Black Caps in control
WELLINGTON: The final session of the first day’s play in the opening test between New Zealand and India at the Basin Reserve was washed out by heavy rain yesterday, giving the touring side time to regroup after it was reduced to 122 for five at tea.
The rain swept in seconds after the players had left the field for the tea break and, despite the skies clearing, umpires Aleem Dar and Richard Kettlebrough ended play at about 5.30 after a pitch inspection.
New Zealand pace bowler Kyle Jamieson enjoyed a dream test debut, tormenting India’s batsmen and taking three wickets and a catch in the deep, stealing the headlines from Ross Taylor, who was playing his 100th test.
Ajinkya Rahane will resume today on 38 while the recalled Rishabh Pant will be with him on 10.
‘‘From a team perspective we are in a pretty strong position,’’ Jamieson said.
‘‘The game is quite advanced and we are pretty happy with where it is.
‘‘From my experience playing here the [wicket] usually holds that pace and bounce for a couple of days so I am sure there will still be a little bit tomorrow to help us and I’m looking forward to getting back out there.’’
‘‘It has been a pretty surreal last couple of weeks, ’’Jamieson, who also made his oneday debut earlier this month, said.
‘‘For me test cricket has always been the pinnacle and there were a few emotions when we did the cap presentation last night [Thursday].’’
Despite making his test debut, Jamieson said he did not really have any nerves, especially since he was given the opportunity to bowl downwind.
His dismissal of Kohli resulted in him leaping high in celebration.
‘‘He’s a pretty good batter and such a key to their batting lineup,’’ Jamieson said.
‘‘To get him early was a massive thing for us as a group . . . and it was pretty special.’’
The 2.03m tall Jamieson, who dismissed Cheteshwar Pujara (11) and the world’s topranked test batsmen Virat Kohli (two) before lunch, grabbed his third wicket when Hanuma Vihari edged the first ball after the midsession drinks break to wicketkeeper BJ Watling.
Vihari’s dismissal for seven reduced India to 101 for five.
Jamieson also held a steepling catch at fine leg from a mistimed hook shot by opener Mayank Agarwal (34) off Trent Boult, who had dropped a difficult caught and bowled chance on the previous delivery.
‘‘As a batsman you never felt like you were completely in,’’ Agarwal said of the testing conditions and the pressure from New Zealand’s bowlers
‘‘They bowled good areas and kept testing us and didn’t give us anything loose.’’
Jamieson was only making his test debut because Neil Wagner withdrew from the squad as he awaited the birth of his first child. Wagner confirmed on social media his daughter had been born on Wednesday.
Tim Southee had bowled Prithvi Shaw for 16 early in the first session after Kane Williamson had won the toss and chosen to field on a green pitch.
Taylor became the first cricketer to play 100 matches in all three formats and the fourth New Zealander to play 100 tests. — Reuters