India lose top spot in WTC standings after losing 0-3 to NZ
New Zealand, meanwhile, regained the fourth spot they lost to South Africa after the Proteas whitewashed Bangladesh earlier this week.
New Zealand, meanwhile, regained the fourth spot they lost to South Africa after the Proteas whitewashed Bangladesh earlier this week.
Two weeks into his captaincy, Tom Latham has achieved something which could make him feel similar to what his compatriot Sir Edmund Hillary must have experienced after becoming the first man to scale Mount Everest.
“It is obviously a special feeling. Very proud to be up here. It is a team effort. This game was a clear example of everyone stepping up at the right times. Very special,” a proud Latham said.
Tom Blundell (30 not out) and Glenn Phillips (9 not out) returned unscathed with the BlackCaps building on to their 103-run first innings lead, added 198 runs for the loss of five wickets in their second essay at the end of the second day’s play.
While Sundar replaced left-arm leg-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, India made two more changes to the side that had lost the opening Test, with Mohammed Siraj and KL Rahul making way for Akash Deep and Shubman Gill.
Acknowledging Bangladesh’s dismal Test record in India, Shanto said that his side isn’t thinking about the outcome as such thoughts might drain them emotionally when they face a quality Indian team, comprising world class players across departments.
Skipper Rohit Sharma has already made it clear that the two-Test series against Bangladesh, starting in Chennai on Thursday, is “no dress rehearsal” as the two-time World Test Championship finalists return to the traditional red-ball format for the first time since March.
After announcing the squad, selector Hannan Sarkar said that it was Shoriful’s groin injury that kept him out of the side, and the extra batter was included keeping in mind the Indian conditions.
The opening day of the historic one-off Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand was a non-starter as play was abandoned due to a wet outfield at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground on Monday.
As New Zealand gear up for six Tests in two months, and all of those in the sub-continent, former New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson acknowledged that the inaugural World Test champions will be challenged in a number of ways
