Picture Credit: BCCI
The Test series between India and New Zealand has got off to a great start. While the first two sessions on Day 1 were shared, in the last session on the first day of the opening Test at Kanpur saw India make a comeback of sorts. On Day 2 though, the tables were turned even though Shreyas Iyer completed a hundred on Test debut, it was the BlackCaps who were the dominant team with their openers registering an unbeaten hundred run opening stand after wrapping up the hosts for 345.
And now on Day 3, India have been handed a further blow with their preferred wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha not being able to take the field. It should be noted that Saha did come out to bat on Day 2 and scored a solitary run but was effective behind the stumps on a surface where the odd ball was keeping low.
It is being learned that Saha has some stiffness in his neck and is being monitored by the BCCI medical team. In his absence, backup keeper KS Bharat has taken the field on Day 3 and could have a stern test ahead of him on a slow turner with varying bounce. The exact nature of Saha's injury is still awaited and BCCI will later give an update on whether he will be back at some point in the ongoing Test.
Notably, the teams are meeting for the Tests after a three-match T20I series where the Men in Blue completed a clean sweep. After the Kanpur Test, the sides will head to Mumbai for the second Test- the final fixture of New Zealand's tour of India. Prior to the Mumbai test, Virat Kohli is set to join the Indian team and be back at the helm of affairs as the captain but Shreyas Iyer's hundred in his maiden Test has now made it interesting to see who Kohli will replace in the team in Mumbai.
The second Test commences at the Wankhede Stadium on December 3.