RAVINDRA SAVES KIWIS ON DEBUT
NEW Zealand skipper Kane Williamson praised debutant Rachin Ravindra for holding fort against India’s worldclass spin attack after the Kiwis pulled off a dramatic draw in the first Test.
Ravindra made an unbeaten 18 at No.8 and stood strong with Ajaz Patel on Monday as NZ finished day five on 9-165 while chasing 284 in Kanpur.
The Black Caps slipped to 7-138 when Ravindra, a Wellington-born all-rounder of Indian descent, stuck around with Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee and, finally, Patel to deny India a win to start the two-match series.
“Rachin in his first Test and Ajaz as well showed a lot of ticker to bat those few overs there, and against high-quality world-class spin as the light was dimming,” said Williamson. “Really exciting day.”
The 22-year-old Ravindra went wicketless with his leftarm spin but made it count with the bat in his 91-ball stay at the crease on a slow and low pitch, on which spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin shared seven scalps between them.
“He brings an all-round package for us,” Williamson said of the left-hander, who usually bats in the top order in first-class matches.
“An amazing experience to have him in the first Test match to be there at the end, something he will remember for a long time.”
Tom Latham set the tone for NZ’s fightback on the final day of a Test match that ebbed and flowed, putting on a stubborn stand of 76 with nightwatchman William Somerville.
Latham made 52, after his 95 in the first innings, and got going with Somerville, who made 36 off 110 balls, to deny India a wicket in the first session.
Williamson was all praise for Somerville and his contributions that helped the Kiwis – who are reigning world Test champions after beating India in the title clash in June – hang on for a draw.
“He was outstanding and stuck to a plan for long periods of time and showed how capable he is with the bat,” Williamson said of his off-spin bowler.
Fast bowler Tim Southee also stood out for NZ with 5-69 in the first innings.
The second Test begins in Mumbai on Friday.