Pune. Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin took two wickets, but thanks to opener Devon Conway’s unbeaten 47 runs, New Zealand scored 92/2 in 31 overs till lunch on the first day of the second Test at the MCA Stadium on Thursday. Made it. The morning session was an even and entertaining affair, as Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar collectively bowled 24 overs of spin as they found good hold on the slow black clay pitch. In the morning, Conway and captain Tom Latham hit five boundaries between themselves before the latter was dismissed by Ashwin, who straightened a length ball after pitching at leg-stump and dismissed the left-handed batsman for 22. Out LBW on 15 balls. Conway and Will Young took some easy singles, while hitting the occasional boundary, to put on a 44-run partnership for the second wicket.
Ashwin then had Young caught at leg and Sarfaraz Khan, standing at short leg, provoked captain Rohit Sharma to take a review. Replays vindicated Sarfaraz’s decision as a spike was detected on the ultra-edge before the ball left the gloves, which was caught by Rishabh Pant and Young was out on 18. Conway looked rock-solid, especially in his sweeps, and Rachin Ravindra survived a few close calls until lunch, with India expected to put more pressure on both through the spinners in the second session. There may be a chance for the fast bowlers to dominate, especially if there is a chance of reverse swing due to the good length area being dry on the pitch. Brief scores: New Zealand 92/2 in 31 overs (Devon Conway 47 not out; Ravichandran Ashwin 2-33).