Southampton, June 19: India got off to a fluent start in their World Test Championship Final against New Zealand at Southampton on Saturday before New Zealand pulled things back on time before lunch.
Both openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill batted well for a 62-run stand but as New Zealand's all-pace attack dismissed them in a similar fashion, India finished 69 for 2 in 28 overs at Lunch.
Cheteshwar Pujara (0 off 24) and Virat Kohli (5 off 11) negotiated the swing before lunch. Kyle Jamieson removed Rohit Sharma (38 off 68) with Southee taking a sharp low diving catch at third slip. Shubman Gill (28 off 64) was on the other hand caught behind by BJ Watling on a good length ball by Neil Wagner.
Tim Southee and Trent Boult started nervous early on. Both openers negated the swing well by using the crease well.
The pitch hasn't quite seamed as much as was expected in such circumstances. So expect New Zealand to bowl with much more discipline rather than looking for magic balls in the second session.
