CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand, Feb 29, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – India’s Prithvi Shaw
showed signs of his prodigious talent during a solid start against New
Zealand for Saturday’s second Test in Christchurch.
But after bringing up his second half-century in only his fourth Test, the
20-year-old chanced his arm once too often just before lunch and was out for
54.
Batting on an emerald wicket after early morning rain delayed the start by
45 minutes, India were 85 for two at the end of the first session with
Cheteshwar Pujara on 15 and Virat Kohli on three.
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson had no hesitation in making India bat
first when he won the toss, citing Hagley Oval’s history of providing pace
and bounce.
But he would have been disappointed with the early return from swing
bowlers Tim Southee and Trent Boult as Shaw’s attacking mindset did not allow
the pair to get into an established rhythm.
Shaw looked unconvincing in Wellington during his first Test after 16
months of injury and suspension, with scores of 16 and 14 in a match New
Zealand won by 10 wickets.
But given a second chance in Christchurch he plundered runs off the best
attack New Zealand could offer.
His 54 came off 64 deliveries and included eight fours as well as a huge
six off Neil Wagner to bring up his half-century.
But in the following over he flashed at a wide delivery from Kyle Jamieson
and was caught one-handed by a leaping Tom Latham at second slip.
New Zealand’s first success came in the sixth over when Boult had Mayak
Agarwal uncertain which way the ball would move.
After a second outswinger just missed the edge, the next inswinger caught
Agarwal plumb in front of the stumps for seven.
He questioned the dismissal but it was never in doubt and India lost a
review as well as a wicket.
New Zealand also lost a review when an appeal for lbw against Pujara was
turned down. Replays showed the ball heading over the stumps.