India batted first with openers Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma who gave India a good start. However, making full use of the overcast conditions - Kyle Jamieson continued his rampage (5 for 31) against India to bowl them out on 217. To gain an upper hand, you need atleast 300 (it can be more depending upon conditions) if you are batting first in a test math irrespective of the conditions.
With the likes of Kohli, Rohit, Pujara and Rahane in the side, fans were expecting one of them to score big and to hold the fort. However, no one rose up to occasion after getting good starts as the Indian innings faltered. With players like Kohli, Gill and Rahane in form as evident in the IPL, fans can expect a big score from either of them. One cannot count out captain Rohit Sharma and KS Bharat to perform well as they were impressive when they played in England in 2021
One of the things that make Team India a formidable test side is how brilliant our lower-middle order performs along with the tail. A side boasting of all-rounders like Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja should have done better while batting in 2021 finals. Even players like Mohammed Shami, Siraj and Umesh can add valuable runs if they swing their bats wildly.
Tim Southee and all-rounder Jamieson boasted New Zealand's chances as they took a small-yet-substantial lead in the first innings. As India were bundled out on 170 in 3rd innings, Blackcaps had almost half a day (reserve day) to chase down 140 as they made history by winning the inaugural title.
No matter how good Ashwin and Jadeja have been in Tests, the Virat Kohli-led side badly missed the presence of a seaming all-rounder while New Zealand had two (Jamieson and Colin de Grandhomme). This time, they are also without the services of Ashwin, who is the most successful Test bowler against Australia.
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