Vettori and Ryder centuries forge New Zealand fightback

New Zealand 279 India 29

Brian McKenna
Thursday 19 March 2009 01:00 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Daniel Vettori and Jesse Ryder both struck centuries to lead a New Zealand fightback in the first Test against India here yesterday.

Vettori completed his third Test hundred with a superb captain's knock of 118 while Ryder registered his maiden Test century with 102 to rescue New Zealand from a disastrous start and post 279 on the opening day.

India were 29 without loss in their first innings at stumps with Virender Sehwag unbeaten on 22 and Gautam Gambhir not out six. India have not won a Test series in New Zealand for more than 40 years but thrashed the Kiwis in the one-dayers and have kept their form in this first of three Tests.

They would have been in an even stronger position if Vettori and Ryder had not batted through the entire middle session, adding 186 for the seventh wicket after India's fast bowlers had demolished the Kiwi top order. Ishant Sharma took three wickets before lunch then ended the innings when he dismissed Ryder after tea.

Munaf Patel bagged three wickets, including Vettori and Kyle Mills in two balls, while Zaheer Khan triggered the top-order collapse with two early wickets to vindicate Mahendra Singh Dhoni's decision to field.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in