India Take Control On Day Two In Hamilton

India Take Control On Day Two In Hamilton

Sachin Tendulkar (right) hits out, watched by Brendon McCullum during his unbeaten half-century.

©REUTERS/Nigel Marple (NEW ZEALAND). Picture supplied by Action Images

New Zealand 279 (Vettori 118, Ryder 102, Sharma 4-73) v
India 278-4 (Gambhir 72, Tendulkar 70no, Dravid 66)
1st Test, Hamilton, day two: stumps
Scorecard
By John Pennington

India closed a truncated second day of the opening Test against New Zealand in Hamilton just one run short of their hosts with six first innings wickets in hand as they showed no signs of letting go their grasp on the game.

After New Zealand were bowled out for 279 on day one, Gautam Gamhir (72), Sachin Tendulkar (70 not out) and Rahul Dravid (66) all reached half-centuries to pile on the misery for the New Zealand bowlers.

Despite the covers being on almost until the start of play, their only success in the morning session was when Sehwag was run out by James Franklin for 24.

Gambhir and Dravid guided India to lunch on 108 for one, steadily accumulating runs in patient manner and the pair added 105 for the second wicket. Gambhir departed when he edged Chris Martin to wicket-keeper Brendon McCullum and Dravid's innings ended when he received a beauty from Iain O'Brien that nipped back and took out his off stump.

Tendulkar and VVS Laxman (30) then added 61 for the fourth wicket before Laxman pushed at Martin, edging to Ross Taylor. That was to be New Zealand's final success of the day, Tendulkar closing on 72 alongside Yuvraj Singh who has eight.

Day one centuries for Daniel Vettori (118) and Jesse Ryder (102) rescued New Zealand after they were reduced to 60 for six before lunch. India have not won a Test in New Zealand since 1976.

© Cricket World 2009

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