RACHIN Ravindra scored a crucial century as New Zealand posted a strong first-innings total of 402, giving them a lead of 356 runs against India on day three of the rain-affected opening Test on Friday.

India, in response, were 57 for no loss at tea.

Resuming their innings at 180 for 3 under clear skies at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, New Zealand extended their advantage through Ravindra’s 134 and Tim Southee’s 65.

India will need to avoid their first home defeat to New Zealand since 1988.

At the break, India was trailing by 299 runs, with Yashasvi Jaiswal unbeaten on 29 and Rohit Sharma on 27 not out.

Ravindra, born in Wellington but with roots in Bengaluru, reached his second Test century with a boundary off Ravichandran Ashwin. His innings included 13 fours and four sixes, as he and Southee added 137 for the seventh wicket, putting further pressure on India Read More…..