy ball way outside off, Kohli makes another leave. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Fuller, but way outside off, no issues in Virat to see this one through to the keeper. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Another good looking shot but straight to the fielder. Around off, length ball, punched off the back foot to the cover fielder. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Fuller, around off, Kohli punches this one to the mid off fielder. 

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, A length ball outside off, Kohli leaves as the ball dies on the way to the keeper. 

We are back for the second session of play here. Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara are behind the boundary line, waiting to come out into the middle. Now, the Indian batters and Kiwi players come out. Neil Wagner to begin proceedings for the second session. 

... Day 2, Session 2 ...

Right then. A very good session for both the teams as they have made some strides into the game, but the Kiwis holds a slight advantage, having snared 2 wickets to their name. Who will take the next session? Will the duo of Kohli and Pujara make inroads or will the Kiwis make the ball talk and run through the middle order? An interesting session coming up. Join us shortly for the same. 

It was not all smooth sailing for New Zealand as their gun bowlers, Boult and Southee were struggling to find their rhythm and the Indian openers knew how to get on top of them. It was when Jamieson was brought on, that he started troubling the Indian batters. Kyle was the one who broke the opening stand, with assistance from Southee, who took a good catch and removed Rohit. Gill was sent back by a peach from Wagner and they ended the session nicely. 

The openers for India, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill were tentative to get going but did not let the Kiwi bowlers have any sniff. They kept motoring along and kept attacking the loose deliveries, and respected the good balls too. Within no time, they raised a 50-run stand and it looked like they could survive until the Lunch break, but the Kiwi bowlers did not let that happen. Sharma was sent back by Jamieson and Gill, the other opener, was Wagner's first success, in his first over. India went f

This has been a cracking start and a first session to the World Test Championship final. After having waited an entire day to watch proceedings get underway, we have been treated to a session of cricket, where both teams have had their say and it is a session, which has been shared by both sides. 

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Fuller on off, Pujara blocks it out. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 2.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Length delivery on middle, angling in, Kohli tucks it towards fine leg for a single.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Down the leg side, Kohli misses his flick. Watling collects it comfortably behind the stumps.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Fuller and outside off, left alone by Kohli.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Fuller outside off, Kohli watches the ball sail through.

Tim Southee to Virat Kohli, Good length delivery outside off, seaming away, Kohli shoulders arms.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Bowls it full on middle, Pujara taps it back to the bowler.

Neil Wagner to Cheteshwar Pujara, Shortish delivery wide outside off, Pujara is happy to ignore that.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Fuller length on middle and leg, tucked away towards mid-wicket for a single.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Length delivery on middle, Kohli pushes it back to the bowler.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, On middle, Kohli blocks it watchfully.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, ! Classic Virat Kohli! Fuller length on off, Kohli leans into the shot and drives it through the covers for a boundary. He gets off the mark in some fashion.

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Bowls it fuller on off, driven towards covers.

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Shortish delivery on middle, Pujara hops and blocks it on the leg side.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, The man is deep at covers, due to Sharma attacking that area. Outside off, shortish, this is punched to sweeper cover for one. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Wow, what a start to the game. Runs straightaway for Rohit Sharma and India gets underway here. A fuller ball, on the pads, easy pickings for Rohit as he clips this through square leg. Neil Wagner gives it chase as the outfield is slow and does well to pull it back before the ropes. Three taken. 

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, On middle, Pujara blocks it out.

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Length ball on middle, Pujara taps it on the leg side. He wants a single but is sent back by Kohli.

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Good length ball on off, Pujara continues his leaving spree.

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Way outside off, good seam moment though, Pujara leaves it alone.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Good length delivery outside off, shaping away, Kohli leaves it alone. Successful start for Neil Wagner. A wicket-maiden!

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Fuller on off, Kohli pushes it back to the bowler off the front foot.

Neil Wagner to Virat Kohli, Length delivery outside off, Kohli shoulders arms to that one.

The skipper, Virat Kohli struts out into the middle. All eyes will be on him and he will want to impose himself early on. Surviving until Lunch will be the main aim, though. 

Neil Wagner to Shubman Gill, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Neil Wagner strikes in his first over itself and he is very, very happy with this. Good length delivery around off, nipping back in, forcing Shubman Gill to play. He went for an off side defense but misses. The ball gets the outside edge and it's a regulation catch for BJ Watling behind the stumps. Shubman Gill has to depart and both the openers have been sent back to the shed before Lunch. 

Neil Wagner to Shubman Gill, Back of a length delivery on middle, Gill hops onto the crease, pushes it back to the bowler off the back foot.

Change now. Neil Wagner is handed the ball now. 

Neil Wagner to Shubman Gill, Starts with a good length delivery on off, angling in, Gill defends it watchfully.

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Down the leg side, Pujara does not offer anything to that.

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Bowls a yorker-length delivery on middle, Pujara pushes it back to the bowler.

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Outside off, Pujara shoulders arms.

Tim Southee to Cheteshwar Pujara, Fuller outside off, swinging away, Pujara leaves it untouched.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Touch fuller on middle, Gill pushes it towards mid on for a quick single.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Length ball outside off, angling away, Gill watches it sail through.

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, Outside off, Pujara shoulders arms. Another maiden for Kyle Jamieson.

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, BEATEN! Peach of delivery on off, Pujara decides to defend it but misses. The ball whizzes past the outside edge, into the keeper's mitts.

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, On a good length on off, Pujara gets a thick inside edge into the inner thigh pad.

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, Short-pitched delivery on middle, Pujara ducks underneath.

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, Back of a length delivery on middle, Pujara is solid in his defense.

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, Fuller length on middle, Pujara defends it on the leg side.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Fuller on off, Gill drives it well but straight to the man at covers.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Good length delivery on middle, played towards mid on.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Typical outswinger from Southee on off, Gill leaves it untouched.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Down the leg side, Gill missed his flick. The ball gets carried through to the keeper.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Outside off, left alone.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Length ball outside off, Gill mistimes his shot, the ball goes towards point off the bottom half of the bat.

Tim Southee comes back on. 0/25 in his 5 overs. 

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, On the pads, CP misses his tuck away and the ball takes the thigh pad and goes to the right of the keeper, and lands safe. A top over from Jamieson, a wicket-maiden! 

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, Around off on a good length, nudged to the on side. 

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, Around off, dabbed to the point fielder. 

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, A fuller ball around off now, Pujara blocks it out. 

Kyle Jamieson to Cheteshwar Pujara, That's a good ball first up from Jamieson. Outside off, the ball seams back in as Pujara hops and makes a leave. 

Kyle Jamieson to Rohit Sharma, ! CAUGHT! That's the wicket they were looking for! Kyle Jamieson gets the important breakthrough. Bowls it fuller outside off, Sharma was leaving anything in that channel but not this time. He pokes at it and pays the price. The ball finds the outside edge and flies to Tim Southee at third slip. He does well to grab it with both hands diving to his right. Rohit Sharma walks back to the pavilion. Kyle Jamieson is pumped. He knows the importance of this

India's wall of the last few years, Cheteshwar Pujara makes his way out into the middle. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Shubman Gill, Straighter on middle and leg, Gill hops and works this through square leg and comes back for the second. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Outside off, no shot offered. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, ! Sharma is latching onto anything that is short and wide outside off. This time, he gets back and packs a punch through covers for a boundary. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Outside off, moving away, Rohit leaves it untouched. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Around off, kept out nicely. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Length and way outside off, moving away further, as Gill shoulders arms. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Slightly behind the good length and on off, Gill goes back again and blocks it out solidly. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Back of a length delivery around off, Gill hangs back and defends it out. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Around off on a good length, Gill taps this one to the cover region. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Outside off, length ball, the ball shoots up as Gill shoulders arms. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, A length ball, around off, this is punched through mid on for a couple of runs. 

First review of the game from Kane Williamson! It is for LBW and Ultra Edge confirms that there is an inside edge. Rohit Sharma does not go back and New Zealand lose a review as well. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Outside off, left alone.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Good length delivery in the corridor of uncertainty, Sharma lets it sail through.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Width on offer outside off, Sharma does not chase after it.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Back of a length delivery on middle and leg, worked on the off side.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, ! Absolutely lovely! Shortish delivery on off, Rohit Sharma punches it through the covers for a boundary. He brings up India's total to 50 as well. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Length delivery on the fifth stump line, Gill taps it towards covers.

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Steep bounce! Shorter delivery on middle, Gill steps out of the crease. He is taken aback by the bounce and gets hit on the grill of the helmet. 

Woahhh, Gill was hit hard on his helmet. The physio is seen running out into the middle now, to have a look at Gill. All good to continue. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Good length ball on off, shaping in, Gill shoulders arms to that one.

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, On a good length outside off, Gill leaves it alone.

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Good length delivery on middle, played towards square leg.

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Jamieson is getting some extra bounce here! Bowls it outside off, the ball hits the deck and shoots up. Gill watches it sail through.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Length delivery outside off, left alone.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, ! Width on offer outside off, Rohit Sharma takes full advantage of that. He stands tall and slashes it through point for a boundary.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Back of a length on off, Sharma steers it towards point.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Length ball on middle, worked towards mid-wicket.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Outside off, Rohit Sharma continues his leaving spree.

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, BEATEN! Length delivery just around off, Sharma has a poke at it but misses. The ball whizzes past the outside edge into the keeper's mitts.

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Outside off, punched to the point fielder. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, What a comeback from Jamieson! The extra bounce saves Gill. A length ball, around off, jags back in sharply and bounces a little extra too, as Shubman Gill raises his blade and lets it through. Zips over the off pole into the keeper's gloves. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, ! Don't bowl anything short to this lad! On a shortish length, around off, Shubman Gill rides the bounce and pumps this one through mid-wicket. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Outside off, length delivery, Gill is untroubled by this delivery and makes a leave. 

DRINKS. India have started very well and both the openers will continue to take this partnership ahead. Rohit Sharma has been solid in his defense and cut shots, while Shubman Gill has been looking confident and is supporting Rohit well at the other end. The New Zealand bowlers continued to bowl outside off but Indian batters haven't given anything away. The Kiwi quicks will be looking to take a couple of wickets, whereas, this duo of Sharma and Gill will want to keep everything out of their w

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Fuller, but in the channel of the fifth stump, Shubman watches it go into the keeper's gloves. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, On middle, dropped to the leg side. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Third maiden in a row! On middle, Rohit's clip finds the square leg fielder. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Good length delivery on off, Sharma plays this one to the cover region. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Around off, RS nudges this to the square leg region. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Outside off, left alone. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Well fielded by the man there. Outside off, short of a length this time, Sharma goes back and punches this, but straight to the man at point, who stops well. 

Colin de Grandhomme to Rohit Sharma, Starts off with a length delivery, on the fifth stump line, Sharma leaves it untouched. 

Colin de Grandhomme is brought into the attack.

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Back-to-back maidens for the Kiwis! Around off, Gill is on his front foot and he pushes this to covers. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Around off, slightly behind the good length, Gill looks to tap this one to the off side but the ball takes the inside edge and hits him on his pads. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Closer to the off pole and on a length, Gill draws forward and pushes this to the cover region. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Takes a few paces down the track, does Gill, but seeing that this ball was outside off and moving away, he watches it sail through into BJ Watling's mitts. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Similar line and length as the previous delivery, Gill, again wants no piece of this. Leaves. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, In the channel of uncertainty outside the off pole, Gill has no issues in letting this one be. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Around middle, dropped to the on side. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Changes it up and pitches this one full and way outside off, an easy leave for the Hitman. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Around off, length, RS does not want anything to do with this. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Slants across a length delivery across the right-hander, Sharma walks a few paces ahead, but does not offer a shot. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Boult with a beauty! A length delivery, fourth stump line, nips back in late but Rohit keeps his eyes on the ball and makes a good leave. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Slightly behind the good length, nipping in, around off, Rohit looks to defend but the ball takes the inside edge and hits Sharma on the pads. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, A carbon copy of the previous delivery. 4 off Kyle's first over! 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, An away swinger outside off, no reason to play at this and Gill leaves. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Around off, blocked out. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Outside off, shaping away, Gill makes a leave at the last moment. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, ! Solid looking stroke from Gill. An inswinger around off, Shubman Gill presents a straight bat and punches this through mid on and fetches a boundary for himself. 

Kyle Jamieson to Shubman Gill, Starts beautifully! A length delivery, closer to off, nipping away, Shubman Gill is tempted to come ahead and block it out, but gets beaten on the outside edge. 

Change. Kyle Jamieson has been introduced into the attack. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Bowls it fuller on middle, Sharma is saved by the inside edge there! He looks to drive it on the off side but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Length delivery on middle and leg, swinging back in, Sharma clips it towards square leg off the back foot.

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Good length on leg, Sharma tucks it towards square leg.

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Length delivery on the pads, Sharma is late into his flick, the ball gets hit high on the pads. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Length delivery outside off, Sharma ignores it.

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, Touch fuller on middle, nipping back in, Gill tucks it towards fine leg for a single.

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Fuller on off, Sharma defends it watchfully towards covers.

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Outside off, left alone by Sharma

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, ! Full and outside off, Rohit Sharma cuts it through the point region. Two fielders give it chase but there is no stopping that. Excellent shot.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Overpitches it on middle, Gill digs his bat down and gently pushes it towards long off. Jamieson gives it a chase and dives to put the ball back in. He keeps it to three. Excellent effort by Jamieson as he saves one.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Length delivery outside off, Gill continues to leave anything that is in that channel.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Good length delivery on middle, Gill works it on the leg side.

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Fullish delivery on off, Sharma went for a drive but gets an inside edge. The ball goes to the man at mid on.

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, On a good length on middle, played towards mid-wicket.

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Length delivery on the pads, Sharma misses his flick. The ball hits the thigh pads and rolls on the leg side. He wants a single but Gill sends him back.

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Bit fuller on the fifth stump line, Sharma watches the ball closely and makes a leave.

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, Fuller length on off, Gill pushes it towards mid off off the front foot. He gets three before the fielder gives it a chase and throws the ball back.

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, Length delivery outside off, Gill does not offer any strokeplay.

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, A good length ball, around middle and leg, Gill misses his tuck and gets struck on his pad. The ball goes to the on side and the batters take a leg bye, while Tim appeals, but this was sliding down leg. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Fuller length on pads, tucked towards deep square leg for a couple of runs. Good over for India. 10 coming off it.

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, BEATEN! That's the length Southee will be looking to bowl! Length delivery on off, Sharma looks to defend but misses. The ball zips past the outside edge, to the keeper.

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, EDGED AND ! A little bit of luck for Rohit Sharma! Fuller length delivery on middle and leg, Sharma digs his bat down a bit late. The ball swings away late and takes the outside edge and goes past the slip cordon for a boundary.

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Good length ball outside off, seaming away, Sharma leaves it untouched.

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Pitches this one full on leg, Sharma works it towards mid on.

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, ! Rohit Sharma gets into the act now! Slightly short and wide outside off, Sharma cuts it through the point region for a boundary.

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, Length delivery outside off, Gill leaves it alone.

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, Back of a length delivery on middle, Gill confidently pushes it back to the bowler.

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, ! Shubman Gill is so good on the pull! Boult drags his length back, bowls a short delivery on middle, Gill pulls it through mid-wicket for a glorious boundary. First boundary of the WTC final.

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, On a good length around off, Gill shoulders arms to that one.

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, Length ball outside off, Gill lets it sail through.

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, Fuller length on off, seaming in, Gill advances down the track and hits it towards point.

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, A length delivery around off, Sharma looks to block this out, but the ball takes the inside edge and hits him on the pads. Tim puts in an enquiry but the shake of the head from the umpire. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Angles in a length ball on middle and leg, Sharma looks to clip it away but closes the face of the bat early and the ball takes the outer half of the blade to the off side. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Similar line and length as the last ball, this time, Rohit is smart as he does not go fishing and leaves it be. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, That's a peach! A length delivery, around the fourth stump channel, the ball seams away beautifully as Rohit Sharma prods ahead and looks for the defensive block but gets beaten on the outside edge. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Around off, pushed to cover. 

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Worked nicely by Gill this time. Strays and delivers a length ball on the pads, Gill takes a few paces down the track and clips this one through square leg. The man at fine leg runs across and by the time the man can come across, the batters take three. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Length delivery around off, gently worked to the point fielder. 9/0 are India, at the end of the 4th over. 

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Big away movement noticed here. A length delivery, outside off, the ball nips away sharply as Gill makes a leave. 

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Another length delivery down the leg side, Gill look to tuck this one away but he misses. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Around off, defended watchfully by Rohit. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Angles a length ball across the right-hander, as Sharma makes a late leave. 

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, Gill is off in a streaky manner! A length ball, nipping back in around off, Gill looks to push but the ball takes the inside edge and goes through square leg, for one. 

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, Makes Gill play this time, does Trent. Around off on a length, worked to the off side. 

Trent Boult to Shubman Gill, What a delightful ball and a good leave too. A length ball outside off, the jags back in at the last moment as Gill raises his blade to let this one through, and the ball whistles past the off pole, to the keeper. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, A length delivery around off, Rohit pushes this one gently through covers and collects a couple as two men chase the ball down and clean up in the deep. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Another good leave! Outside off on a length, seams away yet again as RS shoulders arms. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Fuller around off, Sharma plants his front foot ahead and pushes it to point. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, Another length delivery, outside off, nips away from the right-hander as Rohit does not offer a stroke. 

Tim Southee to Rohit Sharma, A good length delivery on the fourth stump line, Rohit hops up and makes a well calculated leave. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, A couple to end the over! A full toss around off, Sharma taps this through mid off with the toe end of his bat and collects a brace. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Fuller on off, RS pushes it back towards Trent. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Length delivery outside off, Sharma leaves it be. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, OHHHH, that was close, but Gill makes it back in time, otherwise, he would have been run out. A length ball, around off, Rohit looks to block but the ball takes the inner half and goes to the square leg region. Sharma does not want the run, Gill is down the track, anticipating a single. Sharma sends him back and there is a throw to the non-striker's end as Gill dives back full stretch and comes back in. Well done by Gill to come back in time. 

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Gets it right this time, does Boult. A length delivery, around off, Rohit prods ahead and keeps the ball out nicely to the cover region. 

Trent Boult will bowl from the other end.

Trent Boult to Rohit Sharma, Boult starts off with a back of a length delivery, down the leg side, swinging past Rohit and BJ Watling does well to dive to his left and collect the ball. 

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Just 3 off the first over then! A fuller ball, around off, Gill jams it back to the bowler, as Tim Southee collects the ball and mimes a throw back towards Gill, who rushes back into his crease. 

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, This was better from Southee. A good length delivery, outside off, the ball seams away again as Shubman does not want to go chasing after this. 

Tim Southee to Shubman Gill, Loses his radar here, Tim. Slips this one down the leg side as Gill misses his tuck away. 

Well then, all set for the action to get underway now! The excitement is palpable and the crowd seems to be voicing it out too. The Kiwi players are in a huddle, as Kane Williamson shares his last words of wisdom, before they spread out on the field. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill are the openers for India and they make their way out too. Tim Southee has the ball in hand, ready to steam in. Here we go...

We are ready for proceedings to begin. Both the teams make their way out into the middle and stand side-by-side. Time for the National Anthems now. First, it will be the Anthem of New Zealand, followed by India. 

Virat Kohli, the Indian skipper, says that they would have liked to bowl first as well but runs on the board have been their strength as well and they will look to put runs on the board. On tinkering the playing XI based on the conditions, Kohli opines that they have gone with the same eleven as announced and the balance in their side is good and the spinners could have a go if needed. Opines that they need to be professional here and feels that their level of cricket in the past 4-5 years has b

India (Playing XI) - Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (C), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah. 

New Zealand (Playing XI) - Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling (WK), Colin de Grandhomme, Kyle Jamieson, Neil Wagner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult. 

Kane Williamson, the New Zealand captain, says that with the conditions around them, they will make the most out of it. Goes on to say that they have gone with four frontline seamers. Adds that India is the best team in the world and they are very excited to play them in the final. Mentions that BJ Watling has been a great leader within the group. It is a great occasion for him to play the last game. Finally says that they have been trying to qualify for two years and are fortunate to be here.

TOSS - The captains are ready. Kohli and Williamson march out into the middle for the all-important toss, as both the captains will want to win the toss, looking at the conditions out there. Up goes the coin and lands in the favor of Kane Williamson! NEW ZEALAND HAVE ELECTED TO BOWL FIRST! 

... Day 1, Session 2 ...

Update 1330 local (1230 GMT) - We have some positive news for you. It has stopped raining but the covers remain firmly on and the groundsmen are hard at work. There is still a lot of work to be done though to make the ground fit to play but rain stopping is one positive. Stay with us for further updates.

Update 1400 local (1300 GMT) - Some more positive news as the umpires came out to have an inspection and they have decided that they will have another inspection at 1500 local (1400 GMT). Let's hope that we get some positive news then.

... Day 2, Session 1 ...

Time for take 2! We tried with all our might and collective prayers to ensure that we could have some play on Day 1 but the rain gods had written our fate preventing even the toss from taking place. So, here we are, on Day 2, with some fresh hopes and aspirations that we could see some action and the signs are good. The weather forecast is significantly better than it was on Day 1 and there are positive signs that we will have some action today. On that note, we hand you a warm welcome to our co

PITCH REPORT - Simon Doull is down for the pitch report. He is joined by Sunil Gavaskar. Sunny says that a new ball bowler would enjoy bowling here and there is a fair amount of grass on this deck. Doull says that the seamers will dominate more, also keeping in mind the overcast weather and opines that spinners might come into play if the sun comes out. Gavaskar feels that the batters must be very aware and careful, for the first 30-45 minutes and they should look for quick singles. 

The Indian coach, Ravi Shastri is in for a chat! He says that they were in the team room yesterday and were eager to start the match yesterday. Adds that they are all ready for today's play. Further states that the kind of attack they have doesn't depend on what pitch they play. Mentions that both the teams will fight for the WTC and it is above all the World Cups. He says that when it comes to competition, nothing beats Test cricket. Adds that nothing compares to play in a WTC final.

... Day 1 ...

The big day is here! Yes, you read that right! It is time for ICC WTC Final between India and New Zealand. After two years of hard work, we are down to the two best teams to fight it out for the coveted trophy. Both India and New Zealand have done really well in the ICC World Test Championship and it sure is going to be a clash of the ages. The weather is not ideal as there is rain predicted on all the 5 days and we hope that it stays away and we get a great match.

Weather update -  Not to be the bearer of bad news, but it is currently raining in Southampton and the pitch is under covers. The weather forecast is not great for the day but we are keeping our fingers crossed that we get to see some action. For now, it seems unlikely that we will get to see a prompt start. Stay with us.

Update 0951 local (0851 GMT) - We don't have good news for you as the first session has been washed out due to rain and the weather does not look good for the rest of the day. All we can hope for is that the rain clears and we get some play as soon as possible. Stay tuned for further updates.

Update 1102 local (1002 GMT) - There is nothing much to update as it is still raining in Southampton and it looks unlikely that we will get to play anytime soon. Stay tuned for further updates.

Update 1149 local (1049 GMT) - It does not look good folks. It is absolutely pouring down in Southampton and it looks gloomy for the rest of the day as well. All we can do is wait and hope that this clears as soon as possible and we get some play on Day 1.

Regarding team news, India have already announced their playing XI with Siraj, Saha, Vihari and Umesh missing out from the 15. They have a strong XI and they can certainly give a challenge to the Kiwis. New Zealand, on the other hand, will welcome back the players who missed out on the last Test against England but the question is who will they replace? We will find out.

Update 1446 local (1346 GMT) - PLAY HAS BEEN ABANDONED FOR THE DAY! Well, this was coming as the rain was very heavy throughout. It had stopped for a while and the umpires were due for an inspection but the rain returned and forced the umpires to call it off early. It was a disappointing day as a lot of people were waiting for this game to start as it is a big game but the rain Gods have had their final say on Day 1. We return on Day 2 to go again. Let's hope that the rain stays away and we get

Update 1230 local (1130 GMT) - It is still raining in Southampton and there is a high chance that we might not get to see any play in the second session as well. Yes, Lunch has been taken in Southampton. The ground has taken a real beating and it will take a lot of time to clean it up but for that, the rain has to stop. Let's hope that it does. Stay tuned.