Murali Vijay scored a brilliant half century on Day 1 of the test match against New Zealand at Green Park. Image Source: Xtra Time[/caption]Internet Desk: A late strike from Trent Boult restricted India to 291/9 after the end of Day 1 of the first test match between India and New Zealand at Green Park on Thursday. Indians who looked all set for a huge first innings score frittered away the advantage despite half centuries from Murali Vijay and Cheteswar Pujara. India were comfortably placed at 154/1 at lunch before late strikes from Boult and Santner restricted the hosts from building a big total.
Indian captain Virat Kohli did not hesitate to bat first after winning the toss in the historic 500th test. Opener KL Rahul, who looked solid at the start, was deceived by a Santner straight one. He scored 32 runs. But a solid 112 run partnership between Cheteswar Pujara and Murali Vijay for the second wicket placed the home team in a strong position. Both Vijay (65) and Pujara (62) reached their half centuries.
However a disciplined bowling effort complemented by some inept shot selection by middle and lower order saw four wickets for 16 runs after the second new ball was taken.
Rohit Sharma (35) again failed to capitalize on the start that he got. Ashwin, who was a revelation in West Indies scoring two centuries batting at No. 6 looked set, before being dismissed to a brilliant delivery from Trent Boult.
While left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner (3/77) rocked the top-order, it was Boult, who looked menacing with the second new ball finishing with figures of 3/57 in 17 overs. All his wicket came during the last 10 overs of the day.
Ravindra Jadeja was batting on 11 at the end of the day with Umesh Yadav (8).
The Green Park track was not a rank turner on the first day itself but it did offer some assistance to the spinners.
Brief Scores: Day 1
India – 291/9 Murali Vijay 65, Cheteswar Pujara 62
NZ – Trent Boult 3/5 , Mitchell Santner 3/77
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