Team India were keen to have a crack at Ross Taylor and dent the New Zealand batting unit with some more wickets but bad light robbed them of a chance, said young opener Shubman Gill after stumps on Day 3.
In reply to India’s first innings total of 217 in the WTC final at Southampton, the Kiwis scored 101/2 at the close of play with skipper Kane Williamson (12) and veteran Taylor (0) unbeaten in the middle. Opener Devon Conway was dismissed at the stroke of stumps for 54.
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"It (Conway) was a crucial wicket for us and I feel that if we would have been able to bowl a few overs to Ross Taylor, we might have been able to get couple of more wickets.
"We would have a slight edge tomorrow as both batsmen (Taylor and Kane Williamson) are relatively new at the crease," Gill said during the media conference.
He also acknowledged that it's been a problem as they have now failed to cross 250 against New Zealand on five successive occasions.
"I think the Tests we played in New Zealand (in 2020), we didn't have too much time to prepare as the focus was more on ODIs and T20s. As you said, we haven't been able to cross 250 in the last five Tests.
"This Test also we were in a solid position but we lost couple of early wickets today. But hopefully if we get some time, in next innings, we will cross 250," he replied.
For New Zealand, Kyle Jamieson was the stand-out bowler, claiming 5 wickets by conceding 31 runs in his 22 overs.
Earlier in the day, India lost 7 wickets for 71 runs to get bowled out for 217. Vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane was the top scorer with 49.
For New Zealand, Kyle Jamieson was the stand-out bowler, claiming 5 wickets by conceding 31 runs in his 22 overs.
Praising Jamieson, Gill said: "He (Jamieson) was bowling well during the first spell but he didn't get many wickets. But he got his reward today and I feel our bowlers also bowled well. However luck didn't favour us and there were a couple of half chances which didn't go our way. Hopefully, tomorrow is a new day and it will bring us some luck."
(With PTI inputs)
