Ross Taylor survices - web image - sportstiger

Picture Credit: Twitter

The ongoing first Test match between India and New Zealand in Kanpur is, for sure, one of the most evenly contested games between the sides. The game on Day 5 also lived up to its expectations, as New Zealand came out with a lot of intent to fight. The consequences saw the guests enjoying a good session in the middle in the first half of the day.

Starting at 4/1 in pursuit of 284, the Kiwis didn't lose any wicket in the morning session. Just when it seemed that the guests were too strong to be beaten in the game, Umesh Yadav dismissed William Somerville just at the start of the second session. Soon after that Ravichandran Ashwin got the wicket of Tom Latham to bring India back in the game.

Ross Taylor survives a close call!

Ross Taylor came in at the number 5 after New Zealand lost the wicket of Latham. Understanding the demand of the situation, India went with an attacking approach against Taylor. It was a nervy moment for the Kiwi batter but he did well to play everything with a straight bat. Despite Taylor batting cautiously, KS Bharat produced a good chance for India on the final ball of the 57th over bowled by Ashwin.

The Indian off-spinner pitched the ball down the leg side and Taylor in an attempt to flick the ball, lost his control for a while. Sensing an opportunity there, Bharat whipped off the bails. The decision was later referred to the third umpire who ruled it in favour of the batter after probably failing to find any conclusive evidence. Meanwhile, the replays suggested that when Bharat had taken off the bails, Taylor's back foot was just over the ground.

The decision sparkled a lot of debate on social media with the netizens talking in favour of or against the decision. However, minutes later, Ravindra Jadeja put an end to the debate, at least from the emotional end, as he trapped Taylor plumb in front of the stumps and this time the umpire had no hesitation in ruling the batter out. The wicket saw umpires calling for tea break with New Zealand 159 runs short of the target and India needing 6 wickets to win.