India-NZL draw first test

After beating Australia yet again, India had yet again reinforced their No.1 ranking. And so, when they were to face the 8th ranked team, it was expected to be a cake-walk. Interestingly, none of the big players were rested.

The 1st day was much like how everyone expected it to pan out. Sehwag and Dravid piled on the runs as India posted 329/3 at the end of days play. The next morning started on a similar note until Jeetan Patel picked up two quick wickets and soon India were 392/6. But, unlike before, the Indian tail added a few runs again. Harbhajan Singh scored 69 of 97 with 3 sixes and 5 fours. India were bowled for 487 runs with skipper Vettori picking up four and Jeetan Patel picking up 3 wickets.

The NewZealand Innings was jolted with two early breakthroughs as McIntosh and Watling got out late on day two. But, Ross Tayor and Brendon McCullum steadied the ship and saw the Kiwis till stumps. The batsmen weren't troubled by India's new ball pairing of Sreesanth and Zak as there wasn't much in the pitch for the bowlers.

Taylor and McCullum raced away on the third morning as the Indian attack looked toothless. But, just as the were looking great, the Indian spinners struck. Harbhajan got Taylor caught at short Mid-on and Ojha had McCullum stumped. Those two reckless shots put New Zealand under pressure at 137/4. There wasn't much hope with Jesse Ryder and debutant Kane Williamson at the crease. But, against all expectations, the pair added 194 runs for the fifth wicket. Despite the lifeless wicket, it was a commendable job to keep the Indian spinners at bay. The conditions didn't support reverse swing much and the Indian pacers were also unsuccessful in getting a breakthrough. The partnership ended on the last ball of the day as Ryder fell to Sreesanth just after reaching his century. At 331/5 the match look well poised for a great game.

The next morning, the Kiwis continued from where the left, as they got closer and closer to India's total of 487. At 417, New Zealand lost both their batsmen at the crease. Williamson got out after scoring a well deserved ton and Vettori followed suit. The lower order were dismissed for cheap as India managed to hold a slender lead of 28 runs.

As if their batting performance wasn't enough New Zealand managed to shock everyone with an impressive bowling performance as India were left reeling at 15/5. Fast bowler Chris Martin did what no bowler managed to do for the previous three days. With Sehwag, Sachin, Dravid, Raina, Dhoni and Gambhir all back in the hut, it was again down to Laxman to play the rescuer and yet again he lived up to his expectations as he saw off the onslaught with Harbhajan Singh. At the end of days play, India were looking to avoid an embarrassing defeat at 82/6.

Laxman and Harbhajan continued to score runs and the turbanator got the Indian fans cheering again as he reached his maiden test century, avoiding defeat in the process. The match was drawn as New Zealand were posted a target of 294 to win.

This game could be a timely wake-up call for the Indians, as they look to prepare for their tour of South Africa in the winter. It was also a great confidence booster for the Kiwis who found the going tough in the preceding tour of Bangladesh.