Finishing at 231 for 3 at stumps on Day 3, India are now 125 runs behind the Kiwis after the top order tightened up to produce the runs and provide a solid platform to cut the visitors’ lead.
With three fifties from their top four, India managed to throw a few punches back at the New Zealanders as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan got among the runs for the hosts.
Skipper Rohit made an attacking 52 and added 72 runs with his opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal (35). Virat Kohli (70) and Sarfaraz Khan (70 not out) then added 136 runs for the third wicket before Kohli fell to Glenn Phillips, which turned out to be the last ball of the day.
While Kohli and Rohit will be kicking themselves to not convert their fifties into hundreds, it has kept India in the contest.
Lots to play for on Saturday that should see a weekend crowd at the stadium.
