Resuming their innings on 101/2, New Zealand got bundled out for 249 in their first innings on Day 5 of the World Test Championship (WTC) final against India, taking a meagre lead of 32 runs.
Indian pacers were on the money right from the start, especially Mohammad Shami, who returned with the figures of 4/76 in his 26 overs. Ishant Sharma also recorded impressive figures of 3/48 in his 25 overs while off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin (2-28) claimed a couple of wickets.
In his column for TOI, batting great VVS Laxman praised the Indian bowlers’ exploits in Southampton.
"The big point of interest when play began an hour late on the fifth day in Southampton was how India's bowlers would acquit themselves, with New Zealand seemingly in a position of strength. As it turned out, and despite a great hand from the wonderful Kane Williamson, India's bowling group rose to the occasion superbly. They bowled long spells without losing intensity, and retained their focus admirably, not providing loose offerings even though conditions eased up for batting," Laxman wrote.
"One of the hallmarks of a top performer is the ability to course-correct quickly, and that's precisely what Mohammed Shami did. He pitched the ball up just that little bit more than on the third evening, and found ample reward as he troubled all New Zealand batsmen," he added.
Shami removed Ross Taylor (11) early in the day and then followed it with the wickets of BJ Watling (1), Colin de Grandhomme (13) and Kyle Jamieson (21).
"R Ashwin had just been asked to limber up to relieve Shami, who had bowled a longish spell, when Nicholls was dismissed. Virat went with his instinct and stuck with Shami, who obliged with an absolute beauty that opened up BJ Watling. The morning session was all India's, even though Kane was outstanding. He plays the ball late and doesn't commit outside off. Post lunch, Colin de Grandhomme and Kyle Jamieson did chance their arm against the second new ball and added useful runs. New Zealand opened up a handy but hardly decisive lead, making this a fascinating second-innings battle," Laxman concluded.
In their second innings, India scored 64/2 at the close of play, securing a slender lead of 32 runs with the reserve sixth day’s play in store. Kohli (8*) and Cheteshwar Pujara (12*) were unbeaten in the middle.
India and New Zealand will be declared join winners in case of a draw or tie.
