Dropped catches give New Zealand crucial lifeline

At 94/5 in the first session of the third day’s play, everyone watching the game had made themselves ready for an early return to the hotels. But unfortunately they couldn’t, courtesy to two dropped catches of New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum at the crucial juncture of the match. At the end of the third day’s play the Kiwi captain is not out on 114, with BJ Watling playing well at other end on 52. New Zealand’s score at the moment is 252/5 and has a lead of 6 runs.

India began the day in just the right way they would have wanted. Zaheer picked up the important wicket of Kane Williamson (7) early and followed it up with the wicket of Hamish Rutherford (35). Mohammad Shami got the wicket of debutant Latham (29) and Ravindra Jadeja picked up the dangerous Corey Anderson (2). At 94/5 New Zealand was looking down it barrel and everyone thought it was just the matter of time that India would walk away with the match. They even got the chance but two dropped catches of Brendon McCullum, first by Virat Kohli of Shami’s bowling while standing at short mid-on and then by Ishant Sharma of his own bowling. McCullum was on 9 when he dropped for the first time and was on 36 during the second dropped chance. But without those two dropped catches McCullum played with brilliant patience and determination, much of his inspiration coming from Watling who literally denied giving away his wicket. Both of them now have set the record partnership (158) for the Kiwis against India for the 6^th wicket. It was McCullum’s 9^th international test hundred.

In spite of his valiant fightback staged by the Kiwis India is still in the driver’s seat. But what India need to do on the fourth day morning is picking up the rest of the Kiwi batsmen and then chase down whatever target set by the Kiwis. India just can’t let this opportunity of winning a test abroad go begging, especially when winning outside the sub-continent has become a very sight for the Indians.

• About the Author

About Argha Ghosh

An ardent follower of sports and die-hard Manchester United fan, Argha's ultimate dream is to watch a Manchester derby from the Stretford End at the Old Trafford.