It was a thrilling test match between India and NZ with the match finishing in a draw. Not many Indian fans will be happy with the results with the way India fought back after the 1st session on day 5 but the neutral test fans would be happier of the lot with the match being played over 5 days with much intensity. This is what makes test cricket the greatest of all formats.
Where did India lose the plot?
There will be many ifs and buts and many will have their views but there were few things that could have brought results in favor of India.
1. Usage of the new ball.
If we look at Ind vs Eng series in India Axar Patel was at his best when he was given to bowl with the new ball. With the ball hard and new not many batters would find his angle easy to read with the ball coming off the surface fast. This is what makes Axar lethal with the new ball.
Rahane I feel had missed the plan here. When the 2nd new ball was available even then Rahane did not go with Axar is what surprised me the most. Not that Axar bowl bad with the old ball but with him using the new ball well could have given a go.
2. Final day bowling changes
With the pitch not aiding the fast bowler's captain could have given the spinners a few more overs. Now many would around argue that Ashwin had bowled 30, Jadeja 28, etc. What I meant to say is that with bad light 4 PM pace bowlers could have bowled lesser overs. Had this happened there would be 30 mins or 6 more overs bowled.
This is just an assumption, not exact numbers. The point here is that spinners could have produced more results than pace bowlers bowling extra overs.
Positives.
Shreyas Iyer was one bright spot where he showed his grit and composure. Playing just his 1st test he showed many players how to play safe and score runs in this pitch. Although this is just his 1st match he will grow with more experience and game time.
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