After India conceded a lead of 103 runs, it wasn\u2019t a surprise to see them start with spin from both ends. But New Zealand were positive in their batting approach \u2013 taking singles to keep the scoreboard moving, use their feet well and pounce on anything which fetched them boundaries.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Latham\u2019s proactiveness was evident from the time he brought out the cover-drive and glance off Ravichandran Ashwin for two fours, followed by Devon Conway nailing a loft down the ground and sweep off him for similar result.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Though Conway was trapped lbw on a sweep off Washington Sundar, Latham and Will Young dazzled with their exhibition of reverse-sweep, paddle sweep, conventional sweep and drives. But Young was caught in the crease by a straighter delivery from Ashwin and trapped lbw.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With Latham and Rachin Ravindra looking solid, New Zealand will be sure to extend their lead to a number beyond India\u2019s reach and be firmly on the path of handing the hosts\u2019 its first series loss at home in 12 years.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Previously, Santner made the most of bowling in spin-friendly conditions to wreck India's famed batting order and found support from Glenn Phillips\u2019 spell of 2-26 to bring New Zealand on top of the match.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The bespectacled Santner tormented the Indian batters through a stunning exhibition of varying his pace, line and length, flight and dip to pick his maiden five-wicket haul in Tests by bowling relentlessly from the commentary box end.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He was also helped by some rash shot selection and lack of gumption from the Indian batters as they conceded a big lead to New Zealand. Ravindra Jadeja could have been out first ball post lunch when short leg dived forward to take the catch off his inside edge, which New Zealand didn\u2019t review and replays later showed a spike on the ultraedge.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He then put pressure back on Santner with two boundaries, before dancing down the pitch to hit Ajaz Patel for two sixes. But Santner got his fifth wicket by getting a length ball to spin in from outside off-stump and caught Jadeja on the crease by trapping him lbw.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Jadeja went for the review, but replays showed ball clipping leg-stump, as he walked back for 38. Despite Sundar smashing two fours and a six off Ajaz, Santner swiftly ended India\u2019s innings by knocking over Akash Deep\u2019s off-stump and trapping Jasprit Bumrah lbw to lead the team off the field in ascendancy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He then put pressure back on Santner with two boundaries, before dancing down the pitch to hit Ajaz Patel for two sixes. But Santner got his fifth wicket by getting a length ball to spin in from outside off-stump and caught Jadeja on the crease by trapping him lbw.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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