New Zealand Dominate with Seam Bowling to Dismiss India for Historic Low in Bengaluru Test

On the second day of the first Test match held in Bengaluru, New Zealand‘s seam bowlers took control, dismissing India for their third-lowest total in Test cricket history. India was bowled out for 46 runs, marking their lowest total in a home Test match. The highlight of the day was the exceptional bowling performance from Matt Henry and Will O'Rourke, who claimed 5-15 and 4-22 respectively.

India’s decision to bat first, after the entire first day was disrupted by rain, seemed flawed considering the challenging conditions. The pitch, described as lively and seaming, put India’s top order in a precarious position. Notably, major players including Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin were all dismissed for ducks. Rishabh Pant was the highest scorer for India with 20 runs while Yashasvi Jaiswal added 13 runs, both being the only players to score in double digits.

New Zealand, despite losing the toss and being sent to field first under overcast conditions, capitalized on their seam bowling strength. Tim Southee set the pace by dismissing Indian skipper Rohit Sharma early. The shocking collapse saw India registering one of the lowest innings scores for a team choosing to bat first in Test history. New Zealand’s field setting, with strategic placement such as Glenn Phillips at leg slip, aided their bowling attack, allowing them to claim crucial catches.

After dismissing India, New Zealand capitalized on the conditions to post 180 for three wickets by tea. Devon Conway was prominent with an unbeaten 61 runs. The visitors led by 134 runs at the close of the session, proving comfortable in conditions that had perplexed their hosts.

Analysts noted that India misjudged the pitch conditions, emphasizing their selection of three spinners and failure to anticipate the effects of the unfavourable weather conditions and pitch preparations. New Zealand’s adaptability was credited in their decision to include three seamers, with Henry reaching a milestone of 100 Test wickets during his impactful performance.

In the post-lunch session, India’s attempt to steady the innings following a rain delay proved short-lived. The dismissals continued as the second line of Indian batsmen failed to withstand New Zealand’s precise bowling. The situation was a stark contrast to a rain-shortened morning that initially seemed to offer India a respite. New Zealand, however, wasted no time imposing pressure, making good on their bowling superiority.