Patel’s five wickets earn India lead in opening Test

Axar Patel’s five wickets helped India bowl out New Zealand for 296 in their first innings on Day 3 of the Kanpur Test.

New Zealand lost their last eight wickets for 82 runs as Patel’s 5-62 put India in command. The hosts finished at 14-1 at stumps, with a crucial lead of 63 runs in the first of the two-Test series.

The Black Caps had collapsed from 151 without loss in reply to India’s 345, with openers Tom Latham (95) and Will Young (89) missing out on centuries. India suffered a setback, however, with the early dismissal of Shubman Gill at the Green Park Stadium.

“This is the kind of pitch where you can’t expect wickets all the time,” Patel said after his fifth five-wicket haul in seven innings. “You have to be consistent with your line and length. The odd ball turned and occasionally it kept low. I think the wicket will slow down further.”

Earlier, after inducing several edges that fell agonisingly short of fielders, Ravichandran Ashwin ended India’s 66-over wait for a first wicket by ending a 151run opening stand between Latham and Young.

Young, having made a career-best 89, edged Ashwin and substitute wicketkeeper KS Bharat – replacing Wriddhiman Saha who was being treated for a stiff neck – grabbed a low catch.

Replying to India’s first-innings total, New Zealand were cruising at 197-1 with Latham and captain Kane Williamson in the middle.

Soon after India took the second new ball, however, seamer Umesh Yadav trapped Williamson lbw on the stroke of lunch.

Patel then ran through the middle order removing Ross Taylor and Henry Nicholls and denying Latham his century. Latham made 95 before stepping out against Patel, only to be stumped after a fine knock that included 10 fours.