By Blair Stewart, Lee Stace, Reuben McDougall and Ben Strang.
ROSS TAYLOR and James Franklin picked up where they left off – trying to save a test match New Zealand had relinquished days ago.
Their stand of 142 runs broke the previous record for the fifth wicket against India and was only undone by a brilliant ball from Harbhajan Singh which rattled Taylor’s (107) middle stump.
The inclusion of Sachin Tendulkar in the bowling attack was a well-received surprise to many in the crowd.
Brendon McCullum (6) and James Franklin (49) were less pleased with his introduction as they both fell during a good spell.
Tim Southee (3) was the final wicket of the day, out when he was caught behind despite the fact there was no obvious edge.
Harbhajan claimed four wickets to go with the three he took in the first innings.
New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori and tail-ender Iain O’Brien chimed in with a quick-fire partnership of 23 before rain brought an end to the day, and the test match.
New Zealand showed their typical characteristics in this match.
Coming off a promising show in Napier they continued to be inconsistent, and were thoroughly out-played.
Had it not been for the rain, India would have coasted to victory; but anyone watching could see that for themselves.
If the Black Caps wish to improve on their efforts when they arrive in Colombo later this year, the top order needs a re-think and they need to learn to face quality spin-bowling.
Jesse Ryder and Ross Taylor were promising during the series and Jeetan Patel may have secured a spot in spinner-friendly Sri Lanka, but those were the only silver linings for the Kiwis.
Harbhajan Singh takes Player of the Match, ahead of Zaheer Khan and Gautam Gambhir. He tortured the New Zealand batsmen with his drifting, ripping bowling and put together a nice 60 in the first innings.
Player of the Series goes to Gautam Gambhir, who compiled 445 runs with an average of 89. His century in Napier was one of the best in recent memory in New Zealand, facing over 10 hours of batting. He also put India in a dominant position in this match with a ton of runs.
The NewsWire team have been treated this week to some truly wonderful spreads such as butter chicken, lasagne, corn on the cob, muffins and caramel slice up in the press box and the catering staff have been in good form. We thank you very much!
PICTURES:
(Top) Virenda Sehwag tests Franklin later in his innings.
(Middle) (L-R) Michael Keating, Edward Burger, Andrew Sclater and Andy Nyce brave the cold conditions.
(Above) James Franklin struggles against Harbhajan Singh’s bowling.
(Below) Indian fans celebrate after victory at the Basin Reserve.
