A resounding Rachin Ravindra ton and Tim Southee’s half-century took New Zealand’s first innings lead past 350 runs in the morning session on Day 3 to put India in a spot of bother. The hosts tried to peg back after Lunch by first taking the three wickets required to fold out the Kiwis and then clawing the deficit back through a half-century stand between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma. The duo looked like different batters from the shadows that had walked out in the first innings and went about their business with authority to put up 72 runs before a rush of energy had Yashasvi stumped. Nevertheless, the skipper kept marauding on to bring up his half-century with an explosive outburst that saw Southee concede 14 runs in three balls. With Virat Kohli at the other end, the Men in Blue’s two most experienced batters looked set to steer India back into the contest, until calamity struck in the 22nd over.
Ajaz Patel had the ball in hand and bowled a stock length delivery that was comfortably defended by Rohit in front of his stumps. However, the red cherry bounced under his bat before spinning back into the crease and rolling onto the stumps with just enough force to knock the bails off. Rohit could not believe his luck as a wry smile instinctively appeared on his face before the captain sunk his eyes into his hands, evidently disappointed at deserting his time in what could be the turning point of the game.
Twitterati was equally shocked and heartbroken.
Rohit Sharma what have you done!
