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Day 3: India's Top-Order Fights To Salvage Opening Test vs New Zealand

Sarfaraz Khan and Virat Kohli led India's fight back with combative half-centuries after skipper Rohit Sharma set the platform with his 52-run knock as the hosts ended day three of the opening Test against New Zealand at 231 for three Friday. Resuming the day on 180 for three, New Zealand posted 402 on the board for a massive 356-run first-innings lead with Rachin Ravindra (134) conjuring up a majestic century. India, who were bowled out for a mere 46 in the first essay, made a confident start to their second innings with skipper Rohit and Yashasvi Jaiswal (35) producing a 72-run stand for the opening wicket.

"Considering Our Bowling...": India Star On Team's Chances Of Winning 1st New Zealand Test

Kuldeep Yadav on Friday said the pitch has started offering a bit of turn and placed faith on batters to build a sizeable lead in the second innings for Indian spinners to make an impact. India ended the third day of the first Test at 231 for three, and still trail by 125 runs. “The spinners were getting some help when we were bowling, and hopefully, we will get more spin on Day 5. But for that, we need a good total to defend,” said Kuldeep in the post-day press meet.

"Virat Kohli's Wicket Was Huge": New Zealand Star Blunt Verdict

Top-order batter Rachin Ravindra was relieved after New Zealand managed to bag the big wicket of Virat Kohli off the final ball of the third day, and hoped the bowlers will keep piling pressure on India on Saturday. Kohli (70) and Sarfaraz Khan (70 not out) added 136 runs for the third wicket to take India to 231 for three at stumps in the opening Test. But the former Indian skipper fell to Glenn Phillips, edging him to stumper Tom Blundell to bring some respite to the visitors.

First Time Since 1877: India Achieve Unbelievable Feat In Test Cricket

India scripted history by becoming the first team ever to slam 100 sixes in Test cricket in a calendar year. The Rohit Sharma-led side achieved the sensational feat on Day 3 of the first Test match against New Zealand in Bengaluru on Friday. This was the first time in the 147-year history of Test cricket that any team was able to achieve to reach this milestone. Earlier, the record for hitting the highest number of sixes in a calendar year belonged to England who slammed 89 sixes in 2022. Yashasvi Jaiswal has slammed 29 sixes in Test this year while Shubman Gill has scored 16 sixes for India.

Virat Kohli Dismissed On Final Ball Of Day's Play vs New Zealand. Rohit Sharma Left Shellshocked

Rohit Sharma was left shellshocked as Virat Kohli was dismissed on the final ball of Day 3 during the first Test match between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru on Friday. Kohli showed tremendous form as he slammed 70 off 102 deliveries with the help of 8 fours and one six. It was extremely important in the context of the match as he stitched together a brilliant partnership with Sarfaraz Khan to take India to a solid position. However, he ended up getting a faint edge on the final ball of the day off Glenn Phillips and wicket-keeper Tom Blundell completed the catch. Kohli was visibly upset with himself after the dismissal while Rohit and the rest of the Indian dressing room was left stunned.

Rohit Sharma Fans Fume At Australia Media, Barmy Army's Virat Kohli Obsession

Still about a month to go before the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia begins but hype around the high-profile cricketing contest has gained plenty of momentum over the last few weeks. Broadcasters have already started programs around the series, pitting Rohit Sharma's men against Pat Cummins' army. However, a certain section of fans on social media was unimpressed seeing Virat Kohli still being the talk of the town, with regards to the series in Australia, despite Rohit Sharma being the captain of the Indian team.

Ravi Shastri Mocks "Duck Party" Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan On Live TV

Team India endured its worst performance at home, getting bowled out for a score of 46 in the first innings of the first Test against New Zealand on Thursday. As many as five Indian batters were dismissed for ducks in the innings, including star players like Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Sarfaraz Khan. The nature of India's horrific show in the innings was such that even former head coach Ravi Shastri didn't shy away from taking a swipe at the batting unit.

"Not Protecting Virat Kohli": Dinesh Karthik Unimpressed As Gautam Gambhir Gamble Backfires

Team India had to shuffle the batting order a bit after Shubman Gill missed out on the first Test against New Zealand. In Gill's absence Virat Kohli was promoted to the No. 3 spot while Sarfaraz Khan batted at No. 4. Both batters incurred ducks, prompted many to question the decision taken by the head coach Gautam Gambhir and skipper Rohit Sharma. As India's tactical decisions in the first innings backfired, former wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik raised some tough questions over the calls taken by the team management, especially the head coach Gambhir.

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Virat Kohli Sport News

Day 3: India's Top-Order Fights To Salvage Opening Test vs New Zealand

"Considering Our Bowling...": India Star On Team's Chances Of Winning 1st New Zealand Test

"Virat Kohli's Wicket Was Huge": New Zealand Star Blunt Verdict

First Time Since 1877: India Achieve Unbelievable Feat In Test Cricket

Virat Kohli Dismissed On Final Ball Of Day's Play vs New Zealand. Rohit Sharma Left Shellshocked

Rohit Sharma Fans Fume At Australia Media, Barmy Army's Virat Kohli Obsession

Ravi Shastri Mocks "Duck Party" Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan On Live TV

"Not Protecting Virat Kohli": Dinesh Karthik Unimpressed As Gautam Gambhir Gamble Backfires