 "New Zealand's Tim Southee has now smashed 83 sixes in his Test career, one of the highest in Test cricket. AP")
Rachin Ravindra scored 134 and Tim Southee smashed a quick-fire 65 as New Zealand took a first innings lead of 356 runs Friday against India in the first Test at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. After India were bowled out for 46 on Day 2, New Zealand’s reply came to an end at 402 on the third day of the first Test.
Ravindra shines in Bengaluru
This was Ravindra’s second century in Bengaluru in three international matches as he smashed 13 fours and four sixes in his 157-ball knock. The left-handed batter was the last wicket to fall for New Zealand as a top edge was taken by Dhruv Jurel after the Kiwi attempted a slog sweep off Kuldeep Yadav.
“What a hundred this has been from Rachin Ravindra. The most attractive hundred I’ve seen in India in recent times. Equally comfortable against pace and spin. The footwork that he has shown has been simply superb,” Gavaskar said on-air praising Ravindra.
Read: Ravindra’s love affair with Bengaluru continues as he smashes century in first Test
Kuldeep along with Ravindra Jadeja was the pick of the bowlers for India. Jadeja registered bowling figures of 3/72, Kuldeep took 3/99 while Mohammed Siraj also picked up two wickets.
Southee breaks Sehwag’s record
Meanwhile, Southee also hit four sixes to surpass Virender Sehwag in the all-time list for most sixes in Test cricket. The Kiwi pacer now has 93 sixes in 103 matches and he is sixth in the all-time list. Sehwag had hit 91 sixes in 104 matches.
Ben Stokes leads the list with 131 sixes in 106 Test matches followed by former New Zealand batter Brendon McCullum (107 sixes in 101 matches).
Adam Gilchrist is third with 100 sixes in 96 Test, Chris Gayle is fourth with 98 sixes in 103 matches, and Jacques Kallis is fifth with 97 sixes in 166 matches.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsBrief scores: India 1st innings: 46 all out 31.2 overs New Zealand 1st innings: 402 in 91.3 overs (Devon Conway 91, Rachin Ravindra 134, Tim Southee 65; Mohammed Siraj 2/84, Kuldeep Yadav 3/99, Ravindra Jadeja 3/72).