India vs New Zealand 3rd Test Day 1 at Indore

Virat Kohli was asked in yesterday's pre-match press conference as to why there were no centuries this series. He responded by scoring one himsef on Saturday (October 8). Leading from the front with a stellar knock of an unbeaten 103, he, along with Ajinkya Rahane, shared a 167-run stand as India ended the opening day of the final Test between India and New Zealand on 267 for 3.

Winning his seventh consecutive toss as captain at home, Kohli opted to bat and Gautam Gambhir was on the attack since the onset while M Vijay missed out. New Zealand's bowlers kept things tight as Cheteshwar Pujara and Gambhir were steady. Gambhir was trapped leg before wicket just before lunch in his return Test and Pujara was castled in the second session by a beauty from Santner.

Kohli got together with Rahane for a match-altering stand and the duo ensured there were no more casualties for the day.

The pair dominated the final session to the extend of upping the run rate considerably, in comparison to the first two sessions. The run rate which was languising at a little over 2.50 was under 3 at close of play. After a period of hard work where Rahane was seen struggling against the short ball off Matt Henry, he recovered well to go on to score his half-century. He remained unbeaten at stumps on 79, while Kohli on the other hand, was as solid as ever.

India managed to score 119 runs in 34 overs in that final session to ensure India finished on a high

Centurion Kohli: 

Virat Kohli comes into his own ans scores a stellar century, and a timely one, coming to the party just when the team needed it. He came in at a crucial time when Gambhir departed, leaving him with the task of steadying the Indian ship.

Fifty for Rahane: 

After his fair share of struggles against the short ball and a tricky period, Rahane saw it through in fine fashion and got to his 10th fifty in Tests with a six off Jeetan Patel.

2000 runs: 

With that single, Ajinkya Rahane crossed the 2000-run landmark in Test cricket. He has been quite cautious since his arrival, but is keeping captain Kohli company in the middle.

Fewest innings to 2000 Test runs for India:
40 - Dravid/Sehwag
43 - Hazare/Gambhir
44 - Gavaskar/Sachin
45 - Ganguly
46 - Pujara
48 - Azhar
49 - Rahane

Pujara departs: 

It has not been easy going after lunch for India, yet, the pair of Kohli and Pujara bring up the 100-run mark for India. The rough pitch that has little grass has aided the New Zealand spinners keep the Indian batsmen in check. They got some turn and the speeds were brought down because of the conditions.

However, Pujara was stuck on the crease off Santner once the 100 was up for India. The batsman was caught too much inside the crease and not being using his feet cost him dearly. The ball went on to rattle the stumps as Pujara departed on 41 after lunch.

Gambhir departs: 

Trent Boult cut short Gambhir's comeback as he was trapped on the crease leg before for 29. The ball kept low and hit the back pad. A disappointed Gambhir has to take the long walk back.

The batter got off to a brilliant start upfront but as New Zealand's bowlers' line tightened, he was pushed into a shell. India 60 for 2 with Virat Kohli coming in just on the brink of lunch.

Wicket:

And, guess what! The move works immediately! Tom Latham takes a sharp catch at short leg as a shell-shocked Vijay stands his ground. He can't believe what just happened! Vijay came forward to flick one that was tossed up and hit it in the air to Latham who held onto it, albeit with his midriff, unflinchingly. Lucky break for New Zealand as Jeetan starts with a maiden wicket.

India - 26 for 1. Cheteshwar Pujara the next man in.

Spin in the fifth over: 

The first over of spin... and we are only in the fifth over of the day!
After India milked 26 runs in the first four overs, Williamson brings in Jeetan Patel to a strong leg-side field.

Successive sixes: 

Gambhir is making a statement now. Dispatches Matt Henry for successive sixes off short balls. The first one was hit over the deep square leg boundary, while the other was hit over the fine leg one.

Vijay is away: 

Vijay off to a positive start now, already two boundaries in that Boult over. New Zealand brings in a sweeper cover now.

Gambhir off the mark: 

Gautam Gambhir makes his return to Test cricket in style, confidently punching a short and wide delivery from Matt Henry to the point boundary. First runs for him.

First Day Summary: 

 India Lost Of Three Wickets - Murali Vijay,  Gautam Gambhir,  Cheteshwar Pujara
Runs -India 267/3 (90.0 Ovs)